“Because you are a living Soul, David; never forget that. It is worth remembering, and it will help you to understand many strange things.” David looked at her in silent wonder. It seemed to him as if there were a beautiful golden light about her, and he felt a gentle peace that reminded him of his own Mother. “I should like to stay here with you,” he said. “You may,” she answered, “until you are tired of it.” So David remained. If we tried to measure in days and nights as we count them, it would take very many before we had enough to cover the time that David remained there; but he was in such a happy state of mind that there seemed to him to be no time at all. This is the way it is with us all when we are truly very happy. One day David began to grow restless. He had strapped about his waist the case that contained his hunting-knife, and had taken out the knife and was feeling of the blade. He stooped over to sharpen it on the sole of his shoe. As he did so, the little leathern pocket of the case flew open. Something fell from it. He leaned down and picked it up--a spray of tiny forget-me-nots, dried and almost colourless. “Ruth!” he cried, almost as if he expected her really to hear him. “Ruth, where are you? I have been away from you so long! How have you been all this long time? Where are you? Are you still at the Cobbler’s cottage?” There was no answer save the song of a distant bird, which broke on the peaceful air unheeded, for David was deep in thought. From this time on, he grew more and more restless. The old Woman noticed it and smiled quietly to herself, but she said nothing, for she wished David to speak first. “Mother,” he said one day--for he had learned to call her that--“Mother, I can’t stay here any longer: I must go on! I want to find the Tree in the midst of the Garden. That is what I started out to find. I thought the Blue Bird would have taken me there, but he has not, after all.” “Did you follow him?” asked the old Woman gently. “Yes,” said David. “How long did you follow him?” she asked. “Till he led me here.” “Then what happened?” “Why, then--I--forgot--about him,” said David thoughtfully. “Yes,” said the old Woman, “it is just so. But you should never forget about him, David; else how can he guide you?” “True,” said David. “I am truly sorry!” “Don’t be sorry, since you have remembered him again. David, many older men than you have forgotten to follow the Blue Bird; many have never even followed him long enough to see as much as the outside of my dwelling house, let alone ever daring to knock on the door.” “What has happened to them?” asked David.