The crops grew better each year.
And the people felt happier.
Then they pondered the things which Father Thrift had taught them. And they did again as they had done when he was with them.
They lived simply, spent wisely, and wasted nothing.
And the quaint old town and the country around it grew prosperous, as in the days of old.
Then after many days the people said:
“We must enter the wood at all costs—even at the risk of our lives.
“We must find good Father Thrift and do him honor.”