But no moralizing ever interferes with the course of the narrative, which flows along with a delicate intuition as to suspense and climax. The boy Vinzi’s love of music and his father’s determination to make a farmer of him provide the central motive. It is noteworthy that the father, who with a less skilful author would be the villain of the tale, is never made to lose our respect. But the best feature of the book is the joyous life of the children, which occupies by far the most space. Madame Spyri’s panacea for the ills of life is an old one, but it is doubtful whether anything better can be found than her combination, which is: Faith in God, active helpfulness toward all around, love of beauty, fresh mountain air, and good food. Surely so much happiness has seldom been packed within the covers of a children’s book as may be found in Vinzi.

Charles Wharton Stork.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. In Leuk[ 13]
II. On The Pasture[ 31]
III. Unlooked-for Events[ 53]
IV. A Departure and an Arrival[ 75]
V. Banishment[ 98]
VI. Higher Up The Mountain[ 134]
VII. Still More Music[ 166]
VIII. Unexpected Happenings[ 199]
IX. Surprises, But Not Only For Russli[ 225]
X. Old Friends and New Life[ 240]
XI. The Old Song Once More[ 272]