The edge of the world is fenced off stoutly enough, but the fence isn't made that will stop a . tossed pack and coil of rope over it and started climbing. The top three strands were barbed wire. caught shirt as went over, and had to stop for a moment to ease off. Then dropped lightly to the grass on the other side.

The pack had landed in a clump of white clover. A cloud of disturbed bees hung above, and snatched it away quickly lest they should notice the honeycomb inside.

For a minute stood still, looking out over the edge. This was different from looking through the fence, and when moved it was slowly. eased to the ground where a corner of rock rose clear of the thick larkspur and lay on belly, the stone hard and cool under chin, and looked down.

The granite cliff curved away out of sight, and couldn't see if it had a foot. saw only endless blue, beyond, below, and on both sides. Clouds passed slowly.

Directly beneath there was a ledge covered with long grass where clusters of stars bloomed on tall, slender stalks.

uncoiled rope and found a stout beech tree not too close to the edge. Doubling the rope around the bole, tied one end around waist, slung the pack on back, and belayed down the cliff. Pebbles clattered, saxifrage brushed arms and tickled ears; once groped for a hold with face in a patch of rustling ferns.

The climb was hard, but not too much. Less than half an hour later was stretched out on the grass with stars nodding about . They had a sharp, gingery smell. lay in the cool shadow of the world's edge for a while, eating the apples and honeycomb of . When was finished licked the honey off fingers and threw the apple cores over, watching them fall into the blue.

Little islands floated along, rocking gently in air eddies. Sunlight flashed on glossy leaves of bushes growing there. When an island drifted into the shadow of the cliff, the blossoming stars shone out. Beyond the shadows, deep in the light-filled gulf, saw the hippogriffs at play.

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