Gretel's home was a pretty, brown chalet, whose roof was covered with large stones to keep it from being blown away
"They are feeding farther up on the higher alps," said Gretel. "Father takes them up early every summer, and they don't come down until fall."
"Do you think we shall see them on our way over the mountains?" asked Joe.
"Yes, I am sure you will," said Gretel. "Your path goes right across the alp where father's little cabin is. My two brothers, Franz and Sep, are up there with father now. They take care of the goats, and help to milk the cows and make the cheese. I wish I were up there, too!"
"Why can't you go up with us?" asked Jack. "You could surprise your father and brothers."
"Oh, I should love to go!" cried Gretel. "I could stay with them in their little cabin for a few days, then Franz would bring me home, I know he would. I will ask mother if I may go. See, this is our chalet."
It was a pretty, brown chalet. The broad, low roof was covered with many large stones to keep it from being blown away during the great winter storms.
But now it was the lovely summer time, and Gretel's mother had set two small tables just outside her front door. She always had something good to serve to hungry trampers To-day there was a big bowl of delicious wild strawberries on each of the tables.