第1章

CONTENTS

I。THERESPONSIBLECUCKOO

II。THETWINSLEARNANEWTRADE

III。AMOUNTAINSTORM

IV。THELONELYHERDSMAN

V。THEPASS

VI。NEWFRIENDSANDOLD

ThisbookbelongstoI。THERESPONSIBLECUCKOO

THERESPONSIBLECUCKOO

Highonthekitchenwallofanoldfarm-houseonamountainsideinSwitzerlandtherehangsatinywoodenclock。Inthetinywoodenclocktherelivesatinywoodencuckoo，andeveryhourhehopsoutofhistinywoodendoor，takesalookabouttoseewhatisgoingonintheworld，shoutsoutthetimeofday，andpopsbackagainintohislittledarkhouse，theretowaitandtickawaytheminutesuntilitistimeoncemoretotellthehour。

Lateonespringafternoon，justasthesunwassinkingoutofsight，lightingupthesnow-cappedmountainswithbeautifulcolorsandsendinglongshaftsofgoldenlightacrossthevalleys，thecuckoowokewithastart。

"Blessme！"hesaidtohimself，"Hereitissixo’clockandnotasoundinthekitchen！It’shightimeforMotherAdolftobegettingsupper。WhatintheworldthisfamilywoulddowithoutmeIreallycannotthink！They’dneverknowitwassuppertimeifI

didn’ttellthem，andwouldstarvetodeathaslikelyasnot。ItisluckyforthemIamsucharesponsiblebird。"Thetinywoodendoorflewopenandhestuckouthistinywoodenhead。Therewasnotasoundinthekitchenbuttheloudtickingoftheclock。

"JustasIthought，"saidthecuckoo。"Notasoulhere。"

Therestoodthetableagainstthekitchenwall，withalittlegraymouseonitnibblingacrumbofcheese。Alongfingerofsunlightstreamedthroughthewesternwindowandtouchedthegreatstonestove，asiftryingtowakenthefirewithin。Abeamfelluponapanofwaterstandingonthefloorandsentgaysparklesoflightdancingovertheshiningtinsinthecupboard。

Thecuckoosawitallataglance。"Thiswillneverdo，"hetickedindignantly。Therewasaqueerrumblingsoundinhisinsidesasifhisfeelingsweregettingquitetoomuchforhim，andthensuddenlyhesentaloud"cuckoo"ringingthroughthesilentroom。Instantlythelittlegraymouseleapeddownfromthetableandscamperedawaytohisholeinthewall，thegoldensunbeamflickeredandwasgone，andshadowsbegantocreepintothecorners。"Cuckoo，cuckoo，"heshoutedatthetopofhisvoice，"cuckoo，cuckoo，cuckoo，"——sixtimesinall，——andthen，hisdutydone，hepoppedbackagainintohislittledarkhouse，andthedoorclickedbehindhim。

OutinthegardenMotherAdolfheardhimand，raisingherheadfromtheonion-bed，whereshewaspullingweeds，shecountedonherfingers，"One，two，three，four，five，six！Blessmysoul，sixo’clockandthesunalreadyoutofsightbehindoldPilatus，"

shesaid，and，risingfromherkneesalittlestiffly，shestoodforamomentlookingdownthegreenslopestowardthevalley。

Far，farbelow，thebluewatersofLakeLucernemirroredtheglowingcolorsofthemountain-peaksbeyonditsfarthershore，andnearer，amongthefoothillsofoldPilatusitself，alittlevillagenestledamonggreentrees，itsroofsclusteredaboutawhitechurch-spire。Nowthebellsinthesteeplebegantoring，andthesoundfloatedoutacrossthegreenfieldsspangledwithyellowdaffodils，andreachedMotherAdolfwhereshestood。Bellsfrommoredistantvillagessoonjoinedintheclamor，untilalltheairwasfilledwithmusicandahundredechoeswokeinthemountains。

Thetinywoodencuckooheardthemandtickedloudlywithsatisfaction。"Everybodyfollowsme，"hesaidtohimselfproudly。

"Iwakeallthebellsintheworld。"

"Wherecanthechildrenbe？"saidMotherAdolfaloudtoherself，lookingaboutthegarden。"Ihaven’theardasoundfromeitherthebabyortheTwinsforoveranhour，"and，makingahollowbetweenherlands，sheaddedherownbitofmusictothechorusofthehills。

（lineofmusicnotation）

shesang，andimmediatelyfrombehindthewillowswhichfringedthebrookattheendofthegardentwochildishvoicesgavebackanansweringstrain。

（lineofmusicnotation）

Amomentlatertwosunburned，towheaded，blue-eyedchildren，aboyandgirloften，appeared，draggingafterthemaboxmountedonroughwoodenwheelsinwhichtheresataround，pink，blue-

eyedcherubofababy。Shoutingwithlaughter，theycametearingupthegardenpathtotheirmother’sside。

"Hush，mychildren，"saidMotherAdolf，layingherfingeronherlips。"ItistheAngelus。"

Theshoutswereinstantlysilenced，andthetwochildrenstoodbesidethemotherwithclaspedhandsandbowedheadsuntiltheechoesofthebellsdiedawayinthedistance。

Fardownonthelongpathtothevillageaman，bendingundertheweightofahugebasket，alsostoodstillforamomentinsilentprayer，thentoiledagainupthesteepslope。

"See，"criedMotherAdolfassheliftedherhead，"therecomesFatherfromthevillagewithbreadforoursupperinhisbasket。

Run，Seppi，andhelphimbringthebundleshome。OurFritzwillsoonbecomingwiththegoats，too，andheandFatherwillbothbeashungryaswolvesandinahurryfortheirsupper。Hark！"

shepausedtolisten。

Farawayfromouttheblueshadowsofthemountaincamethesoundofahornplayingamerrylittletune。

"There’sFritznow，"criedMotherAdolf。"Hurry，Seppi，andyou，Leneli，comewithmetothekitchen。YoucangivelittleRoselihersupper，whileIspreadthetableandsetthesouptoboilbeforethegoatsgetheretobemilked。"Sheliftedthebabyinherarmsasshespoke，andsetoffatasmartpacetowardthehouse，followedbyLenelidraggingthecartandplayingpeek-a-

boowiththebabyoverhermother’sshoulder。

Whentheyreachedthedoor，Lenelisatdownonthestep，andMotherAdolfputthebabyinherarmsandwentatonceintothequiethouse。Thentherewasasoundofquickstepsaboutthekitchen，arattlingofthestove，andaclatteroftinswhichmusthavepleasedthecuckoo，andsoonshereappearedinthedoorwithabowlandspooninherhands。

ThebowlshegavetoLeneli，andlittleRoseli，crowingwithdelight，seizedthespoonandstuckitfirstintoaneye，andthenintohertinypinkbuttonofanose，inafranticefforttofindhermouth。ItwasastonishingtoBabyRoselihowthatrosebudmouthofhersmanagedtohideitself，eventhoughshewascarefultokeepitwideopenwhileshesearchedforit。Whenshehadexploredherwholefacewiththespooninvain，Lenelitookthetinyhandinhersandguidedeachmouthfuldownthelittleredlane。

Overtheirheadstherobininthecherrytreebythedoorsathighuponatwigandchirpedagood-nightsongtohisnestlings。

"Cherriesareripe，cherriesareripe，cherriesareripeinJune，"sangtherobin。AtleastthatiswhatLenelitoldthebabyhesaid，andsurelysheoughttoknow。

BeforeBabyRoselihadfinishedthelastmouthfulofhersupper，FatherandSeppiappearedwiththebundles，andthentherewastheclatterofmanylittlehoofsonthehardearthofthedoor-

yard，androundthecorneroftheoldgrayfarm-housecamebigbrotherFritzwiththegoats。WithFritzcameBello，hisfaithfuldog，barkingandwagginghistailforjoyatgettinghomeagain。

BelloranatoncetoLeneliandlickedherhand，nearlyupsettingthebowlofmilkinhisnoisygreeting，andthebabycrowedwithdelightandseizedhimbyhislong，silkyears。

"Down，Bello，down，"criedLeneli，holdingthebowlhighoutofreach；"you’llspillthebaby’ssupper！"AndBello，thinkingshemeantthatheshouldbegforit，satuponhishindlegswithhisfrontpawscrossedandbarkedthreetimes，asFritzhadtaughthimtodo。

"Hemusthaveabiteorhe’llforgethismanners，"laughedFritz，andLenelibrokeoffacrumbofbreadandtossedittohim。Bellocaughtitbeforeitfell，swalloweditatonegulp，andbeggedformore。

"No，no，"saidLeneli，"goodoldBello，gonowwithFritzandhelphimdrivethegoatstothemilking-shed，andbyandbyyoushallhaveyoursupper。"

Fritzwhistled，andinstantlyBellowasofflikeashotafterNanni，thebrowngoat，whowasalreadyonherwaytothegardentoeattheyounggreencarrot-topsshesawpeepingoutoftheground。

"It’stimethatchildwasinbed，"saidthecuckootohimself，andouthecamefromhislittlehouseandcalled"cuckoo"seventimessoreproachfullythatLenelihastenedupstairswiththebabyandputherdowninhercribatonce。

BabyRoselididnotagreewiththecuckoo。ShewantedtostayupandplaywithBello，andheartherobinsing，butLenelisatdownbesidethecrib，andwhileMotherAdolfmilkedthegoatsshesangoverandoveragainanoldsong。

"Sleep，baby，sleep！

Thyfatherwatchesthesheep， Thymotherisshakingthedreamlandtree Anddownfallsalittledreamonthee。

Sleep，baby，sleep！"

"Sleep，baby，sleep！

Thelargestarsarethesheep， Thelittlestarsarethelambs，Iguess， Andthesilvermoonistheshepherdess。

Sleep，baby，sleep！"

Overandovershesangit，untilatlasttheheavylidsclosedovertheblueeyes。Thenshecreptquietlydownthecreakingstairsinthedark，andateherbreadandcheeseanddrankhersoupbycandle-lightwithherfatherandmother，SeppiandFritz，allseatedaboutthekitchentable。

Bynineo’clocktheroomwasoncemoresilentanddeserted，thelittlemousewascreepingquietlyfromhisholeinthewall，andBellolaybythedoorasleepwithhisnoseonhispaws。HighoverMt。Pilatusthemoonsailedthroughthestar-litsky，bathingtheoldgrayfarm-houseinsilverlightandplayinghideandseekwithshadowsonthesnow-cappedpeaks。

"Cuckoo，"calledthetinywoodencuckooninetimes，andatoncethebellsinthevillagesteepleansweredhim。"That’sasitshouldbe，"tickedthecuckoo。"Thatchurch-bellisreallyveryintelligent。Letmesee；to-morrowmorningImustwaketheroostersatthree，andthesunatfour，andthefamilymustbeupbyfive。I’lljustturninandgetawinkofsleepmyselfwhileI

can，"andhepoppedintotheclockonesmoreandshutthedoor。

II。THETWINSLEARNANEWTRADE

THETWINSLEARNANEWTRADE

Atfiveo’clockthenextmorningFatherandMotherAdolfwerealreadyup，andthecuckoowokeFritz，butthoughheshoutedfivetimeswithallhismightandmain，neitherSeppinorLenelistirredintheirsleep。

"Fritz，gowaketheTwins，"saidMotherAdolf，whenhecametothedooroftheshedwhereshewasmilkingthegoats。"Onlydon’twakethebaby。Iwanthertosleepaslongasshewill。"

"Yes，Mother，"saidFritzdutifully，andhewasoffatonce，leapingupthecreakystairsthreestepsatatime。

HewentfirsttoLeneli’sbedandtickledhertoes。Shedrewupherkneesandslepton。ThenhewenttoSeppi’sbed，andwhenshakingandrollingoverfailedtorousehim，hetookhimbyonelegandpulledhimoutofbed。SeppiwokeupwitharoarandcasthimselfuponFritz，andinamomentthetwoboyswererollingaboutonthefloor，yellinglikeIndians。TheuproarwokeLeneli，andthebabytoo，andMotherAdolf，hearingthenoise，camerunningfromthegoat-shedjustintimetofindSeppisittingontopofFritzbeatingtimeonhisstomachtoatunewhichhewassingingatthetopofhislungs。ThebabywascrowingwithdelightasshewatchedthescufflefromLeneli’sarms。

MotherAdolfgazeduponthislivelyscenewithdismay。ThenshepickedSeppioffFritz’sstomachandgazedsternlyatheroldestson。"Fritz，"saidshe，"Itoldyoutobequietandnotwakethebaby。"

"Iwasquiet，"saidFritz，sittingup。"IwasjustasquietasI

couldbe，buttheywouldn’twakeupthatway，soIhadtopullSeppioutofbed；therewasnootherwaytogethimup。"Helookedupathismotherwithsuchhonesteyesthatinspiteofherselfherlipstwitchedandthenshesmiledoutright。

"Ishouldhaveknownbetterthantosendsuchagreatovergrownpupofaboyasyouonsuchanerrand，"shesaid。"Bellowouldhavedoneitbetter。NexttimeIshallsendhim。

"Andnow，sinceyouareallawake，IwilltellyouthegreatnewsthatFathertoldmelastnight。Hehasbeenchosenbythecommunetotaketheherdsofthevillageuptothehighalpstobegoneallsummer。HewilltakeFritzwithhimtoguardthecattlewhilehemakesthecheese。Thereisnobettercheese-makerinallthemountainsthanyourfather，andthatiswhythecommunechosehim，"shefinishedproudly。

Morethananythingelseintheworld，everyboyinthatpartofSwitzerlandlongstogowiththeherdstothehighmountainpasturesforthesummer，andFritzwassodelightedthatheturnedasomersaultatoncetoexpresshisfeelings。Whenhewasrightsideupagain，apuzzledlookcameoverhisface，andhesaid，"Whowilltakecareofourowngoats？"

"Ah，"answeredhismother，andshesighedalittle。"ThereisnoonebutSeppiandLeneli。Togethertheymustfillyourplace，andyou，Fritz，musttakethemwithyouto-dayupthemountaintolearnthewayandbegintheirwork。"

"To-day！Thisveryday？"screamedtheTwins。Theyhadneverbeenuptothegoat-pasturesintheirlives，anditwasamostexcitingevent。

ThenLenelithoughtofhermother。Sheflungherarmsaboutherneck。"Butwhowillstaywithyou，dearMother？"shecried。"Alldayyouwillbealone，witheverythingtodoandnoonetospeaktobutthebaby。"

"Yes，"sighedthemother，"thatistrue。Itwillbealong，lonelysummerforme，butthereisnootherway，sowemusteachdoourpartbravelyandnotcomplain。ItisgoodfortunethatFatherandFritzwillbothbeearningmoneyinthealps，and，withwiseoldBellotohelpyou，youwillsoonbeasgoodgoatherdsasyourbrother。Come，now，hurryandeatyourbreakfasts，forthegoatsarealreadymilkedandimpatienttobegone。"

ShetookRoseliinherarmsanddisappeareddownthestairs，andwhen，afewmomentslater，theTwinsandFritzcameintothekitchen，shehadtheirbreakfastofbreadandmilkreadyforthem，andtheirluncheonofbreadandcheesewrappedinacleanwhiteclothforFritztoputinhispocket。

FatherAdolfcamebackfromthegarden，wherehehadbeenhoeingpotatoes，toseethelittleprocessionstartawayforthehills。

Firstcamethegoats，friskingaboutinthefreshmorningairandjinglingalltheirbells。ThencameBello，lookingveryimportant，thenFritzwithacock’sfeatherinhiscapandhislittlehornandhiscupslungoverhisshoulder，andlastofalltheTwins。

"It’salongway，mychildren，"saidMotherAdolf，asshekissedthemgood-bye。"Yourlegswillgettired，butyoumustclimbonjustthesame。Ifeveryonestoppedwhenhewastired，theworld’sworkwouldneverbedone。Learnthewaycarefullyandrememberalwaystoprayifanydangercomes。YouareverynearthegoodGodonthemountain，andHewilltakecareofyouifyouaskHim，neverfear。"

"ObeyFritz，"saidFatherAdolf，"anddonotstrayoffbyyourselves。StayalwayswithFritzandthegoats。"

"Wewill，"criedtheTwins，andawaytheyrantojointheirbrother，whowasalreadysomelittledistanceaheadofthem。Theyturnedasthepathroundedthegreatcliffwheretheechoeslived，andtheTwinswavedtheirhands，whileFritzplayedhismerrylittletuneonthehorn。Thentherockshidthemfromview，andthelongclimbbeganinearnest。

Itwasmanyroughuphillmilestothealpswherethegoatswerepastured，andthestoutlittlelegsachedwithwearinesslongbeforetheyreachedthepatchesofgreengrasswhichwerereservedforthem。Onthewayuptheypassedfieldswherecowsweregrazing，andBellohadhardworktokeepthegoatsinthepath，butthesepastureswereonlyforcows，andgoatswerenotallowedinthem。Fortwohourstheyclimbedsteadilyupandup，followingamountainpaththatledsometimesbesidearushingbrook，sometimesalongtheedgesofdizzyprecipices，andalwaysamongrockswithwonderfulviewsofdistantsnow-cappedpeaksabovethemandgreen，greenvalleysbelow。

Atlast，whenitseemedtothewearychildrenthattheycouldnotgoanotherstep，theycameoutuponahighpasture，whereFritzcalledahalt。Thegoatsleapedjoyfullyforward，snatchinggreedymouthfulsoftherichgreengrasswhichgrewamongtherocks。Bellofloppedheavilydownonaflatstonewithhistonguehangingout，andFritzandtheTwinsrolledoverontheirbacksonasoftcarpetofgrasstorest。

AlmostatonceSeppisaid，"I’mhungry。"

"So’mI，"saidLeneli。

"You’llbehungryallthetimeuphere，"saidFritzencouragingly。"It’stheair。"

"Let’seat，"urgedSeppi。

Fritztookthepackageofluncheonfromhispocketandopenedit。

"Itlooksverysmall。Itlooksagreatdealsmallerthanitdidathome，"saidLeneli。"Iwonderwhy？"

"Youarehungriernowthanyouwerethen，"saidFritz。

"Icouldeatitallmyself，"saidSeppi。

"Butyouwon’t，"laughedFritz；"I’llseetothat。"HedividedthebreadandcheeseintothreeequalportionsandhandedonetoeachoftheTwins。Thethirdheputinhisownpocket。"NowI

don’tcarewhatyoudowithyours，"hesaid；"only，ifyoueatitallnow，you’llbehungryenoughtobrowsewiththegoatsbeforeit’stimetogohome。Bettertakejustabiteandadrinkofwaterandeatmorebyandby。"

Seppilookedhungrilyathisportionandtookabite。Thenhejustcouldn’tstop，andbeforeheknewithiswholeluncheonwasgoneanditwasonlynineo’clockinthemorning！

Lenelitooktwobitesofhers，andthen，wrappingitcarefullyinthepieceofcloth，placedithighuponanoverhangingrockoutofthewayoftemptation。Then，whileFritzwasteachingSeppiallthetricksofagoat-boy’strade，shefoundasoftpatchofgrassallspangledwithbluegentiansandfellasleepwithherheadonherarm。Shesleptforsometime，andFritzandSeppi，seeinghowtiredshewas，didnotdisturbher。

Shewasrousedatlastbythetinklingofagoat-bellalmostoverherhead，andwokeupjustintimetoseeherluncheon，clothandall，disappearingintothemouthofNanni，thebrowngoat！PoorLeneliscreamedwithdismay，andFritzandSeppi，thinkingperhapsshehadhurtherself，camedashingtoherside。Leneliwasboilingwithrage。ShecouldonlypointatNanni，whostoodcalmlyoutofreachabovethemwiththelastscrapofclothdanglingfromherlips。

"Youwretched，black-heartedpigofagoat！"shescreamed，stampingherfoot。"You’veeateneverybitofmylunch，andI’donlytakentwolittleteenybites！Oh，IwishI’deatenitalllikethatgreedySeppi！"

FritzandSeppiweresorry，butwhentheysawthegoatlookingdownatLenelisocalmlywhileshestormedandscoldedbelow，theyrolledoveronthegroundhelplesswithlaughter。

"It’sallverywellforyoutolaugh，sniffedLeneli；"you’vebothgotyourlunches，"andshewentawayquitesulkilyandsatdownonastonebyherself。Bellocameandsatbesideherandlickedherhand。

Fritzhadtodashawayjustthenafterastrayinggoat，buthewassoonbackagainwithhisluncheoninhishand。"Here，"hesaid，"youcanhavesomeofmybreadandcheese。"

"Oh，Fritzi，"saidLeneligratefully，"youareasgoodandkindasthatgoatisbad，butI’mgoingtotakeonlyateenymouthful，justtokeepmefromstarving！"

"Allright，"saidFritz，holdingthesliceofbreadforhertobite。"To-morrowwe’llaskMothertoputupmorebreadandcheese，andifyougethungryagain，youcanmilkoldNanniherselfandgetevenwithherthatway。"

"ButIdon’tknowhowtomilk，"saidLeneliwithhermouthfull。

"It’stimeyoulearnedthen，"saidFritzbriskly。"You’veseenMotherdoitoverandoveragain。Come，I’llteachyou。"

Nanni，thegoat，hadleapeddownfromherhighperch，andwasnowtakingadrinkfromalittlesparklingmountainrillwhichflowedthroughthepasture。

"Comealong，"saidFritz。"There’snotimelikethepresent，"

and，takinghiscupinhishand，hestartedtowardher。

Lenelihungbackalittle。"Nanniisthenaughtiestgoatinthewholeflock，"shesaidresentfully。"Ifitweren’tforgettingmylunchback，Iwouldn’ttrytomilkher。"

ItmaybethatNannihearditandwasoffended，oritmaybethatsheknewthatshehadnomilktogivethemsoearlyinthemorning。Anyway，shemadeuphermindshewouldnotbebotheredatthattimeofday，soasfastastheycamenearher，shewalkedonafewsteps，andbythetimetheyhadreachedthatspotshehadmovedfartherstill。

"Wemustn’tfrightenher，"saidFritz，"It’sbadforthemilk。"

Forsometimetheypatientlyfollowedherabout，andatlastjustastheywerereadytolayhandsuponher，shesuddenlyleapeduponarockandfromthattoahigherone，untilshestoodfaroutofreachonadizzyoverhangingcliff。

"ThatNanni！"criedFritzwrathfullyashepreparedtofollowher。"She’llbreakherpeskyneckandminetoosomeday。"

Heclimbedatreeforashortcuttothecliffanddroppedfromanoverhangingbranchtothenarrowshelfofrockinfrontofthegoat。Bello，meanwhile，ranbackandforthbelow，barkinglikeeverything，butquiteunableeithertofollowNanniupthesteeptrail，ortoclimbthetreeasFritzhaddone。

"Come，Nanni，"saidFritz，holdingouthishandashesteppedcarefullytowardher。

Nannisniffedandbacked。LeneliandSeppiwatchedfrombelow，breathlesswithanxiety。Ifsheshouldbacktoomuchshemightfalloverthecliffandbekilled。IfsheshoulddashforwardshemightknockFritzoveritinstead。ButFritzwasawisegoat-

boy！Heputhishandinhispocketanddrewoutahandfulofsalt，whichhekeptforjustsuchtimesasthis。HehelditouttowardNanniandcarefullyandslowlybackedawayfromtheedgeofthecliff，coaxinghertofollowhim。Asshesteppedforward，hesteppedback，andinthiswayledherbyaroundaboutpathdownthefarthersideoftherockstotheplacewheretheothergoatsworestillfeeding。

"Oh，Fritzi，Inevercoulddothat，"saidLeneli，hugginghimwhenhewasonsafegroundoncemore。"Ishouldbesofrightened。"

"Icould，"saidSeppipromptly；"I’mnotafraid。"

"Don’tyoutryit，youngman，"saidFritz，"unlessit’stheonlythingyoucando。Thebestgoat-boyistheonewhokeepshisgoatsfromgettingintosuchplaces。It’smuchcleverertokeepoutoftroublethantogetout。"

Theygaveupthemilkinglessonforthetimebeing，butwhenthelongdaywasoverandtheywereontheirwaydownthemountain-

passinthelateafternoon，theycametoawidelevelspace。Heretheypaused，and，whileSeppistoodwithhisarmaboutNanni’sneckandfedherhandfulsofgreengrass，Lenelireallydidmilkenoughforarefreshingdrinktosustainheronthelonghomewardjourney。

Singing，playingtunesonthehorn，androusingtheever-readyechoeswiththeiryodels，theyrandownthesteepmountainpathinamuchshortertimethanithadtakentoclimbitinthemorning，andcameinsightoftheoldfarm-housejustastheAngelusrangagaininthelittlewhitevillagespire。Theypausedonthemountainpathandbenttheirheads，butNanniwasnotareligiousgoat！Sherememberedtheglimpseshehadhadthenightbeforeofgreenthingsgrowinginthegardenandsuddenlybolteddownthesteeppathatabreak-neckspeed。Alltherestoftheflockfollowedpell-mellafterher，andthechildrenwereobligedtocutshorttheirprayersinordertosavethecarrot-topsfrombeingeatenup。

Thelastmilewascoveredinrecord-breakingtime，andbeforethecuckooclockstruckseventhechildrenandgoatsanddogallcamegallopingintotheyardtogether。

III。AMOUNTAINSTORM

AMOUNTAINSTORM

Thenextday，andthedayafterthat，thesamelessonwasrepeated。TheTwinswentawaywithFritzintheearlymorningandstayedalldaylongwiththegoatsandcamehomewithhiminthesunsetglow。Butonthefourthdayitwasquite，quitedifferent。

Itwasdifferentnotonlybecausetheyweretogoalonewiththegoatsforthefirsttime，butalsobecauseitwasthedaywhenthegreatesteventofthewholeyearwastohappen。

Onthatverymorningthecattleweretostartawaytothehighalpstobegoneallsummer！Everyoneinthelittlegrayfarm-

housewasupwiththedawn，andwhileMotherAdolfmilkedthegoats，theTwinstooktheirbreakfasttoahighrockbesidethemountainpath，wheretheycouldgetagoodviewofthevillagebelow。FatherAdolfandFritzhadkissedMotherAdolfandthebabygood-byebeforedaylight，andhadgonetothevillagetogetthecattleinlinefortheirlongmarch。Theydidnotsaygood-

byetotheTwins，fortheyweretojointheprocessionwhenitpassedthehouse；sinceforthefirsttwomilesthepathstothehighalpswherethecattlegrazedandtothegoat-pastureswerethesame。

LeneliandSeppihadfinishedtheirbreadandmilkandwerehoppingaboutingreatexcitementonthehill-top，whensuddenlyfromthevillagebelowtherewasaburstofgaymusicandtheyknewthattheprocessionhadbeguntomove。Seppiranbacktothemilking-shedasfastashislegscouldcarryhim。"They’recoming，they’recoming！"heshouted。

"Ourgoatsareready，"saidMotherAdolf。"YouandBellomaytakethemouttothepathandwaitthereuntilthecattlehavepassedby。ThenyoumustfallinbehindthemwithFatherandFritzandgowiththemasfarastheGiantPineTreethatstandsatthepartingofthepaths。FatherandFritzwillleaveyouthere，andyouandLenelimustgoonalone。Youaresureyouknowtheway？"

ShelookedanxiouslyintoSeppi’sblueeyes。

"Oh，yes，Mother，"saidSeppi，confidently。"Don’tyouworry。I

knowitwell，andsodoesLeneli。WecantakecareofthegoatsjustaswellasFritz。You’llsee！"

Seppi，withBello’shelp，drovethegoatstoaplacewheretheycouldcropthegrassbesidethemountainpath，andthereafewmomentslaterMotherAdolfjoinedthem，draggingthebabyinthewoodencart。Theprocessionwasalreadyinplainsight，windingupthesteepmountainpathfromthevillage。Firstcamethreefinebrindledcows，eachwithabellasbigasabuckethangingfromherneckandawreathofflowersaboutherhorns。Afterthemcamethirtymore，eachwithasmallerbell，marchingproudlyalonginsinglefilebehindtheleaders。Allthebellswerejingling，andallthepeoplewhofollowedthemfromthevillageweresingingandyodelinguntiltheairwasfullofjollysounds。

Thelastcowinlinecarriedthemilking-stoolonherhorns，andbehindherwalkedFatherandFritz。

Bello，whounderstoodverywellwhatwasgoingon，keptthegoatsherdedtogetherbesidethepath，andwhenSeppiandLeneli，singingandshoutingwiththerest，drovethemforward，Bellomarchedproudlyrightbehindthegoats，barkingandwavinghistaillikeaflag。

MotherAdolf’sheartswelledwithprideasshewatchedherhusbandandchildrenmarchawaysogayly，butwhentheyhaddisappearedfromviewandthemusicsoundedfainterandfainterasitgrewmoredistant，shewipedhereyesonherapron。pickeduptheTwins’breakfast-bowls，andwentslowlywithlittleRoselibacktothelonelyfarm-house。Thepeoplefromthevillagewalkedbutalittlewayupthemountainside，andwhentheytooreturnedtotheirhomes，therewerenomaresongsandyodels；andagreatsilencesettledoverthemountain。

Upanduptherockytrailwoundthelongtrainofcattleandgoats，untiltheycametotheGiantPineTree，andhereFatherAdolfandFritzstopped。

"Remember，mychildren，"saidFatherAdolfsolemnlytotheTwins，"thegoatsareouronlywealth。Iftheystrayawayandarelostorfalloveracliffandarekilled，thefaultwillbeyours。Youmustbefaithful，watchful，andbrave，andletnothinghappentothegoatslestwegohungrywhenwintercomes。"ThenheandFritzsaidgood-bye，andthechildren，feelingverysolemnandimportant，wentontheirlonelyway。

Bellowasawonderfuldog。Hecouldcount，forhealwaysknewwhenoneofthegoatswasmissingandwouldrunaboutwithhisnosetothetrailuntilhefoundher，thenhewouldbarkatherheelsuntilshecamebacktojointheflock。But，cleverashewas，hewaspuzzledwhenhesawthegoatsgoinginonedirectionandFritzinanother。Hestoodatthepartingofthepathsandlookedfirstoneway，thentheother，andwhined；thenhedashedafterFritz。

"No，no，Bello，gowiththegoats，"criedFritz。Bello’searsandtaildrooped，andhelookedpleadinglyupatFritz。

FritzhadgivenhislittlehorntoSeppi，andnowheshoutedtohim，"Blowyourhorn。"SeppicouldnotplayFritz’smerrylittletune，butheblewaterrificblast，andBelloknewthathemustfollowthesoundofthehorn，eventhoughitmeantpartingfromhisdearFritz。

"Goodolddog！"saidFritz，pattinghim；"gofindthem，"andBellolickedhishand，thentoreawayupthemountainafterthegoats。

Whenhereachedthem，hetriedtoroundthemupanddrivethembacktoFritz，anditwassometimebeforeSeppicouldmakehimunderstandthatthegoatsmustgotothepasturesasusual。Then，thoughhefollowedthemfaithfully，hedidnotrunaboutincirclesandbarkdowneveryhollowlogasheusuallydid。

Instead，hewalkedalongsolemnlybesideLeneliwithhisnoseinherhand。

"See，Seppi，"shesaid，"heknowshemusthelpwiththegoats，buthewantstogowithFritz。"

"TherearelotsofpeopleintheworldthatknowlessthanBello，"Seppiansweredwisely。Heputthehorntohislips，puffedouthischeeks，andblewwithallhismight。Itmadeafearfulnoise，whichwasechoedfromallthesurroundingcliffsandwasansweredbyFritz’syodelfarawayonthemountainpath。Belloprickeduphisearsandwhined。Theycalledbackandforthinthisway，thesoundsgrowingfainterandfainterinthedistance，untiltheycouldnolongerheareachotheratail，andtheTwinswereforthefirsttimequitealoneonthemountainwithBelloandthegoats。

Whenatlasttheyreachedthepasture，theythrewthemselvesdownonthegrass，andLeneliatoncetookherknittingoutofherpocketandwenttowork。Bellosighedandlaydownbesideher，withhiseyesonthegoats。Thesunwaswarmanditwasverystillonthemountain-side。Therewasnosoundexceptthetearingnoisemadebythegoatsastheycroppedthegrassandthetinkleoftheirbells。ThenSeppibegantopracticeonhishorn。Heblewandblewuntilhewasredintheface，tryingtoplayFritz’stune，butonlyahoarsebellowcamefromitsthroat。

Lenelistoodthenoiseforsometime。Thenshepluckedabladeofgrass，stretcheditacrossahollowbetweenhertwothumbs，and，whenSeppiwasnotlooking，blewwithallhermightrightbyhisear！Itmadeafearfulscreech，whichechoedandreechoeduntilitseemedasiftheveryairhadbeenbrokenintoamillionbits。

Seppigaveascreechofhisownandclappedhishandsoverhisears。"Whatdidyoudothatfor？"hesaidcrossly，"justwhenI

wasbeginningtogetthetune。"

"Well，"saidLeneli，"youmayhavebegun，butyouwerestillalong，longwayfromgettingit！Mynoisewasjustasgoodasyours！I’llstopifyouwill。"

Seppigrumpilylaidasidehishornandsathugginghiskneesandlookingatthewonderfulviewspreadoutbeforethem。AcrossthevalleytheRigilifteditscresttothesky。Littletoyvillages，eachwithitswhitespire，laysleepingsilentlyinthesunshine。

OntheshoresofthelakefarbelowhecouldseethecityofLucerne。Itmighthavebeenapaintedcity，fornotasoundreachedthemfromitsbusystreets，andtherewasnomovementtobeseenexcepthereandtherethewavingofatinythreadofsmoke。Onthelakethewhitesailslooked，atthatdistance，liketinywhitebutterflieshoveringoverthebluewater。

"Isupposewecanseealmostthewholeworldfromhere；don’tyou？"saidLeneli。

"Pooh！no，"Seppiansweredloftily。"There’slotsmoretoitthanthis，thoughthisisthebestpartofit，ofcourse。Why，thereareoceansbiggerthanLakeLucerneandamiledeep，andthere’sParisandLondonbesides。"

"Dear，dear，"saidLeneli。"MothersaysweareveryneartoGodonthemountains，andIsupposeHecanlookdownandseeeverybodyandknowjustwhattheyaredoingallthetime，butI

don’tseehowHepossiblycankeeptrackofallofusatonce。"

"Hecan’t，silly，’answeredherbrother，stillmoreloftily。

"Don’tyouknowthattheearthisround，soHecan’tseebutonesideatatime，ifHelookseversohard？Isupposethat’swhyHemadethenighttime。HeshutssomeofthepeopleupinthedarkwholeHewatchestherestofthemontheotherside。"Seppihadneverthoughtthisoutbefore，buthealwaystriedtohavesomeanswertogivetoLeneliwhensheaskedquestions，orelseshemightgettheideathathedidn’tknowanymorethanshedid。

Leneliusuallybelievedwhateverhetoldher，and，thisquestionbeingsettled，shewentonwithherknitting。

Thegoatsgrazedpeacefullyaboutthem；theairwasverystillandgrewquitewarminthesunshine。Aboutthesnow-whitecrestoftheRigilittlewispsofcloudsweregathering。Theygrewlongerandlongerandsankloweronthemountain-side。

"It’sraininginLucerne，"saidSeppi。

Thecloudsfellstilllowerandspreadoverthewholevalley，untilthechildrenfromtheirhighseatlookedoutoveraseaofmist。Thereweresoundsofdistantthunderfromtherollingcloudsandvividflashesoflightningfarbelowthem。

"It’salittlelonesomeupherewithalltheworldshutawayoutofsight，andnobodyaroundbutGod；isn’tit？"saidLenelitimidly。

"Therearethegoats，andBello，"answeredSeppicomfortingly。Helookedstraightupintothesky。LittlewispsofcloudsweregatheringaroundthecrestofoldPilatusnow。Thesunwassuddenlyhidden，andhefeltadropofrain。"It’sgoingtorainhereinaminute，andhard，too，"hesaid。

"Whatshallwedo？"criedLeneli，rollingupherknittingandspringingtoherfeet。

"Getwet，Iguess，"answeredSeppi。"There’snoshelter。"

"Theremustbesomething，"saidLeneli。"I’lllook，whileyouandBellogetthegoatstogether。"Shedashedawayasshespoke，andsoonfromapointfartherdownthemountaintheyheardhercall。

Goats，Bello，andSeppi，allcamethunderingdownthepathtogetherandfoundherhuddledunderanoverhangingrock，shelteredbythebranchesofaspreadingpine。BelloandSeppidivedundertherockbesideher，andthegoatsgatheredcloseaboutthemjustasthestormbrokeinearnest。Thelightningflashed，thethunderrolled，andtheraincamedownintorrents，makingagraycurtainofwaterabouttherock。Thechildrenshrankbackundertheshelterasfarastheycouldgo，andneitheronesaidaword，exceptoncewhenastreamofwatersuddenlyrandownthebackofLeneli’sneck。Thenshejumpedandsaid"Ow，"inavoicethatSeppiheardevenabovetheroarofthethunder。

Foralongtimetheysattherewhilethestormragedaboutthem。

Thenthethunderwentroaringawayfartherandfartherdownthevalley，therainceased，andthesuncameout。

"Thestorm’sover，"saidSeppi。"Let’sgetoutofhere。"

Thegoatshadalreadyscatteredandwerenibblingtuftsofwetgrass，whenthetwochildrencrawledoutfromundertherock。

Leneli’sdresswasquitemuddywheretherainhadcomethroughthecrackandpoureddownherneck，andshewastwistingherselfround，tryingtoseetheextentofthedamage，whensuddenlytherewasaterrificroarandrumbleasifthethunderhadbegunalloveragain，thoughtheskywasblueandclear。Crashfollowedcrash，andtherewasasoundofgreatrocksfallingfromdizzymountain-heightsfarabovethem。

Thechildrenclungtoeachotherinterror，thegoatstrembled，andBellocreptfartherundertherock。"Theavalanche！"gaspedLeneli，shakingwithfright。"Fatherthoughttherewouldn’tbeanymorethisspring！Oh，Iwishwewerehome！"

Fardownthemountain-sidethereweresoundsofmightytreesbeingtornupbytherootsandofrocksbrokenfromthecliffsandboundingfromledgetoledge。

Itseemedasifthewholeworldwerebeingtorntopieces。Atlasttheterribleroarceasedandaterriblesilencesettledoverthemountains。Thechildrenknewwelltheawfuldangersoftheavalanche。Eversincetheycouldremembertheyhadheardstoriesoftravelersburiedaliveundermassesofsnowandice，andofwholevillagessweptaway，orsocoveredwithstones，trees，and，earththatnotasignofthemwaseverseenagain。

Theirfirstthoughtwasoftheirmother。

"Oh，"shudderedLeneli，"doyousupposeourhousewasinthepathofit？"

Seppithoughtamoment；thenhesaidsoberly，"No，thatcouldn’tbe，forthereisawidehollowbetweenourfarmandthemountain-

slopethatwouldhavetobefilledfirst。I’mquitesurenoavalanchecouldpossiblycarrythehouseaway。"

"Father——Fritz，"sobbedLeneli。

"Theyarefarroundontheothersideofthemountainbythistime，"saidSeppi，"wherethesunhasnotyethadsomuchchancetomeltthesnowandstartavalanches。Theycouldnothavebeenharmedbythisone，foritfellonoursideofthemountain。"

"Letusstarthomeanyway，"saidLeneli，"evenifitisearly。I

can’twaituntilnighttoknowthatMotherandBabyRoseliaresafe。"

"Weoughttokeepthegoatsuphereeatingallday，"objectedSeppi，"ortheywon’tgiveanymilkto-night。"

"Theymaynotgivemuchanyway，"answeredLeneli，"becausethey’vebeensofrightened，butwewillletthemgoslowlyandtheycangetabitehereandthereastheygo。"

Shetookupheralpenstock，alongstickwhichshealwayscarriedwithher，hungthelittlebundleoflunch，tiedupinacloth，fromtheendofit，putthestickoverhershoulder，and，callingBello，beganatoncetoherdthegoatstogether。

Seppifollowedheralittledoubtfully，andsoontheywereallontheirwaydownthesteepmountainpath。Thesunwasnowshiningagainasbrilliantlyasever；thewhitecloudswerefloatinglazilyacrossthedeepbluesky，anditdidnotseemasifanythingunusualcouldpossiblyhavehappened。

Seppi’sconsciencetroubledhim。"Itwasonlyathunder-stormafterall，"hesaidtoLeneli，"andtheavalancheispastandgone。Itcan’tdoanymoreharm。I’mafraidFatherwouldn’tlikeustogiveupandgohomenow。Hemightthinkwewerenobetterthanbabiestobesoscaredwhenweknowwearen’thurt。"

Lenelididnotanswer，butshekeptrightongoing，andforatimetheytrudgedalonginsilence。TheyhadreachedtheGiantPinewherethetrailsdivided，andhadroundedabendinthepath，whenBello，whowasalittlewayaheadwiththegoats，suddenlysetupafuriousbarking。

"It’sthatNanni，Idonotdoubt，"saidSeppi。"She’sprobablytryingtobreakhernecksomewhere。"Hedashedaheadanddisappearedaroundahighrock，Lenelifollowinghimataslowerpace。

InamomentSeppicamerunningbacktoher，hisfacepalewithsurpriseandalarm。

"Itisn’tNanni，"hegasped，"it’stheavalanche！It’sallacrossthepass！Wecan’tgetby。"

Heseizedhissister’shandanddraggedhertothetopoftherockwhichoverlookedthepass，andtheretheygazedindismayatthescenebeforethem。Wherethatmorningtheprocessionfromthevillagehadsogaylyfollowedthewindingtrailupthemountain-

side，therewasnowagreatmassofrocks，ice，andsnowcompletelyblockingthepath。Worsethanthat，theavalanchehadmadeadamacrossthebedofthemountainstreamwherethecattlestoppedtodrink，turningitintoalittlelakewhichwasgrowingwideranddeepereverymoment。Thegoatswerehuddledtogetheronthebrink，bleatinganxiously，whileBello，completelybewildered，ranbackandforth，barkingwildly。

Thechildrenknewwellhowserioustheirsituationwas；theywerealoneonthemountain，theonlypasstothevillageclosed，andwithoutfoodexceptthelunchtheyhadbroughtfromhomethatmorning。Forafewmomentstheywatchedthewaterrisingsteadilyinthelittlelake，tooterrifiedtospeak；thenLenelisaid，"Let’sgobacktotheGiantPineandthink。"

Seppiblewhislittlehorn，but，insteadofroundingupthegoats，Belloonlylookedathimandwhined。IthadbeenadayoftremendoussurprisestoBello。FirstFritzhadlefthim；thencamethethunder-storm；thenstartinghomeinthemiddleofthedayinsteadofatthepropertime；andnowthepathitselfwasgone！Nowonderhewasbewildered。Seppidasheddowntothewater’sedgeanddrovethegoatsupthetrailagainhimself，andwhiletheysnatchedstraymouthfulshereandthereaboutthepinetree，heandLenelisatdownunderittothink。

"Wecan’tgethomethatway；that’scertain，"saidSeppi，pointingtotheburiedpass。

"Andwecan’tstayhereeither，"moanedLeneli；"notifthereisawayoutinanydirection。"

"There’sthepathFatherandFritztookthismorning，"saidSeppi。"Wemighttrythat。Itmustgosomewhere。"

"Perhapsthatisblockedtoo，"saidLeneli。

"I’llgoalittlewayandsee，"saidSeppi。"Youstayhereandwatchthegoats。"

"Givemeyourhorn，then，"saidLeneli；"andI’llblowiteverylittlewhilesoyoucanfindyourwayback。YouknowFatheralwaystellsusnottoleavethepathbecauseit’ssoeasytogetlost。"

"That’sagoodidea，"saidSeppi。"Seeifyoucanblowit。"

Leneliputitto，herlipsandblewuntilherfacewaspurple，butachievedonlyadismalsquawk。

"I’llkeepthehornmyself，"saidSeppi，takingitfromher，"andeverylittlewhileI’llblowit。Youcananswerbyblowingonagrassstemthewayyoudidupyonder。Girlscan’tmanageahornanyway。"

Leneliwastoomiserabletoreply，andinanotherminuteSeppihaddisappearedupthestrangepath。Forwhatseemedtoheraverylongtime，Leneliansweredthehorn，asitgrewfainterandfainterinthedistance。Finallyshecouldnothearitatall。

"Oh，whatshallIdoifSeppi’sgonetoo？"shemoanedwhenherdesperatesignalsbroughtnoanswer。

ThenherMother’swordscamebacktoher，and，plumpingherselfdownonherkneesamongthegoats，shesentupaferventprayer。

"Oh，dearGod，"shecried，claspingherhands，"MothersaidweshouldbeveryclosetoyouonthemountainandIsupposeyoucanseemeandSeppibothatthesametime，fromwhereyouare。

Please，pleasesendhimbackforI’mscared。DearGod，dopleasehurryandhelpusfindthewaydownthemountainbeforeitgetsdarkandyouhavetogoawaytowatchtheothersideoftheworld。Amen。"

Sherosefromherkneesandlistened。FarawaytherecamethesoundofSeppi’shorn。"Oh，thankyou，God！Therehecomes！"shedriedjoyfully，and，snatchingagrass-blade，sheputitbetweenherthumbsandgaveanansweringblast。

SoonSeppihimselfcameboundingintosight。"Comealong，"heshouted，wavinghishandfranticallytowardthepath，andLeneliatoncecalledBello，andtogethertheystartedthegoats。

"Theavalanchemusthavebegunontheothersideofourpass，"

saidSeppiwhenLenelicaughtupwithhim。"There’snosignofitonthisside。"

"Maybeifwefollowfarenoughwe’llfindFatherandFritz，"saidLeneli，brightening。

"Ithoughtofthat，too，"answeredSeppi，"butifthereisanywaytogetdownthemountain，IthinkweoughttodoitonMother’saccount。FatherandFritzwon’tknowaboutit，sotheywon’tbeanxious，butifwedon’tgethomeMotherwillthinkwearekilled。"

"Oh，Iwishwecouldfly，"saidLeneli。

"Thenwemustwishforwingsonthegoatstoo，"saidSeppi，"foryouknowFathersaidwemusttakecareofthemwhateverhappens。"

Sadandfrightenedthoughshewas，Leneligiggledalittleatthat。"Wouldn’ttheylookfunnyflyingthroughtheairwithyouandmeandBelloallfloppingafterthem？"shesaid。"Anyway，theymightgoalittlefasterthantheydonow，"sheaddedimpatiently，givingNanniapokewithherstick。

"Theyarehungry，"saidSeppi。"Theyhardlyhadtimetoeatanythingbeforethestormcameup。"

Thenabrightideacameintohishead。"I’mhungry，too，"hesaid，"andsoareyou。Let’seatourlunchwhilethegoatsgetafewmouthfulsamongtherocks，andthenweshallallhavemorestrengthandshallgetalongfaster。"

IV。THELONELYHERDSMAN

THELONELYHERDSMAN

Thesunwasalreadydippingtowardthewestwhentheyfinishedthelastcrumboftheirbreadandcheese，washeditdownwithadrinkfromthemountainstream，andstartedoncemoreontheirjourney。Theyfollowedthepathwithoutmuchdifficulty，forithadbeentrampledbythefeetofmanycattlethatmorning，andattheendofanhourhadcoveredseveralmileswithoutmeetingapersonorfindinganysignofhumanhabitationThewaygrewwilderandwilderandwoundslowlyupward。