soon found himself at the entrance of the
labyrinth.

"Thou hast slain the monster," cried Ariadne,
clasping her hands.

"Thanks to thee, dear Ariadne," answered
Theseus, "I return victorious."

"Then," said Ariadne, "we must quickly
summon thy friends, and get them and thyself
on board the vessel before dawn. If morning
finds thee here, my father will avenge the
Minotaur."

To make my story short, the poor captives
were awakened, and, hardly knowing whether
it was not a joyful dream, were told of what
Theseus had done, and that they must set sail
for Athens before daybreak. Hastening down
to the vessel, they all clambered on board, ex-
cept Prince Theseus, who lingered behind them,
on the strand, holding Ariadne's hand clasped
in his own.

"Dear maiden," said he, "thou wilt surely
go with us. Thou art too gentle and sweet
a child for such an iron-hearted father as King
Minos. He cares no more for thee than a
granite rock cares for the little flower that

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v?