So they went down the crooked road that led to the forest and went in. The two boys led the way.
They heard the birds singing in the trees.
They saw the squirrels leaping and running.
They heard the ripple of the silvery brook.
They breathed the perfume of the pine trees and the firs.
They traced the footprints of bears, and rabbits, and deer.
Every little thing interested them now.
They gazed at the tender blue sky above. Never before had it looked so beautiful.
Never had the grass seemed so fresh and sweet and green.