A JOrKNKV TO END OF THE WORLD 



times shortening the distance by cutting across 

 fields. At the end of an hour the sandwich, chief 

 item in the provisions, had been eaten, although the 

 eating of it was regulated by the wise economy of a 

 prudent traveler. Quarter of an hour later an ap- 

 ple and three nuts were gone. Appetite comes 

 quickly to those who tire themselves. It comes so 

 quickly that at a turn of the road, in the shade of a 

 larire \\illow, the second apple and the three remain- 

 ing nuts are taken out of the basket. The provi- 

 sions were exhausted, and (no less grave a matter) 

 legs refused to go. Just imagine the situation. 

 The journey had lasted two hours, and the end 

 proposed was no nearer, not a bit. The little boy 

 n -traced his steps, persuaded that with better legs 

 and more provisions he would succeed another time 

 in his project." 



"What was this project ?" Jules asked. 



"I told you: the audacious child wished to reach 

 the end of the world. According to his ideas, the 

 sky was a blue vault, which kept getting lower until 

 it rested on the edge of the earth, so that, if ever he 

 arrived there, he would have to walk bent over so as 

 not to bump his head against the firmament. He 

 started with the idea that he should soon be able to 

 touch the sky with his hand ; but the blue vault, re- 

 tiring as he advanced, was always at the same dis- 

 tance. Fatigue and want of provisions made him 

 renounce further continuance of his journey." 



"If I had known that little boy," said Emile, "I 

 would have dissuaded him from his expedition. It 

 is impossible, however far one goes, to touch the sky 



