14 Nature Myths and Stories.

The little girls stopped many times to rest under
the oak trees which shaded their pathway.

They could find no flowers, but they made a
basket of oak leaves and filled it with berries for the
wise woman.

They fed the fish in the brook and talked to the
squirrels and the birds.

They walked on and on in the rocky path.

After awhile the sun went down. The birds
stopped singing. .

The squirrels went to bed.

The trees fell asleep.

Even the wind was resting.

Oh, how still and coolit was on the hillside!

The moon and stars came out.

The frogs and toads awoke.

The night music began.

The beetles and fireflies flew away to a party.

But the tired little children climbed on towards
the hilltop.

At last they reached it. :

There at the gate was the strange, old woman,
looking even more stern than usual.

The little girls were frightened. They clung
close together while brave Golden Hair said, “we
know you are wise and wecame to see if you would
tell us how to make everyone happy.”

“Please let us stay together,” said timid Blue
Eyes.