SHADOW BROOK. 5D

had he sent rattling down upon their heads, for their
busy little hands to gather into the baskets! In short,
he had been as active as a squirrel or a monkey, and
now, flinging himself down on the yellow leaves, seemed
inclined to take a little rest.

But children have no mercy nor consideration for any-
body’s weariness; andif you had but a single breath
left, they would ask you to spend it in telling them a
story. |

“Cousin Eustace,” said Cowslip, “that was a very nice
story of the Gorgon’s Head. Do you think you could
tell us another as good?”

“Yes, child,” said Eustace, pulling the brim of his cap
over his eyes, as if preparing fora nap. “I can tell you
a dozen, as good or better, if I choose.”

‘OQ Primrose and Periwinkle, do you hear what he
says?” cried Cowslip, dancing with delight. ‘Cousin
Kustace is going to tell us a dozen better stories than
that about the Gorgon’s Head!”

“JT did not promise you even one, you foolish little
Cowslip!” said Kustace, half pettishly. ‘“ However, I
suppose you must have it. This is the consequence of
having earned a reputation! I wish I were a great
deal duller than I am, or that I had never shown half
the bright qualities with which nature has endowed
me; and then I might have my nap out, in peace and
comfort !”

But Cousin Eustace, as I think I have hinted before,
was as fond of telling his stories as the children of hear-
ing them. His mind was in a free and happy state, and