Now, so intently did the three men keep their eyes fixed upon the
star, and so eagerly did they follow in the direction where it seemed
to lead, that it was only after a considerable time they discovered
that they had become separated from each other, and that their paths
were getting farther and farther apart. Yet, there before each of them
was the star, shining with its soft, opalescent light, and still
ringing in their ears were the words of Balthazar--"we must follow
the star."

[Sidenote: The Star Stands Still]

So each followed the star, each by himself alone. Gaspard's path
wound along near the shore of the gulfs and bays of the Mediterranean,
until at last the the star turned southward and drew him nearer and
nearer to a great city, and finally stood still over the dome of a
vast cathedral. "It must be," thought Gaspard, "that I have come to
the end of my search. This must be the capital and palace of the
eternal king."

[Sidenote: Marbled Aisle's Magnificence]

The square in front of the cathedral was thronged with people;
multitudes were pouring in through the great portals. Gaspard joined
the throngs, and at last found himself under the mighty dome, which
seemed to him as far away as the sky itself. Everything in this
wonderful place appealed to his imagination. There were great rows of
massive columns, symbol of a strength eternal, and they seemed like
wide-open arms holding out a welcome to the human race. There were
statues and paintings by great masters in art. The light of the sun