OLD WOMAN’S COW.
When St. Peter and St. John were visiting the poor in Brittany they stopped one day to rest at a farm-house among the trees, where they met a little old woman who kindly brought them a pitcher of cool water.
After the saints had drunk, the old woman told them the story of her hard life. She had seen better days, she said; her husband had once owned a cow, but he had lost it, and he now was only a laborer on the place.
“Let me take the stick in your hand,” said St. Peter.
The saint struck the stick on the ground, and up came a fine cow with udders full of milk.
“Holy Virgin!” said the woman. “What made that cow come up from the ground?”
“The grace of God,” said St. Peter.
When the saints had gone, the old woman wondered whether, if she were to strike with the stick on the ground, another cow would appear.
She struck the ground as she had seen St. Peter do, when up came an enormous wolf and killed the cow.
The old woman ran after the saints and told her alarming story.
“You should have been content,” said St. Peter, “with the cow the Lord gave you. It shall be restored to you.”
She turned back, and found the cow at the door, lowing to be milked.
Another story, which greatly pleased Tommy is