A FAITHFUL SHEPHERD BOY
Gerhardt was a German shepherd boy, and a noble fellow he was, although he was very poor.
One day he was watching his flock, which was feeding in a valley on the borders of a forest, when a hunter came out of the woods and asked:—
"How far is it to the nearest village?"
"Six miles, sir," replied the boy; "but the road is only a sheep track, and very easily missed."
The hunter looked at the crooked track and said:—
"My lad, I am very hungry and thirsty; I have lost my companions and missed my way; leave your sheep and show me the road. I will pay you well."
"I cannot leave my sheep, sir," replied Gerhardt. "They will stray into the forest, and may be eaten by wolves or stolen by robbers."
"Well, what of that?" queried the hunter. "They are not your sheep. The loss of one or more wouldn't be much to your master, and I'll give you more than you have earned in a whole year."