On the opposite side of the circle sat September, and he saw the girl standing there, helpless. He felt sorry for her and standing up, he waved his wand over the fire. The circle and the old men disappeared. They were standing in a gently rolling field. The air was soft; the crickets were chirping in the grass and there was in the sky a haze. All around here stood great apple trees, loaded with fruit, red and yellow.
September said to the girl, “Help yourself.”
Dobrunka picked up two of the largest apples, and then fled back to the house. When her sister saw her, she seized the apples, ate one and gave the other to her mother. As soon as the apples were eaten,—she came to Dobronka, and said, “Why did you not bring more apples?”
Then Dobrunka told her about the old men and how they had helped her each time.
“Then,” said Katinka, “I know why you did not bring more, you ate them up on the way. Go back, and bring me more or I will beat you.”
Dobrunka said, “Please do not send me again in the cold,” and she begged that she might stay in the house.
Then Katinka said, “I will go myself; if you could get them I can get them from the old men.”
She left the house and walked through the forest, and soon came in sight of the fire where sat the twelve old men. When she came near to them, she said, “Hello there, old grey beards, I want some apples and want them quick!”
January was not accustomed to such words. He stood up and waved his wand over the fire and the fire and the circle were gone.