Lower, lower, lower it came, until he discovered, alas I that the pail was empty.
"What shall I do?
what shall I do ?" said he, as he crouched upon the cold hearthstone.
A new idea entered his mind.

The well stood near the outer door; and, quickly pushing back the bolt, he went out, all flushed and feverish as he was, into the chill night air.

There was ice upon the curbstone, but he did not mind it, although his little toes, as they trod upon it, looked red by the pale moonlight.

Quickly a cup of the coveted water was drained; then, with careful forethought, he filled it again, and taking it back to his room, crept shivering to bed.

Nature was exhausted, and whether he fainted or fell asleep is not known, for never again to consciousness in this world awoke the little boy.
The morning sunlight came softly in at the window, touching his golden curls with a still more golden hue.