"On they went! On, on, without stopping. Over the plains, up and
down the hillsides, through the villages. The sun set and darkness
fell upon the world, but there was never a moment's rest for the
maiden on the white horse or the giant lover on his black steed.

"Sometimes in the darkness sparks were struck off from the horses'
hoofs as they passed over rough and rocky places. These sparks
always showed the princess ahead and slowly increasing the distance
between herself and her pursuer.

"When the morning light first appeared, the maiden could see the
summit of the Brocken ahead of her. It was the home of her lover.
Her heart leaped within her. If she could only reach it she would be
safe.

"But alas! her horse suddenly stood still. He would not move. He
had reached the edge of a precipice. There it lay, separating the
princess from love and safety.

"The brave girl had not a moment to lose. The giant was fast drawing
near. She wheeled her horse around; then, striking his sides a sharp
blow with her whip, she urged him to leap across the precipice.

"The spring must be strong and sure. It was a matter of life and
death. The chasm was deep. If the horse should fail to strike the
other side securely, it meant a horrible end to beast and rider.

"But he did not fail. The feet of the brave steed came firmly down
upon the rocky platform. So heavily did they fall that the imprint
of a hoof was left upon the rock.