of the precipice."

Every one thanked the story-teller, and begged him to tell more of
the Hartz Mountains, where he had spent his boyhood days. The
children were delighted when he spoke of the gnomes, in whom he
believed when he was a child.

"Every time I went out in the dark woods," he said, "I was on the
lookout for these funny little fairies of the underground world. I
wanted to see them, but at the same time I was afraid I should meet
them.

"I remember one time that my mother sent me on an errand through the
woods at twilight. I was in the thickest part of the woods, when I
heard a sound that sent a shiver down my back.

"'It is a witch, or some other dreadful being,' I said to myself.
'Nothing else could make a sound like that.' My teeth chattered. My
legs shook so, I could hardly move. Somehow or other, I managed to
keep on. It seemed as though hours passed before I saw the lights of
the village. Yet I suppose it was not more than fifteen minutes.

"When I was once more safe inside my own home, I told my father and
mother about my fright.

"'It was no witch, my child,' said my father. 'The sound you
describe was probably the cry of a wildcat. I thank Heaven that you
are safe. A wildcat is not a very pleasant creature to meet in a
lonely place.'

"After that, I was never sent away from the village after dark.

"My boy friends and I often came across badgers and deer, and
sometimes foxes made their way into the village in search of poultry,
but I never came nearer to meeting a wildcat than the time of which I
have just told you."

"What work did you do out of school hours?" asked Hans. The boy was
thinking of the toys he had to carve.

"My mother raised canary-birds, and I used to help her a great deal.
Nearly every woman in the village was busy at the same work. What
concerts we did have in those days! Mother tended every young bird
she raised with the greatest care. Would it become a good singer and
bring a fair price? We waited anxiously for the first notes, and
then watched to see how the voices gained in strength and sweetness.

"It was a pleasant life, and I was very happy among the birds in our
little village. Would you like to hear a song I used to sing at that
time? It is all about the birds and bees and flowers."

"Do sing it for us," cried every one.

Herr Abel had a good voice and they listened with pleasure to his
song. This is the first stanza:

"I have been