"'I know what you wish,' the River replied. 'You wish riches.' "'Yes,' said Valentine, 'but not for the sake of the riches themselves.' "'Of course not!' the River exclaimed. 'Riches would be worthless if they could not command something better; and they are worse than worthless when the power they give is used for evil. I can give you riches, but not without your help. I can give you the power to obtain wealth, but I cannot give you the power to use it as it should be used.' "Valentine listened to the mysterious Voice of the River like one in a dream. He could hardly believe his ears. "'You say nothing,' said the River; 'you seem half asleep. But if I am to help you, you must help yourself. Walk by my side a little way. Further down you will come to a boat that has drifted against the bank.' [Illustration: VALENTINE TALKING TO THE RIVER] "Valentine rose and stretched himself, and walked by the side of the River. He had not gone far before he came upon a boat that had drifted into an eddy. It lay there rocking, and a long oar rested against the seat. "'Jump in,' said the River; 'shove the boat away from the bank and trust to me. Take the oar and pull, and I will push you along.' "Valentine did as he was told, and he soon found that the boat was gliding swiftly along. The trees and houses on each side seemed to be running a race to the rear, and the boats that he passed on the River seemed to be standing still. He went on for some hours, always trusting to the River. When he grew tired, he held his oar in the air and rested, but whether he rested or whether he rowed, he saw that his boat was always gliding swiftly along. "Presently, in the far distance, he could see the spires and steeples of a city, and he wondered whether he would be compelled to go gliding by, or whether the River would land him there. But he was not left long in doubt. "'That is your future home,' said the River. 'There you will find friends, and there you will become rich and famous.' "'But how?' asked Valentine. "'I can only tell you the beginning,' replied the River. 'When your boat glides to the landing-place, you will see there an old gentleman richly dressed. He will ask you if you have seen his little son. He has been there every day for two days, and he has asked of all comers the same question.' "'What shall I say to him?' asked Valentine. "'Tell him you have not seen his son,' replied the River, 'but that you feel sure you can find the boy. Tell the old gentleman that you have come a long journey, and need rest, but that when you have refreshed yourself, you will go and seek his son.' "'But where shall I seek for the boy?' asked Valentine. "'Come to me,' said the River. 'I will be here. I am always going, and yet I am always coming.' "By this time they had come to the city. 'Row for the landing,' said the River; 'your fortune is there.'