THE CHARCOAL BURNER'S STAR.
(Concluded from page 9.)
Alfred was struck mute with surprise. Even the guide seemed astonished at this unexpected welcome to the hut.
It was not until a minute or two after the voices had ceased that they ventured to approach the entrance. When they did, they saw the charcoal burner standing at the end of a rude table, formed of one broad deal plank, supported by four legs, along one side of which were ranged three boys between twelve and fourteen years old. Books and paper, with an inkstand and pens, were lying on the table. It was a forest school.
The intruders again paused at a sight as unexpected as had been the melody they had just heard. But their footsteps had caught the ears of those within the hut.
"Who goes there?" asked the man, in a calm voice.
"Friends," replied both Alfred and the guide, and the latter added—
"Good evening, Gervais. It is only your friend Michel. I have brought you a gentleman who is very anxious to see you."