“How can you tell what the birds and insects think about?” said Nanny, looking inquiringly into her brother’s face.
“Of course we can only fancy it all,” Toni replied; “but mother often talked about these things, and taught us to be kind to dumb creatures, and never to hurt even the smallest insect that God had made, because they can feel as well as we; and then she would tell us so many pretty stories of their different ways, that it makes me think sometimes they must have some sort of reason like human beings. But now step in, Nanny; we must not talk any longer, but go on our way, or we shall never reach grandfather’s.” The little one settled herself comfortably in the cart, her brothers harnessed themselves once more, and away they went.
Story 2--Chapter III.
When they had gone a short distance, Hans, who had been looking rather grave, whispered into his brother’s ear, “Toni, do not say this to Nanny—but how shall we know where grandfather’s house is? We may wander among the mountains all day long and never find it.”
“God will lead us right,” answered the trusting boy, “and give us strength for the long journey. Only think, we have been up all night, and are not tired yet. But, Nanny,” he said, turning to his sister, “you must go to sleep now; lie down and shut your little eyes.”
The boys stopped, folded up their coats, putting them under her head for a pillow; and, being protected from the sun’s rays by a sort of awning formed of green boughs, she snuggled her head down and was soon fast asleep.
It was some hours before Nanny awoke. They had passed through some villages without stopping in any, and were now beginning to feel very hungry. It was early dawn when they had their drink of milk, and they had tasted nothing since. The little girl began to cry piteously, but Toni comforted her, promising they would get something to eat the very next place they came to. Just at that moment a cart filled with potatoes passed them; and as they followed in its track they found, to their great joy, that here and there one or two had fallen on the road, so they were thankfully gathered up and put into Nanny’s apron, the carter meanwhile having vanished out of sight. Some distance in front was a large meadow, where a flock of sheep was feeding. When they came near they saw the shepherd in the act of warming his breakfast over a fire of sticks he had just kindled. The boys, running up to him, asked leave to bake their potatoes in the ashes. This was readily granted; and not only that—the man kindly shared his meal with the hungry children, giving each of them some porridge and a slice of bread.