ans. But we own the best of the Rhine, anyway. I
am perfectly satisfied."

"I wish I knew all the legends about the river. There are enough of
them to fill many books. Did you ever hear about the Rats' Tower
opposite the town of Bingen, Bertha?"

[Illustration: The Rats' Tower.]

"What a funny name for a tower! No. Is there a story about it,
Hans?"

"Yes, one of the boys was telling it to me yesterday while we were
getting wood in the forest. It is a good story, although my friend
said he wasn't sure it is true."

"What is the story?"

"It is about a very wicked bishop who was a miser. It happened one
time that the harvests were poor and grain was scarce. The cruel
bishop bought all the grain he could get and locked it up. He
intended to sell it for a high price, and in this way to become very
rich.

"As the days went by, the food became scarcer and scarcer. The
people began to sicken and die of hunger. They had but one thought:
they must get something to eat for their children and themselves.

"They knew of the stores of grain held by the bishop. They went to
him and begged for some of it, but he paid no attention to their
prayers. Then they demanded that he open the doors of the storehouse
and let them have the grain. It was of no use.

"At last, they gathered together, and said:

"'We will break down the door if you do not give it to us.'

"'Come to-morrow,' answered the bishop. 'Bring your friends with
you. You shall have all the grain you desire.'

"The morrow came. Crowds gathered in front of the granary. The
bishop unlocked the door, saying:

"'Go inside and help yourselves freely.'

"The people rushed in. Then what do you think the cruel bishop did?
He ordered his servants to lock the door and set the place on fire!

"The air was soon filled with the screams of the burning people. But
the bishop only laughed and danced. He said to his servants:

"'Do you hear the rats squeaking inside the granary?'

"The next day came. There were only ashes in place of the great
storehouse. There seemed to be no life about the town, for the
people were all dead.

"Suddenly there was a great scurrying, as a tremendous swarm of rats
came rushing out of the ashes. On they came, more and more of them.
They filled the streets, and even made their way into the palace.

"The wicked bishop was filled with fear. He fled from the place and
hurried away over the fields. But, the swarm of