THEHAY-LOFT
　　IHAVEbeenaskedtotellyouaboutthebackofthenorthwind。
　　AnoldGreekwritermentionsapeoplewholivedthere，andweresocomfortablethattheycouldnotbearitanylonger，anddrownedthemselves。Mystoryisnotthesameashis。
　　IdonotthinkHerodotushadgottherightaccountoftheplace。
　　Iamgoingtotellyouhowitfaredwithaboywhowentthere。
　　Helivedinalowroomoveracoach-house;andthatwasnotbyanymeansatthebackofthenorthwind，ashismotherverywellknew。
　　Foronesideoftheroomwasbuiltonlyofboards，andtheboardsweresooldthatyoumightrunapenknifethroughintothenorthwind。
　　Andthenletthemsettlebetweenthemwhichwasthesharper！
　　Iknowthatwhenyoupulleditoutagainthewindwouldbeafteritlikeacatafteramouse，andyouwouldknowsoonenoughyouwerenotatthebackofthenorthwind。Still，thisroomwasnotverycold，exceptwhenthenorthwindblewstrongerthanusual:theroomI
　　havetodowithnowwasalwayscold，exceptinsummer，whenthesuntookthematterintohisownhands。Indeed，IamnotsurewhetherIoughttocallitaroomatall;foritwasjustaloftwheretheykepthayandstrawandoatsforthehorses。
　　AndwhenlittleDiamond——butstop:Imusttellyouthathisfather，whowasacoachman，hadnamedhimafterafavouritehorse，andhismotherhadhadnoobjection:——whenlittleDiamond，then，laythereinbed，hecouldhearthehorsesunderhimmunchingawayinthedark，ormovingsleepilyintheirdreams。ForDiamond’sfatherhadbuilthimabedintheloftwithboardsallroundit，becausetheyhadsolittleroomintheirownendoverthecoach-house;
　　andDiamond’sfatherputoldDiamondinthestallunderthebed，becausehewasaquiethorse，anddidnotgotosleepstanding，butlaydownlikeareasonablecreature。But，althoughhewasasurprisinglyreasonablecreature，yet，whenyoungDiamondwokeinthemiddleofthenight，andfeltthebedshakingintheblastsofthenorthwind，hecouldnothelpwonderingwhether，ifthewindshouldblowthehousedown，andheweretofallthroughintothemanger，oldDiamondmightn’teathimupbeforeheknewhiminhisnight-gown。
　　AndalthougholdDiamondwasveryquietallnightlong，yetwhenhewokehegotuplikeanearthquake，andthenyoungDiamondknewwhato’clockitwas，oratleastwhatwastobedonenext，whichwas——
　　togotosleepagainasfastashecould。
　　Therewashayathisfeetandhayathishead，piledupingreattrussestotheveryroof。Indeeditwassometimesonlythroughalittlelanewithseveralturnings，whichlookedasifithadbeensawnoutforhim，thathecouldreachhisbedatall。
　　Forthestockofhaywas，ofcourse，alwaysinastateeitherofslowebborofsuddenflow。Sometimesthewholespaceoftheloft，withthelittlepanesintheroofforthestarstolookin，wouldlieopenbeforehisopeneyesashelayinbed;sometimesayellowwallofsweet-smellingfibrescloseduphisviewatthedistanceofhalfayard。Sometimes，whenhismotherhadundressedhiminherroom，andtoldhimtotrottobedbyhimself，hewouldcreepintotheheartofthehay，andlietherethinkinghowcolditwasoutsideinthewind，andhowwarmitwasinsidethereinhisbed，andhowhecouldgotoitwhenhepleased，onlyhewouldn’tjustyet;
　　hewouldgetalittlecolderfirst。Andeverashegrewcolder，hisbedwouldgrowwarmer，tillatlasthewouldscrambleoutofthehay，shootlikeanarrowintohisbed，coverhimselfup，andsnuggledown，thinkingwhatahappyboyhewas。Hehadnottheleastideathatthewindgotinatachinkinthewall，andblewabouthimallnight。Forthebackofhisbedwasonlyofboardsaninchthick，andontheothersideofthemwasthenorthwind。
　　Now，asIhavealreadysaid，theseboardsweresoftandcrumbly。
　　Tobesure，theyweretarredontheoutside，yetinmanyplacestheyweremoreliketinderthantimber。Henceithappenedthatthesoftparthavingwornawayfromaboutit，littleDiamondfoundonenight，afterhelaydown，thataknothadcomeoutofoneofthem，andthatthewindwasblowinginuponhiminacoldandratherimperiousfashion。
　　Nowhehadnofancyforleavingthingswrongthatmightbesetright;
　　sohejumpedoutofbedagain，gotalittlestrikeofhay，twisteditup，foldeditinthemiddle，and，havingthusmadeitintoacork，stuckitintotheholeinthewall。Butthewindbegantoblowloudandangrily，and，asDiamondwasfallingasleep，outblewhiscorkandhithimonthenose，justhardenoughtowakehimupquite，andlethimhearthewindwhistlingshrillinthehole。Hesearchedforhishay-cork，foundit，stuckitinharder，andwasjustdroppingoffoncemore，when，pop！withanangrywhistlebehindit，thecorkstruckhimagain，thistimeonthecheek。Upheroseoncemore，madeafreshstoppleofhay，andcorkedtheholeseverely。
　　Buthewashardlydownagainbefore——pop！itcameonhisforehead。
　　Hegaveitup，drewtheclothesabovehishead，andwassoonfastasleep。
　　Althoughthenextdaywasverystormy，Diamondforgotallaboutthehole，forhewasbusymakingacavebythesideofhismother’sfirewithabrokenchair，athree-leggedstool，andablanket，andthensittinginit。Hismother，however，discoveredit，andpastedabitofbrownpaperoverit，sothat，whenDiamondhadsnuggleddownthenextnight，hehadnooccasiontothinkofit。
　　Presently，however，heliftedhisheadandlistened。Whocouldthatbetalkingtohim？Thewindwasrisingagain，andgettingveryloud，andfullofrushesandwhistles。Hewassuresomeonewastalking——
　　andverynearhim，too，itwas。Buthewasnotfrightened，forhehadnotyetlearnedhowtobe;sohesatupandhearkened。
　　Atlastthevoice，which，thoughquitegentle，soundedalittleangry，appearedtocomefromthebackofthebed。Hecreptnearertoit，andlaidhisearagainstthewall。Thenheheardnothingbutthewind，whichsoundedveryloudindeed。Themoment，however，thathemovedhisheadfromthewall，heheardthevoiceagain，closetohisear。
　　Hefeltaboutwithhishand，andcameuponthepieceofpaperhismotherhadpastedoverthehole。Againstthishelaidhisear，andthenheheardthevoicequitedistinctly。Therewas，infact，alittlecornerofthepaperloose，andthroughthat，asfromamouthinthewall，thevoicecame。
　　“Whatdoyoumean，littleboy——closingupmywindow？”
　　“Whatwindow？”askedDiamond。
　　“Youstuffedhayintoitthreetimeslastnight。Ihadtoblowitoutagainthreetimes。”
　　“Youcan’tmeanthislittlehole！Itisn’tawindow;it’saholeinmybed。”
　　“Ididnotsayitwasawindow:Isaiditwasmywindow。”
　　“Butitcan’tbeawindow，becausewindowsareholestoseeoutof。”
　　“Well，that’sjustwhatImadethiswindowfor。”
　　“Butyouareoutside:youcan’twantawindow。”
　　“Youarequitemistaken。Windowsaretoseeoutof，yousay。
　　Well，I’minmyhouse，andIwantwindowstoseeoutofit。”
　　“Butyou’vemadeawindowintomybed。”
　　“Well，yourmotherhasgotthreewindowsintomydancingroom，andyouhavethreeintomygarret。”
　　“ButIheardfathersay，whenmymotherwantedhimtomakeawindowthroughthewall，thatitwasagainstthelaw，foritwouldlookintoMr。Dyves’sgarden。”
　　Thevoicelaughed。
　　“Thelawwouldhavesometroubletocatchme！“itsaid。
　　“Butifit’snotright，youknow。”saidDiamond，“that’snomatter。
　　Youshouldn’tdoit。”
　　“IamsotallIamabovethatlaw。”saidthevoice。
　　“Youmusthaveatallhouse，then。”saidDiamond。
　　“Yes;atallhouse:thecloudsareinsideit。”
　　“Dearme！“saidDiamond，andthoughtaminute。“Ithink，then，youcanhardlyexpectmetokeepawindowinmybedforyou。
　　Whydon’tyoumakeawindowintoMr。Dyves’sbed？”
　　“Nobodymakesawindowintoanash-pit。”saidthevoice，rathersadly。
　　“Iliketoseenicethingsoutofmywindows。”
　　“ButhemusthaveanicerbedthanIhave，thoughmineisverynice——
　　sonicethatIcouldn’twishabetter。”
　　“It’snotthebedIcareabout:it’swhatisinit——Butyoujustopenthatwindow。”
　　“Well，mothersaysIshouldn’tbedisobliging;butit’sratherhard。
　　YouseethenorthwindwillblowrightinmyfaceifIdo。”
　　“IamtheNorthWind。”
　　“O-o-oh！“saidDiamond，thoughtfully。“ThenwillyoupromisenottoblowonmyfaceifIopenyourwindow？”
　　“Ican’tpromisethat。”
　　“Butyou’llgivemethetoothache。Mother’sgotitalready。”
　　“Butwhat’stobecomeofmewithoutawindow？”
　　“I’msureIdon’tknow。AllIsayis，itwillbeworseformethanforyou。”
　　“No;itwillnot。Youshallnotbetheworseforit——Ipromiseyouthat。
　　Youwillbemuchthebetterforit。JustyoubelievewhatIsay，anddoasItellyou。”
　　“Well，Icanpulltheclothesovermyhead。”saidDiamond，andfeelingwithhislittlesharpnails，hegotholdoftheopenedgeofthepaperandtoreitoffatonce。
　　Incamealongwhistlingspearofcold，andstruckhislittlenakedchest。Hescrambledandtumbledinunderthebedclothes，andcoveredhimselfup:therewasnopapernowbetweenhimandthevoice，andhefeltalittle——notfrightenedexactly——Itoldyouhehadnotlearnedthatyet——butratherqueer;forwhatastrangepersonthisNorthWindmustbethatlivedinthegreathouse——“calledOut-of-Doors，Isuppose。”thoughtDiamond——andmadewindowsintopeople’sbeds！
　　Butthevoicebeganagain;andhecouldhearitquiteplainly，evenwithhisheadunderthebed-clothes。Itwasastillmoregentlevoicenow，althoughsixtimesaslargeandloudasithadbeen，andhethoughtitsoundedalittlelikehismother’s。
　　“Whatisyourname，littleboy？”itasked。
　　“Diamond。”answeredDiamond，underthebed-clothes。
　　“Whatafunnyname！“
　　“It’saverynicename。”returneditsowner。
　　“Idon’tknowthat。”saidthevoice。
　　“Well，Ido。”retortedDiamond，alittlerudely。
　　“Doyouknowtowhomyouarespeaking！“
　　“No。”saidDiamond。
　　Andindeedhedidnot。Fortoknowaperson’snameisnotalwaystoknowtheperson’sself。
　　“ThenImustnotbeangrywithyou——Youhadbetterlookandsee，though。”
　　“Diamondisaveryprettyname。”persistedtheboy，vexedthatitshouldnotgivesatisfaction。
　　“Diamondisauselessthingrather。”saidthevoice。
　　“That’snottrue。Diamondisverynice——asbigastwo——andsoquietallnight！Anddoesn’themakeajollyrowinthemorning，gettinguponhisfourgreatlegs！It’slikethunder。”
　　“Youdon’tseemtoknowwhatadiamondis。”
　　“Oh，don’tIjust！Diamondisagreatandgoodhorse;
　　andhesleepsrightunderme。HeisoldDiamond，andIamyoungDiamond;or，ifyoulikeitbetter，foryou’reveryparticular，Mr。NorthWind，he’sbigDiamond，andI’mlittleDiamond;
　　andIdon’tknowwhichofusmyfatherlikesbest。”
　　Abeautifullaugh，largebutverysoftandmusical，soundedsomewherebesidehim，butDiamondkepthisheadundertheclothes。
　　“I’mnotMr。NorthWind。”saidthevoice。
　　“YoutoldmethatyouweretheNorthWind。”insistedDiamond。
　　“IdidnotsayMisterNorthWind。”saidthevoice。
　　“Well，then，Ido;formothertellsmeIoughttobepolite。”
　　“ThenletmetellyouIdon’tthinkitatallpoliteofyoutosayMistertome。”
　　“Well，Ididn’tknowbetter。I’mverysorry。”
　　“Butyououghttoknowbetter。”
　　“Idon’tknowthat。”
　　“Ido。Youcan’tsayit’spolitetolietheretalking——withyourheadunderthebed-clothes，andneverlookuptoseewhatkindofpersonyouaretalkingto——Iwantyoutocomeoutwithme。”
　　“Iwanttogotosleep。”saidDiamond，verynearlycrying，forhedidnotliketobescolded，evenwhenhedeservedit。
　　“Youshallsleepallthebetterto-morrownight。”
　　“Besides。”saidDiamond，“youareoutinMr。Dyves’sgarden，andIcan’tgetthere。Icanonlygetintoourownyard。”
　　“Willyoutakeyourheadoutofthebed-clothes？”saidthevoice，justalittleangrily。
　　“No！“answeredDiamond，halfpeevish，halffrightened。
　　Theinstanthesaidtheword，atremendousblastofwindcrashedinaboardofthewall，andswepttheclothesoffDiamond。
　　Hestartedupinterror。Leaningoverhimwasthelarge，beautiful，palefaceofawoman。Herdarkeyeslookedalittleangry，fortheyhadjustbeguntoflash;butaquiveringinhersweetupperlipmadeherlookasifsheweregoingtocry。Whatwasthemoststrangewasthatawayfromherheadstreamedoutherblackhairineverydirection，sothatthedarknessinthehay-loftlookedasifitweremadeofher，hairbutasDiamondgazedatherinspeechlessamazement，mingledwithconfidence——fortheboywasentrancedwithhermightybeauty——herhairbegantogatheritselfoutofthedarkness，andfelldownallaboutheragain，tillherfacelookedoutofthemidstofitlikeamoonoutofacloud。
　　FromhereyescameallthelightbywhichDiamondsawherfaceandher，hair;andthatwasallhedidseeofheryet。Thewindwasoverandgone。
　　“Willyougowithmenow，youlittleDiamond？IamsorryIwasforcedtobesoroughwithyou。”saidthelady。
　　“Iwill;yes，Iwill。”answeredDiamond，holdingoutbothhisarms。
　　“But。”headded，droppingthem，“howshallIgetmyclothes？
　　Theyareinmother’sroom，andthedoorislocked。”
　　“Oh，nevermindyourclothes。Youwillnotbecold。Ishalltakecareofthat。Nobodyiscoldwiththenorthwind。”
　　“Ithoughteverybodywas。”saidDiamond。
　　“Thatisagreatmistake。Mostpeoplemakeit，however。Theyarecoldbecausetheyarenotwiththenorthwind，butwithoutit。”
　　IfDiamondhadbeenalittleolder，andhadsupposedhimselfagooddealwiser，hewouldhavethoughttheladywasjoking。
　　Buthewasnotolder，anddidnotfancyhimselfwiser，andthereforeunderstoodherwellenough。Againhestretchedouthisarms。
　　Thelady’sfacedrewbackalittle。
　　“Followme，Diamond。”shesaid。
　　“Yes。”saidDiamond，onlyalittleruefully。
　　“You’renotafraid？”saidtheNorthWind。
　　“No，ma’am;butmotherneverwouldletmegowithoutshoes:
　　sheneversaidanythingaboutclothes，soIdaresayshewouldn’tmindthat。”
　　“Iknowyourmotherverywell。”saidthelady。“Sheisagoodwoman。
　　Ihavevisitedheroften。Iwaswithherwhenyouwereborn。
　　Isawherlaughandcrybothatonce。Iloveyourmother，Diamond。”
　　“Howwasityoudidnotknowmyname，then，ma’am？PleaseamI
　　tosayma’amtoyou，ma’am？”
　　“Onequestionatatime，dearboy。Iknewyournamequitewell，butIwantedtohearwhatyouwouldsayforit。Don’tyourememberthatdaywhenthemanwasfindingfaultwithyourname——howIblewthewindowin？”
　　“Yes，yes。”answeredDiamond，eagerly。“Ourwindowopenslikeadoor，rightoverthecoach-housedoor。Andthewind——you，ma’am——camein，andblewtheBibleoutoftheman’shands，andtheleaveswentallflutter，flutteronthefloor，andmymotherpickeditupandgaveitbacktohimopen，andthere——“
　　“WasyournameintheBible——thesixthstoneinthehighpriest’sbreastplate。”
　　“Oh！——astone，wasit？”saidDiamond。“Ithoughtithadbeenahorse——
　　Idid。”
　　“Nevermind。Ahorseisbetterthanastoneanyday。Well，yousee，Iknowallaboutyouandyourmother。”
　　“Yes。Iwillgowithyou。”
　　“Nowforthenextquestion:you’renottocallmema’am。Youmustcallmejustmyownname——respectfully，youknow——justNorthWind。”
　　“Well，please，NorthWind，youaresobeautiful，Iamquitereadytogowithyou。”
　　“Youmustnotbereadytogowitheverythingbeautifulallatonce，Diamond。”
　　“Butwhat’sbeautifulcan’tbebad。You’renotbad，NorthWind？”
　　“No;I’mnotbad。Butsometimesbeautifulthingsgrowbadbydoingbad，andittakessometimefortheirbadnesstospoiltheirbeauty。
　　Solittleboysmaybemistakeniftheygoafterthingsbecausetheyarebeautiful。”
　　“Well，Iwillgowithyoubecauseyouarebeautifulandgood，too。”
　　“Ah，butthere’sanotherthing，Diamond:——WhatifIshouldlookuglywithoutbeingbad——lookuglymyselfbecauseIammakinguglythingsbeautiful？——Whatthen？”
　　“Idon’tquiteunderstandyou，NorthWind。Youtellmewhatthen。”
　　“Well，Iwilltellyou。Ifyouseemewithmyfaceallblack，don’tbefrightened。Ifyouseemeflappingwingslikeabat’s，asbigasthewholesky，don’tbefrightened。IfyouhearmeragingtentimesworsethanMrs。Bill，theblacksmith’swife——evenifyouseemelookinginatpeople’swindowslikeMrs。EveDropper，thegardener’swife——
　　youmustbelievethatIamdoingmywork。Nay，Diamond，ifIchangeintoaserpentoratiger，youmustnotletgoyourholdofme，formyhandwillneverchangeinyoursifyoukeepagoodhold。
　　Ifyoukeepahold，youwillknowwhoIamallthetime，evenwhenyoulookatmeandcan’tseemetheleastliketheNorthWind。
　　Imaylooksomethingveryawful。Doyouunderstand？”
　　“Quitewell。”saidlittleDiamond。
　　“Comealong，then。”saidNorthWind，anddisappearedbehindthemountainofhay。
　　Diamondcreptoutofbedandfollowedher。
　　CHAPTERII
　　THELAWN
　　WHENDiamondgotroundthecornerofthehay，foramomenthehesitated。
　　Thestairbywhichhewouldnaturallyhavegonedowntothedoorwasattheothersideoftheloft，andlookedveryblackindeed;
　　foritwasfullofNorthWind’shair，asshedescendedbeforehim。
　　Andjustbesidehimwastheladdergoingstraightdownintothestable，upwhichhisfatheralwayscametofetchthehayforDiamond’sdinner。
　　Throughtheopeninginthefloorthefaintgleamofthe-stablelanternwasenticing，andDiamondthoughthewouldrundownthatway。
　　Thestairwentclosepasttheloose-boxinwhichDiamondthehorselived。
　　WhenDiamondtheboywashalf-waydown，herememberedthatitwasofnousetogothisway，forthestable-doorwaslocked。
　　ButatthesamemomenttherewashorseDiamond’sgreatheadpokedoutofhisboxontotheladder，forheknewboyDiamondalthoughhewasinhisnight-gown，andwantedhimtopullhisearsforhim。ThisDiamonddidverygentlyforaminuteorso，andpattedandstrokedhisnecktoo，andkissedthebighorse，andhadbeguntotakethebitsofstrawandhayoutofhismane，whenallatonceherecollectedthattheLadyNorthWindwaswaitingforhimintheyard。
　　“Goodnight，Diamond。”hesaid，anddarteduptheladder，acrosstheloft，anddownthestairtothedoor。Butwhenhegotoutintotheyard，therewasnolady。
　　Nowitisalwaysadreadfulthingtothinkthereissomebodyandfindnobody。Childreninparticularhavenotmadeuptheirmindstoit;
　　theygenerallycryatnobody，especiallywhentheywakeupatnight。
　　ButitwasanespecialdisappointmenttoDiamond，forhislittlehearthadbeenbeatingwithjoy:thefaceoftheNorthWindwassogrand！
　　Tohavealadylikethatforafriend——withsuchlonghair，too！
　　Why，itwaslongerthantwentyDiamonds’tails！Shewasgone。
　　Andtherehestood，withhisbarefeetonthestonesofthepavedyard。
　　Itwasaclearnightoverhead，andthestarswereshining。
　　Orioninparticularwasmakingthemostofhisbrightbeltandgoldensword。Butthemoonwasonlyapoorthincrescent。
　　Therewasjustonegreat，jagged，blackandgraycloudinthesky，withasteepsidetoitlikeaprecipice;andthemoonwasagainstthisside，andlookedasifshehadtumbledoffthetopofthecloud-hill，andbrokenherselfinrollingdowntheprecipice。
　　Shedidnotseemcomfortable，forshewaslookingdownintothedeeppitwaitingforher。AtleastthatwaswhatDiamondthoughtashestoodforamomentstaringather。Buthewasquitewrong，forthemoonwasnotafraid，andtherewasnopitshewasgoingdowninto，fortherewerenosidestoit，andapitwithoutsidestoitisnotapitatall。Diamond，however，hadnotbeenoutsolatebeforeinallhislife，andthingslookedsostrangeabouthim！——
　　justasifhehadgotintoFairyland，ofwhichheknewquiteasmuchasanybody;forhismotherhadnomoneytobuybookstosethimwrongonthesubject。Ihaveseenthisworld——onlysometimes，justnowandthen，youknow——lookasstrangeaseverIsawFairyland。
　　ButIconfessthatIhavenotyetseenFairylandatitsbest。
　　Iamalwaysgoingtoseeitsosometime。ButifyouhadbeenoutinthefaceandnotatthebackoftheNorthWind，onacoldratherfrostynight，andinyournight-gown，youwouldhavefeltitallquiteasstrangeasDiamonddid。Hecriedalittle，justalittle，hewassodisappointedtolosethelady:ofcourse，you，littleman，wouldn’thavedonethat！Butformypart，Idon’tmindpeoplecryingsomuchasImindwhattheycryabout，andhowtheycry——
　　whethertheycryquietlylikeladiesandgentlemen，orgoshriekinglikevulgaremperors，orill-naturedcooks;forallemperorsarenotgentlemen，andallcooksarenotladies——norallqueensandprincessesforthatmatter，either。
　　Butitcan’tbedeniedthatalittlegentlecryingdoesonegood。
　　ItdidDiamondgood;forassoonasitwasoverhewasabraveboyagain。
　　“Sheshan’tsayitwasmyfault，anyhow！“saidDiamond。“IdaresaysheishidingsomewheretoseewhatIwilldo。Iwilllookforher。”
　　Sohewentroundtheendofthestabletowardsthekitchen-garden。
　　Butthemomenthewasclearoftheshelterofthestable，sharpasaknifecamethewindagainsthislittlechestandhisbarelegs。
　　Stillhewouldlookinthekitchen-garden，andwenton。
　　Butwhenhegotroundtheweeping-ashthatstoodinthecorner，thewindblewmuchstronger，anditgrewstrongerandstrongertillhecouldhardlyfightagainstit。Anditwassocold！
　　Alltheflashyspikesofthestarsseemedtohavegotsomehowintothewind。ThenhethoughtofwhattheladyhadsaidaboutpeoplebeingcoldbecausetheywerenotwiththeNorthWind。
　　HowitwasthatheshouldhaveguessedwhatshemeantatthatverymomentIcannottell，butIhaveobservedthatthemostwonderfulthingintheworldishowpeoplecometounderstandanything。
　　Heturnedhisbacktothewind，andtrottedagaintowardstheyard;
　　whereupon，strangetosay，itblewsomuchmoregentlyagainsthiscalvesthanithadblownagainsthisshinsthathebegantofeelalmostwarmbycontrast。
　　YoumustnotthinkitwascowardlyofDiamondtoturnhisbacktothewind:hedidsoonlybecausehethoughtLadyNorthWindhadsaidsomethingliketellinghimtodoso。Ifshehadsaidtohimthathemustholdhisfacetoit，Diamondwouldhaveheldhisfacetoit。Butthemostfoolishthingistofightfornogood，andtopleasenobody。
　　Well，itwasjustasifthewindwaspushingDiamondalong。
　　Ifheturnedround，itgrewverysharponhislegsespecially，andsohethoughtthewindmightreallybeLadyNorthWind，thoughhecouldnotseeher，andhehadbetterletherblowhimwherevershepleased。Sosheblewandblew，andhewentandwent，untilhefoundhimselfstandingatadoorinawall，whichdoorledfromtheyardintoalittlebeltofshrubbery，flankingMr。Coleman’shouse。
　　Mr。Colemanwashisfather’smaster，andtheownerofDiamond。
　　Heopenedthedoor，andwentthroughtheshrubbery，andoutintothemiddleofthelawn，stillhopingtofindNorthWind。
　　Thesoftgrasswasverypleasanttohisbarefeet，andfeltwarmafterthestonesoftheyard;buttheladywasnowheretobeseen。
　　Thenhebegantothinkthatafterallhemusthavedonewrong，andshewasoffendedwithhimfornotfollowingcloseafterher，butstayingtotalktothehorse，whichcertainlywasneitherwisenorpolite。
　　Therehestoodinthemiddleofthelawn，thewindblowinghisnight-gowntillitflappedlikealoosesail。Thestarswereveryshinyoverhishead;buttheydidnotgivelightenoughtoshowthatthegrasswasgreen;andDiamondstoodaloneinthestrangenight，whichlookedhalfsolidallabouthim。Hebegantowonderwhetherhewasinadreamornot。Itwasimportanttodeterminethis;
　　“for。”thoughtDiamond，“ifIaminadream，Iamsafeinmybed，andIneedn’tcry。ButifI’mnotinadream，I’mouthere，andperhapsIhadbettercry，or，atleast，I’mnotsurewhetherIcanhelpit。”
　　Hecametotheconclusion，however，that，whetherhewasinadreamornot，therecouldbenoharminnotcryingforalittlewhilelonger:
　　hecouldbeginwheneverheliked。
　　ThebackofMr。Coleman’shousewastothelawn，andoneofthedrawing-roomwindowslookedoutuponit。Theladieshadnotgonetobed;forthelightwasstillshininginthatwindow。
　　Buttheyhadnoideathatalittleboywasstandingonthelawninhisnight-gown，ortheywouldhaverunoutinamoment。Andaslongashesawthatlight，Diamondcouldnotfeelquitelonely。
　　Hestoodstaring，notatthegreatwarriorOrioninthesky，noryetatthedisconsolate，neglectedmoongoingdowninthewest，butatthedrawing-roomwindowwiththelightshiningthroughitsgreencurtains。HehadbeeninthatroomonceortwicethathecouldrememberatChristmastimes;fortheColemanswerekindpeople，thoughtheydidnotcaremuchaboutchildren。
　　Allatoncethelightwentnearlyout:hecouldonlyseeaglimmeroftheshapeofthewindow。Then，indeed，hefeltthathewasleftalone。Itwassodreadfultobeoutinthenightaftereverybodywasgonetobed！Thatwasmorethanhecouldbear。
　　Heburstoutcryingingoodearnest，beginningwithawaillikethatofthewindwhenitiswakingup。
　　Perhapsyouthinkthiswasveryfoolish;forcouldhenotgohometohisownbedagainwhenheliked？Yes;butitlookeddreadfultohimtocreepupthatstairagainandliedowninhisbedagain，andknowthatNorthWind’swindowwasopenbesidehim，andshegone，andhemightneverseeheragain。Hewouldbejustaslonelythereashere。Nay，itwouldbemuchworseifhehadtothinkthatthewindowwasnothingbutaholeinthewall。
　　Attheverymomentwhenheburstoutcrying，theoldnursewhohadgrowntobeoneofthefamily，forshehadnotgoneawaywhenMissColemandidnotwantanymorenursing，cametothebackdoor，whichwasofglass，toclosetheshutters。Shethoughtsheheardacry，and，peeringoutwithahandoneachsideofhereyeslikeDiamond’sblinkers，shesawsomethingwhiteonthelawn。
　　Toooldandtoowisetobefrightened，sheopenedthedoor，andwentstraighttowardsthewhitethingtoseewhatitwas。
　　AndwhenDiamondsawhercominghewasnotfrightenedeither，thoughMrs。Crumpwasalittlecrosssometimes;forthereisagoodkindofcrossnessthatisonlydisagreeable，andthereisabadkindofcrossnessthatisverynastyindeed。Soshecameupwithherneckstretchedout，andherheadattheendofit，andhereyesforemostofall，likeasnail’s，peeringintothenighttoseewhatitcouldbethatwentonglimmeringwhitebeforeher。
　　Whenshedidsee，shemadeagreatexclamation，andthrewupherhands。Thenwithoutaword，forshethoughtDiamondwaswalkinginhissleep，shecaughtholdofhim，andledhimtowardsthehouse。
　　Hemadenoobjection，forhewasjustinthemoodtobegratefulfornoticeofanysort，andMrs。Crumpledhimstraightintothedrawing-room。
　　Now，fromtheneglectofthenewhousemaid，thefireinMissColeman’sbedroomhadgoneout，andhermotherhadtoldhertobrushherhairbythedrawing-roomfire——adisorderlyproceedingwhichamother’swishcouldjustify。Theyoungladywasverylovely，thoughnotnearlysobeautifulasNorthWind;andherhairwasextremelylong，foritcamedowntoherknees——thoughthatwasnothingatalltoNorthWind’shair。Yetwhenshelookedround，withherhairallabouther，asDiamondentered，hethoughtforonemomentthatitwasNorthWind，and，pullinghishandfromMrs。Crump’s，hestretchedouthisarmsandrantowardsMissColeman。
　　Shewassopleasedthatshethrewdownherbrush，andalmostkneltonthefloortoreceivehiminherarms。HesawthenextmomentthatshewasnotLadyNorthWind，butshelookedsolikeherhecouldnothelprunningintoherarmsandburstingintotearsafresh。
　　Mrs。Crumpsaidthepoorchildhadwalkedoutinhissleep，andDiamondthoughtsheoughttoknow，anddidnotcontradictherforanythingheknew，itmightbesoindeed。Heletthemtalkonabouthim，andsaidnothing;andwhen，aftertheirastonishmentwasover，andMissColemanhadgivenhimasponge-cake，itwasdecreedthatMrs。Crumpshouldtakehimtohismother，hewasquitesatisfied。
　　HismotherhadtogetoutofbedtoopenthedoorwhenMrs。Crumpknocked。Shewasindeedsurprisedtoseeher，boy;andhavingtakenhiminherarmsandcarriedhimtohisbed，returnedandhadalongconfabulationwithMrs。Crump，fortheywerestilltalkingwhenDiamondfellfastasleep，andcouldhearthemnolonger。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　OLDDIAMOND
　　DIAMONDwokeveryearlyinthemorning，andthoughtwhatacuriousdreamhehadhad。Butthememorygrewbrighterandbrighterinhishead，untilitdidnotlookaltogetherlikeadream，andhebegantodoubtwhetherhehadnotreallybeenabroadinthewindlastnight。Hecametotheconclusionthat，ifhehadreallybeenbroughthometohismotherbyMrs。Crump，shewouldsaysomethingtohimaboutit，andthatwouldsettlethematter。Thenhegotupanddressedhimself，but，findingthathisfatherandmotherwerenotyetstirring，hewentdowntheladdertothestable。
　　TherehefoundthatevenoldDiamondwasnotawakeyet，forhe，aswellasyoungDiamond，alwaysgotupthemomenthewoke，andnowhewaslyingasflatasahorsecouldlieuponhisnicetrimbedofstraw。
　　“I’llgiveoldDiamondasurprise。”thoughtthe，boy;andcreepingupverysoftly，beforethehorseknew，hewasastrideofhisback。
　　ThenitwasyoungDiamond’sturntohavemoreofasurprisethanhehadexpected;foraswithanearthquake，witharumblingandarockinghitherandthither，asprawlingoflegsandheavingasofmanybacks，youngDiamondfoundhimselfhoistedupintheair，withbothhandstwistedinthehorse’smane。ThenextinstantoldDiamondlashedoutwithbothhishindlegs，andgivingonecryofterroryoungDiamondfoundhimselflyingonhisneck，withhisarmsasfarrounditastheywouldgo。Butthenthehorsestoodasstillasastone，exceptthatheliftedhisheadgentlyuptolettheboyslipdowntohisback。ForwhenheheardyoungDiamond’scryheknewthattherewasnothingtokickabout;foryoungDiamondwasagoodboy，andoldDiamondwasagoodhorse，andtheonewasallrightonthebackoftheother。
　　AssoonasDiamondhadgothimselfcomfortableonthesaddleplace，thehorsebeganpullingatthehay，andtheboybeganthinking。
　　HehadnevermountedDiamondhimselfbefore，andhehadnevergotoffhimwithoutbeinglifteddown。Sohesat，whilethehorseate，wonderinghowhewastoreachtheground。
　　Butwhilehemeditated，hismotherwoke，andherfirstthoughtwastoseeherboy。Shehadvisitedhimtwiceduringthenight，andfoundhimsleepingquietly。Nowhisbedwasempty，andshewasfrightened。
　　“Diamond！Diamond！Whereareyou，Diamond？”shecalledout。
　　Diamondturnedhisheadwherehesatlikeaknightonhissteedinenchantedstall，andcriedaloud，——
　　“Here，mother！“
　　“Where，Diamond？”shereturned。
　　“Here，mother，onDiamond’sback。”
　　Shecamerunningtotheladder，andpeepingdown，sawhimaloftonthegreathorse。
　　“Comedown，Diamond。”shesaid。
　　“Ican’t。”answeredDiamond。
　　“Howdidyougetup？”askedhismother。
　　“Quiteeasily。”answeredhe;“butwhenIgotup，Diamondwouldgetuptoo，andsohereIam。”
　　Hismotherthoughthehadbeenwalkinginhissleepagain，andhurrieddowntheladder。Shedidnotmuchlikegoinguptothehorse，forshehadnotbeenusedtohorses;butshewouldhavegoneintoalion’sden，nottosayahorse’sstall，tohelpherboy。
　　SoshewentandliftedhimoffDiamond’sback，andfeltbraverallherlifeafter。Shecarriedhiminherarmsuptoherroom;
　　but，afraidoffrighteninghimathisownsleep-walking，asshesupposedit，saidnothingaboutlastnight。Beforethenextdaywasover，Diamondhadalmostconcludedthewholeadventureadream。
　　Foraweekhismotherwatchedhimverycarefully——goingintotheloftseveraltimesanight——asoften，infact，asshewoke。
　　Everytimeshefoundhimfastasleep。
　　Allthatweekitwashardweather。Thegrassshowedwhiteinthemorningwiththehoar-frostwhichclungliketinycomfitstoeveryblade。
　　AndasDiamond’sshoeswerenotgood，andhismotherhadnotquitesavedupenoughmoneytogethimthenewpairshesomuchwantedforhim，shewouldnotlethimrunout。Heplayedallhisgamesoverandoverindoors，especiallythatofdrivingtwochairsharnessedtothebaby’scradle;andiftheydidnotgoveryfast，theywentasfastascouldbeexpectedofthebestchairsintheworld，althoughoneofthemhadonlythreelegs，andtheotheronlyhalfaback。
　　Atlengthhismotherbroughthomehisnewshoes，andnosoonerdidshefindtheyfittedhimthanshetoldhimhemightrunoutintheyardandamusehimselfforanhour。
　　Thesunwasgoingdownwhenheflewfromthedoorlikeabirdfromitscage。Alltheworldwasnewtohim。Agreatfireofsunsetburnedonthetopofthegatethatledfromthestablestothehouse;
　　abovethefireintheskylayalargelakeofgreenlight，abovethatagoldencloud，andoverthattheblueofthewintryheavens。
　　AndDiamondthoughtthat，nexttohisownhome，hehadneverseenanyplacehewouldlikesomuchtoliveinasthatsky。Foritisnotfinethingsthatmakehomeaniceplace，butyourmotherandyourfather。
　　Ashewaslookingatthelovelycolours，thegateswerethrownopen，andtherewasoldDiamondandhisfriendinthecarriage，dancingwithimpatiencetogetattheirstallsandtheiroats。Andintheycame。
　　Diamondwasnotintheleastafraidofhisfatherdrivingoverhim，but，carefulnottospoilthegrandshowhemadewithhisfinehorsesandhismultitudinouscape，witharededgetoeveryfold，heslippedoutofthewayandlethimdashrightontothestables。
　　Tobequitesafehehadtostepintotherecessofthedoorthatledfromtheyardtotheshrubbery。
　　Ashestoodthereherememberedhowthewindhaddrivenhimtothissamespotonthenightofhisdream。Andoncemorehewasalmostsurethatitwasnodream。Atallevents，hewouldgoinandseewhetherthingslookedatallnowastheydidthen。
　　Heopenedthedoor，andpassedthroughthelittlebeltofshrubbery。
　　Notaflowerwastobeseeninthebedsonthelawn。EventhebraveoldchrysanthemumsandChristmasroseshadpassedawaybeforethefrost。What？Yes！Therewasone！Heranandkneltdowntolookatit。
　　Itwasaprimrose——adwarfishthing，butperfectinshape——
　　ababy-wonder。Ashestoopedhisfacetoseeitclose，alittlewindbegantoblow，andtwoorthreelongleavesthatstoodupbehindtheflowershookandwavedandquivered，buttheprimroselaystillinthegreenhollow，lookingupatthesky，andnotseemingtoknowthatthewindwasblowingatall。Itwasjustaoneeyethatthedullblackwintryearthhadopenedtolookattheskywith。
　　AllatonceDiamondthoughtitwassayingitsprayers，andheoughtnottobestaringatitso。HerantothestabletoseehisfathermakeDiamond’sbed。Thenhisfathertookhiminhisarms，carriedhimuptheladder，andsethimdownatthetablewheretheyweregoingtohavetheirtea。
　　“Missisverypoorly。”saidDiamond’sfather。“Mis’esshasbeentothedoctorwithherto-day，andshelookedveryglumwhenshecameoutagain。Iwasa-watchingofthemtoseewhatdoctorhadsaid。”
　　“Anddidn’tMisslookglumtoo？”askedhismother。
　　“NothalfasglumasMis’ess。”returnedthecoachman。“Yousee——“
　　Butheloweredhisvoice，andDiamondcouldnotmakeoutmorethanawordhereandthere。ForDiamond’sfatherwasnotonlyoneofthefinestofcoachmentolookat，andoneofthebestofdrivers，butoneofthemostdiscreetofservantsaswell。Thereforehedidnottalkaboutfamilyaffairstoanyonebuthiswife，whomhehadprovedbetterthanhimselflongago，andwascarefulthatevenDiamondshouldhearnothinghecouldrepeatagainconcerningmasterandhisfamily。
　　Itwasbed-timesoon，andDiamondwenttobedandfellfastasleep。
　　Heawokeallatonce，inthedark。
　　“Openthewindow，Diamond。”saidavoice。
　　NowDiamond’smotherhadoncemorepastedupNorthWind’swindow。
　　“AreyouNorthWind？”saidDiamond:“Idon’thearyoublowing。”
　　“No;butyouhearmetalking。Openthewindow，forIhaven’tovermuchtime。”
　　“Yes。”returnedDiamond。“But，please，NorthWind，where’stheuse？
　　Youleftmeallalonelasttime。”
　　Hehadgotuponhisknees，andwasbusywithhisnailsoncemoreatthepaperovertheholeinthewall。FornowthatNorthWindspokeagain，herememberedallthathadtakenplacebeforeasdistinctlyasifithadhappenedonlylastnight。
　　“Yes，butthatwasyourfault。”returnedNorthWind。“Ihadworktodo;and，besides，agentlemanshouldneverkeepaladywaiting。”
　　“ButI’mnotagentleman。”saidDiamond，scratchingawayatthepaper。
　　“Ihopeyouwon’tsaysotenyearsafterthis。”
　　“I’mgoingtobeacoachman，andacoachmanisnotagentleman。”
　　persistedDiamond。
　　“Wecallyourfatheragentlemaninourhouse。”saidNorthWind。
　　“Hedoesn’tcallhimselfone。”saidDiamond。
　　“That’sofnoconsequence:everymanoughttobeagentleman，andyourfatherisone。”
　　Diamondwassopleasedtohearthisthathescratchedatthepaperliketenmice，andgettingholdoftheedgeofit，toreitoff。
　　Thenextinstantayounggirlglidedacrossthebed，andstooduponthefloor。
　　“Ohdear！“saidDiamond，quitedismayed;“Ididn’tknow——
　　whoareyou，please？”
　　“I’mNorthWind。”
　　“Areyoureally？”
　　“Yes。Makehaste。”
　　“Butyou’renobiggerthanme。”
　　“DoyouthinkIcareabouthowbigorhowlittleIam？Didn’tyouseemethisevening？Iwaslessthen。”
　　“No。Wherewasyou？”
　　“Behindtheleavesoftheprimrose。Didn’tyouseethemblowing？”
　　“Yes。”
　　“Makehaste，then，ifyouwanttogowithme。”
　　“Butyouarenotbigenoughtotakecareofme。IthinkyouareonlyMissNorthWind。”
　　“Iambigenoughtoshowyoutheway，anyhow。Butifyouwon’tcome，why，youmuststay。”
　　“Imustdressmyself。Ididn’tmindwithagrownlady，butI
　　couldn’tgowithalittlegirlinmynight-gown。”
　　“Verywell。I’mnotinsuchahurryasIwastheothernight。
　　Dressasfastasyoucan，andI’llgoandshaketheprimroseleavestillyoucome。”
　　“Don’thurtit。”saidDiamond。
　　NorthWindbrokeoutinalittlelaughlikethebreakingofsilverbubbles，andwasgoneinamoment。Diamondsaw——
　　foritwasastarlitnight，andthemassofhaywasatalowebbnow——thegleamofsomethingvanishingdownthestair，and，springingoutofbed，dressedhimselfasfastaseverhecould。
　　Thenhecreptoutintotheyard，throughthedoorinthewall，andawaytotheprimrose。BehinditstoodNorthWind，leaningoverit，andlookingattheflowerasifshehadbeenitsmother。
　　“Comealong。”shesaid，jumpingupandholdingoutherhand。
　　Diamondtookherhand。Itwascold，butsopleasantandfulloflife，itwasbetterthanwarm。Sheledhimacrossthegarden。
　　Withoneboundshewasonthetopofthewall。Diamondwasleftatthefoot。
　　“Stop，stop！“hecried。“Please，Ican’tjumplikethat。”
　　“Youdon’ttry“saidNorthWind，whofromthetoplookeddownafoottallerthanbefore。
　　“Givemeyourhandagain，andIwill，try“saidDiamond。
　　Shereacheddown，Diamondlaidholdofherhand，gaveagreatspring，andstoodbesideher。
　　“Thisisnice！“hesaid。
　　Anotherbound，andtheystoodintheroadbytheriver。
　　Itwasfulltide，andthestarswereshiningclearinitsdepths，foritlaystill，waitingfortheturntorundownagaintothesea。
　　Theywalkedalongitsside。Buttheyhadnotwalkedfarbeforeitssurfacewascoveredwithripples，andthestarshadvanishedfromitsbosom。
　　AndNorthWindwasnowtallasafull-growngirl。Herhairwasflyingaboutherhead，andthewindwasblowingabreezedowntheriver。
　　Butsheturnedasideandwentupanarrowlane，andasshewentherhairfelldownaroundher。
　　“Ihavesomeratherdisagreeableworktodoto-night。”shesaid，“beforeIgetouttosea，andImustsetaboutitatonce。
　　Thedisagreeableworkmustbelookedafterfirst。”
　　Sosaying，shelaidholdofDiamondandbegantorun，glidingalongfasterandfaster。Diamondkeptupwithheraswellashecould。
　　Shemademanyturningsandwindings，apparentlybecauseitwasnotquiteeasytogethimoverwallsandhouses。Oncetheyranthroughahallwheretheyfoundbackandfrontdoorsopen。AtthefootofthestairNorthWindstoodstill，andDiamond，hearingagreatgrowl，startedinterror，andthere，insteadofNorthWind，wasahugewolfbyhisside。Heletgohisholdindismay，andthewolfboundedupthestair。Thewindowsofthehouserattledandshookasifgunswerefiring，andthesoundofagreatfallcamefromabove。
　　Diamondstoodwithwhitefacestaringupatthelanding。
　　“Surely。”hethought，“NorthWindcan’tbeeatingoneofthechildren！“
　　Comingtohimselfallatonce，herushedafterherwithhislittlefistclenched。Therewereladiesinlongtrainsgoingupanddownthestairs，andgentlemeninwhitenecktiesattendingonthem，whostaredathim，butnoneofthemwereofthepeopleofthehouse，andtheysaidnothing。Beforehereachedtheheadofthestair，however，NorthWindmethim，tookhimbythehand，andhurrieddownandoutofthehouse。
　　“Ihopeyouhaven’teatenababy，NorthWind！“saidDiamond，verysolemnly。
　　NorthWindlaughedmerrily，andwenttrippingonfaster。Hergrassyrobesweptandswirledabouthersteps，andwhereveritpassedoverwitheredleaves，theywentfleeingandwhirlinginspirals，andrunningontheiredgeslikewheels，allaboutherfeet。
　　“No。”shesaidatlast，“Ididnoteatababy。Youwouldnothavehadtoaskthatfoolishquestionifyouhadnotletgoyourholdofme。
　　YouwouldhaveseenhowIservedanursethatwascallingachildbadnames，andtellinghershewaswicked。Shehadbeendrinking。
　　Isawanuglyginbottleinacupboard。”
　　“Andyoufrightenedher？”saidDiamond。
　　“Ibelieveso！“answeredNorthWindlaughingmerrily。“Iflewatherthroat，andshetumbledoveronthefloorwithsuchacrashthattheyranin。She’llbeturnedawayto-morrow——andquitetime，iftheyknewasmuchasIdo。”
　　“Butdidn’tyoufrightenthelittleone？”
　　“Sheneversawme。Thewomanwouldnothaveseenmeeitherifshehadnotbeenwicked。”
　　“Oh！“saidDiamond，dubiously。
　　“Whyshouldyouseethings。”returnedNorthWind，“thatyouwouldn’tunderstandorknowwhattodowith？Goodpeopleseegoodthings;
　　badpeople，badthings。”
　　“Thenareyouabadthing？”
　　“No。Foryouseeme，Diamond，dear。”saidthegirl，andshelookeddownathim，andDiamondsawthelovingeyesofthegreatladybeamingfromthedepthsofherfallinghair。
　　“Ihadtomakemyselflooklikeabadthingbeforeshecouldseeme。
　　IfIhadputonanyothershapethanawolf’sshewouldnothaveseenme，forthatiswhatisgrowingtobeherownshapeinsideofher。”
　　“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean。”saidDiamond，“butIsupposeit’sallright。”
　　Theywerenowclimbingtheslopeofagrassyascent。ItwasPrimroseHill，infact，althoughDiamondhadneverheardofit。
　　Themomenttheyreachedthetop，NorthWindstoodandturnedherfacetowardsLondonThestarswerestillshiningclearandcoldoverhead。
　　Therewasnotacloudtobeseen。Theairwassharp，butDiamonddidnotfinditcold。
　　“Now。”saidthelady，“whateveryoudo，donotletmyhandgo。
　　Imighthavelostyouthelasttime，onlyIwasnotinahurrythen:
　　nowIaminahurry。”
　　Yetshestoodstillforamoment。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　NORTHWIND
　　ANDasshestoodlookingtowardsLondon，Diamondsawthatshewastrembling。
　　“Areyoucold，NorthWind？”heasked。
　　“No，Diamond。”sheanswered，lookingdownuponhimwithasmile;
　　“Iamonlygettingreadytosweeponeofmyrooms。Thosecareless，greedy，untidychildrenmakeitinsuchamess。”
　　Asshespokehecouldhavetoldbyhervoice，ifhehadnotseenwithhiseyes，thatshewasgrowinglargerandlarger。Herheadwentupanduptowardsthestars;andasshegrew，stilltremblingthroughallherbody，herhairalsogrew——longerandlonger，andlifteditselffromherhead，andwentoutinblackwaves。
　　Thenextmoment，however，itfellbackaroundher，andshegrewlessandlesstillshewasonlyatallwoman。Thensheputherhandsbehindherhead，andgatheredsomeofherhair，andbeganweavingandknottingittogether。Whenshehaddone，shebentdownherbeautifulfaceclosetohis，andsaid——
　　“Diamond，Iamafraidyouwouldnotkeepholdofme，andifI
　　weretodropyou，Idon’tknowwhatmighthappen;soIhavebeenmakingaplaceforyouinmyhair。Come。”
　　Diamondheldouthisarms，forwiththatgrandfacelookingathim，hebelievedlikeababy。Shetookhiminherhands，threwhimoverhershoulder，andsaid，“Getin，Diamond。”
　　AndDiamondpartedherhairwithhishands，creptbetween，andfeelingaboutsoonfoundthewovennest。Itwasjustlikeapocket，orliketheshawlinwhichgipsywomencarrytheirchildren。
　　NorthWindputherhandstoherback，feltallaboutthenest，andfindingitsafe，said——
　　“Areyoucomfortable，Diamond？”
　　“Yes，indeed。”answeredDiamond。
　　Thenextmomenthewasrisingintheair。NorthWindgrewtoweringuptotheplaceoftheclouds。Herhairwentstreamingoutfromher，tillitspreadlikeamistoverthestars。Sheflungherselfabroadinspace。
　　Diamondheldonbytwoofthetwistedropeswhich，partedandinterwoven，formedhisshelter，forhecouldnothelpbeingalittleafraid。
　　Assoonashehadcometohimself，hepeepedthroughthewovenmeshes，forhedidnotdaretolookoverthetopofthenest。Theearthwasrushingpastlikeariveroraseabelowhim。Treesandwaterandgreengrasshurriedawaybeneath。AgreatroarofwildanimalsroseastheyrushedovertheZoologicalGardens，mixedwithachatteringofmonkeysandascreamingofbirds;butitdiedawayinamomentbehindthem。Andnowtherewasnothingbuttheroofsofhouses，sweepingalonglikeagreattorrentofstonesandrocks。
　　Chimney-potsfell，andtilesflewfromtheroofs;butitlookedtohimasiftheywereleftbehindbytheroofsandthechimneysastheyscuddedaway。Therewasagreatroaring，forthewindwasdashingagainstLondonlikeasea;butatNorthWind’sbackDiamond，ofcourse，feltnothingofitall。Hewasinaperfectcalm。
　　Hecouldhearthesoundofit，thatwasall。
　　Byandbyheraisedhimselfandlookedovertheedgeofhisnest。
　　Therewerethehousesrushingupandshootingawaybelowhim，likeafiercetorrentofrocksinsteadofwater。Thenhelookeduptothesky，butcouldseenostars;theywerehiddenbytheblindingmassesofthelady’shairwhichsweptbetween。
　　Hebegantowonderwhethershewouldhearhimifhespoke。
　　Hewouldtry。