Sometimes they came to a long green avenue that opened into
deeper woods. Then they would hear a very distant little voice
crying, "Father, father, I am another child! Stop for me!" And
presently they would see a very little figure, growing larger as
it came along, running to join them. When it came up, they all
crowded round it, and kissed and welcomed it; and then they all
went on together.
Sometimes they came to several avenues at once; and then they all
stood still, and one of the children said, "Father, I am going to
sea;" and another said, "Father, I am going to India;" and
another, "Father, I am going to seek my fortune where I can;" and
another, "Father, I am going to heaven."
So, with many tears at parting, they went, solitary, down those
avenues, each child upon its way; and the child who went to
heaven rose into the golden air and vanished.
Whenever these partings happened, the traveler looked at the
gentleman, and saw him glance up at the sky above the trees,
where the day was beginning to decline, and the sunset to come
on.
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