Yes, it was Biddy's voice, calling her runaway child. She approached him at a quick run; and it was not till he was safe under her wing that the quick beat of his heart slackened, and he felt once more at peace. Peterlin then and there resolved that he would wait till he was older before he started again on his travels.
From the German.
ON THE GATE.
Where are you going? Have you got
Any thing good to eat
In that big basket? Let me peek!
Do you live on our street?
I'm six years old to-day; aren't you
Surprised? I wish you'd wait!
I'll tell you something, if you will,
And swing you on our gate.
This is my grandpa's house. I wish
He was your grandpa too!
I guess your mother'll let you come
And stay with me; don't you?
I'm making patchwork: it's to keep
The heathens warm. I hate
To keep in-doors. I wish I could
Swing all day on the gate!
Have you a doll? Yes? Mine got drowned:
Joe threw her down the well;
But pretty soon I'm going to buy
A new one; don't you tell!
My bank is almost full; I'll let
You shake it, if you'll wait:
Pa said he'd fill it if I would
Stop swinging on the gate.
We've got some kittens in the barn;
They're way up in the loft:
I like to hold them in my lap,
They feel so warm and soft.
Joe broke my little spade one day,
Digging the earth for bait:
Does your big brother call you names,
And pull you off the gate?
I go to school. I'm at the head:
You ought to hear me spell!
I and another girl are in
The class. There goes the bell!
I'll have to run, and get my books.
Oh, dear! I shall be late:
Another scolding I shall get
For swinging on the gate!
H. B.