“It was so splendid to know that as the tree spread its branches in the air, so it spread its roots under the ground, giving it such a firm support the wind would have to be very strong indeed to blow it over.
“‘How does it drink?’ the boy asked one day.
“‘Oh, such a fine way. It is a story all by itself,’ replied Johnny. ‘At the end of each root there are wee spongy mouths. When the rain comes they drink it and whisper “Run fast to the trunk.”
“‘As it rushes through the trunk, the trunk cries in a gruff voice, “Run along to the branches.”
“‘The branches wave and in sweet tones cry, “Welcome, run along to the twigs, they need you.” The twigs drink it and whisper, “Run along to the stems; they are just waiting for you.” The stems send it out to the tip end of the leaves as they wildly wave and laugh aloud over their sweet gift, for this water in the tree is sweet food that nourishes every part and is called sap.’
“This was a fine story, and every time it rained Jack watched the little tree, and thought he could almost hear the voices sending the moisture on and on.
“As time passed the tree became stronger and larger, and finally one spring day when Jack was quite a big boy he found buds on the branches.
“‘Buds!’ he called in great excitement, and real buds they were, which the whole family came out to admire.
“The buds blossomed, and as the petals snowed down the air was sweet with their fragrance.
