CONTENTS
CHAPTER
I. BESIDE THE ROARING ILLER-STREAM
II. UP IN THE TOP STORY
III. NEW APPEARANCES IN ILLER-STREAM
IV. THE UNWISHED-FOR HAPPENS
V. A NEWCOMER IN ILLER-STREAM
VI. A FRIEND IS FOUND
VII. A NEW SORROW
VIII. A MOTHER
IX. A GREAT CHANGE
X. NEW LIFE IN ILLER-STREAM
CHAPTER I
BESIDE THE ROARING ILLER-STREAM
Spring had come again on the banks of the Iller-Stream, and the young
beech trees were swaying to and fro. One moment their glossy foliage
was sparkling in the sunshine, and the next a deep shadow was cast
over the leaves. A strong south wind was blowing, driving huge clouds
across the sun.
A little girl with glowing cheeks and blowing hair came running through
the wood. Her eyes sparkled with delight, while she was being driven
along by the wind, or had to fight her way against it. From her arm
was dangling a hat, which, as she raced along, seemed anxious to free
itself from the fluttering ribbons in order to fly away. The child now
slackened her pace and began to sing:
The snow's on the meadow,
The snow's all around,
The snow lies in heaps
All over the ground.
Hurrah, oh hurrah!
All over the ground.
Oh cuckoo from the woods,
Oh flowers so bright,
Oh kindliest sun,
Come and bring us delight!
Hurrah, oh hurrah!
Come and bring us delight!
When the swallow comes back
And the finches all sing,
I sing and I dance
For joy of the Spring.
Hurrah, oh hurrah!
For joy of the Spring.
