“I daresay not,” answered the clergyman; “but if this tree had been there now, it would not have been blown down, for there is no wind there.”
“But, please, sir, if it had been there,” said Diamond, “we should not have had to be sorry for it.”
“Certainly not.”
“Then we shouldn't have had to be glad for it, either.”
“You're quite right, my boy,” said the clergyman, looking at him very kindly, as he turned away to the house, with his eyes bent towards the earth. But Diamond thought within himself, “I will ask North Wind next time I see her to take me to that country. I think she did speak about it once before.”
CHAPTER IX. HOW DIAMOND GOT TO THE BACK OF THE NORTH WIND
WHEN Diamond went home to breakfast, he found his father and mother already seated at the table. They were both busy with their bread and butter, and Diamond sat himself down in his usual place. His mother looked up at him, and, after watching him for a moment, said:
“I don't think the boy is looking well, husband.”
“Don't you? Well, I don't know. I think he looks pretty bobbish. How do you feel yourself, Diamond, my boy?”