“Yes, you want me,” he at length cried, as he once more paused.  “I hear your voice calling, and I know its meaning.  Others need you, too, but they do not know it.  You have been calling to them for years, but they have not understood your language.  It was left for me to listen and take heed.  They will some day, and then you will show your power.  I can see what you will do, beautiful falls, and the changes which will come to this fair land when your luring voice is heeded.”

He stood for awhile as if entranced after uttering these mystic words.  Then he continued on his way and night wrapped more closely about him her dark mantle.  He had to walk very cautiously now for the trail was rough, and there were sharp stones and roots ready to strike his feet and trip him up.

At length the trail ended and he reached the smooth surface of the broad highway.  Along this he sped with the quick elastic step of one who has seen a vision.  The fire of a great idea was burning fiercely within him which caused him to take no heed to his surroundings.

He had not gone far, however, ere some strong impulse caused him to pause again and listen to that fascinating sound of falling waters far off in the distance.  It was on an elevation in the road where he stopped, and here the shadows which enwrapped the forest were not so heavy.  The lingering light of departing day was still in the west and touched this part of the highway with its faint glow.  It brought out into clear relief the silhouette of the old man as he stood there with his right hand placed to his ear so as not to miss the least sound drifting down the valley.

So intent was he upon what he heard that he did not notice the sounds of approaching footsteps, so when a man stopped a few yards away and watched him curiously, he was completely unaware of his presence.  “Ring on, sweet waters,” he cried.  “Your voice follows me no matter how far I go.  I alone can understand your language, and know what you are saying.  All are deaf but me.  They hear but do not know your meaning.”  He ceased, and again listened for a few seconds.

A strange half-mocking laugh startled him, and caused him to look quickly around.  Seeing that he was observed, he was about to hurry away, when a man stepped forward.

“Pardon me,” he began.  “I did not mean to offend you.  But your words seem so strange, that I could not help laughing.”

“And were you listening to the voice?” the old man eagerly asked.  “Do the falling waters speak to you as they do to me?  Is that why you are here?”

“Yes, I hear them,” was the reply.  “But they do not bring any special message to my mind.”

“And they do not tell you of power, of the wonderful things they are ready and willing to do when men will heed what they are saying?”

“No, I can’t say that they do.  They make a noise up there among the trees, but I do not know what they are saying.”