Instantly both the goosey-gander and Dunfin, who lay on a bench with their feet tied, gave a cry of joy, so that he was sure they were alive.
Some one else gave a cry of joy—his mother!
"My, but you have grown tall and handsome!" she exclaimed.
The boy had not entered the cabin, but was standing on the doorstep, like one who is not quite certain how he will be received.
"The Lord be praised that I have you back again!" said his mother, laughing and crying. "Come in, my boy! Come in!"
"Welcome!" added his father, and not another word could he utter.
But the boy still lingered at the threshold. He could not comprehend why they were so glad to see him—such as he was. Then his mother came and put her arms around him and drew him into the room, and he knew that he was all right.
"Mother and father!" he cried. "I'm a big boy. I am a human being again!"
THE PARTING WITH THE WILD GEESE
Wednesday, November ninth.