“I suppose you can get along without Katrina’s help.”
“Oh, yes, perfectly. For that matter, I have a boy outside there who will be a fine helper. He’s very quick and oh! awfully strong.”
“I hadn’t supposed great strength was necessary to pick a few apples.”
“He’s a very good boy, too, Aunt Grenertsen.”
“Glad to hear it. Well, bring your paragon in and go to work.”
At last Johnny Blossom and Tellef stood under the apple tree with a big basket.
My, oh, my! Just look at all the apples! There must be fully a half bushel—a good many for such a little old tree.
“You go up in the tree and shake it,” said Johnny.
“Here I go,” responded Tellef. He sprang to the tree, gripped the trunk with his knees and was up in a trice. Vigorous shaking. Five big apples thumped to the ground.