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。