But Everychild’s heart became heavy.  “And we must part?” he asked in a low voice.  “Please do not say so!  We, who have become like brothers . . . is there no other way?”

“There is no other way,” replied the giant.  “Do not doubt that I too shall grieve because of our parting; but after searching for her in vain all these years . . .”

But Everychild, after a moment’s reflection, cried out resolutely, “There is another way.  I shall go with you!  And after you have found her, who knows——­”

The giant was now happy indeed.  “You will go with me?” he cried; “you will leave all that makes you happy here and go with me into possible perils?  Then make haste—­oh, make haste, that we may be on our way.”

And speaking thus the giant rushed eagerly from the room.

For a moment Everychild stood lost in thought.  It was the Masked Lady who aroused him.  “It will be but a short journey,” she said; and it seemed to Everychild that she spoke sadly.  “Go with him, and be sure you shall make a speedy return.”

He would have gone, then.  Already he was putting great energy into his feet, that he might overtake the giant.  But the Masked Lady detained him.

“A word,” she said.  “Be patient with him, and comfort him, whatever may befall.  And Everychild—­take this with you.”

As she spoke she produced quite magically the slim, shining sword she had lent him once before.  “Carry this,” she said.  “When it is drawn a certain door which would otherwise remain shut will open wide.  And be of good cheer.”

He took the sword mutely, wonderingly.  How should it cause a door to open? he mused.

When he had reached the outer door he turned to look again upon the Masked Lady.  She was smiling a little oddly—­almost sadly, he thought.  She was holding forth her hands toward the open window.  She was not paying heed to him now.  White doves were entering at the window and alighting on her hands.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE HIDDEN TEMPLE

Everychild paused in the court long enough to explain to the Sleeping Beauty and his friends that he was setting forth on an important mission with Will o’Dreams; and then the two companions set forth from the castle and began the descent of the road which led down into the valley.

Soon they came upon the road which they had formerly traveled—­the Road of Troubled Children.  And before the day was spent they had covered a great distance, since the giant, in his impetuous mood, set a very fast gait.

Toward sundown they turned a little away from the road and entered a forest of a nature so confusing and forbidding that Everychild paused in dismay.  But the giant kept straight on, saying he was very sure of the way, and after a moment’s halt, Everychild followed him.

In the very heart of the forest they paused, and Everychild’s eyes opened wide with wonder:  for before them was an amazing sight.