use to his fellow-men. After having agreed with a purchaser, and
received payment, he delivered the key to him with these words--

"Friend, you have paid me honorably, and I must give you a bit of good
advice into the bargain. You may be visited sometimes by strange persons
of very small stature, who will ask favors of you. Follow my counsel,
and oblige them in what they request. You will find it for your good in
doing so." Then the old miller bade him good-by, and went his way.

The new miller took possession of the place, with his wife and only
child, whose name was Tony.

[Illustration]

Now Tony was a good boy, but very fond of playing, and in the winter
season nothing delighted him more than to go a skating with the
neighbors' children.

This his father was very willing he should do, because he believed it to
be useful in strengthening his limbs.

Here is a picture of Tony skating, but you see he has fallen down flat
on his back; but he never minds trifles, he will be up in a moment.

Tony's father was very active, industrious, and exceedingly clever at
his business, of a frugal turn, and his wife also a good manager; no
wonder that they soon became prosperous.

Half a year had passed away without his hearing or seeing any thing of
the little people the old miller had mentioned at parting; but at last,
one morning as he was standing outside the mill, a little woman appeared
before him so suddenly that he started in surprise. With a small clear
voice she spoke.

"Good-morning, neighbor. I came to ask you to open your sluice-gates at
noon, so that your mill may stop for half an hour. We have had our large
wash, and shall empty our tubs, which will cause a flood that might
injure your mill. Farewell! and pray attend to my friendly warning."

CHAPTER SECOND.

HOW THE MILLER BEHAVED TO HIS KIND NEIGHBORS, AND ABOUT THE RUSHING
TORRENT WHICH CAME VERY NEAR DESTROYING THE OLD MILL.

The miller knew not what to think. He had never heard of these neighbors
before. He had lately been in the upper valley to cut firewood for the
winter season, and had seen no trace of inhabitants in the silent gloomy
forest. "Besides," thought he, "wherever they are, and if they have ever
so great a wash, what need is there to stop my mill? No, no, it will not
do, careful neighbor; there is a great deal of meal to be ground
to-day, and we must lose no time." He went to work, and forgot the
warning.

At dinner, however