THE COOK.
An old woman lived in the hunter’s home. She was the cook. She was busy all day long doing the work and taking care of the children, for Lena’s mother was dead.
The hunter went out early in the morning. At night he came home, bringing what he had shot in the woods. Then he played with the children or told them wonderful stories.
Lena and her father both loved Birdie dearly and were always kind to her. But the old cook did not love her at all. She was angry when the hunter brought the little child home. She had more work to do caring for two children than for one; and the children were often noisy in their play. All this made the old cook dislike Birdie. So she made up her mind to get rid of her.
A great iron pot stood in the kitchen. One day Lena saw the old cook carrying pails of water from the spring near the house. She poured the water into the big pot and went for more. This she did again and again.
Lena wondered why she was doing this. She asked, “Why are you carrying in so much water?” The cook looked around to see if anyone else were near. Then she whispered to Lena, “I will tell you, Lena, if you promise never, never to tell anyone.” Lena promised. Then the old woman said, “I do not like Birdie. I am filling this big pot with water and to-morrow, when your father is gone, I will drown her in it.”
Suggestions.
Talk of springs; cooking; value of good cooking.
III.
Preparation.
Birdie is saved by Lena. Talk of Birdie’s danger. Children imagine how she might be saved.
Narration.