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，ThymotherisshakingthedreamlandtreeAnddownfallsalittledreamonthee。
　　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。