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 delighted; “that it is the most beautiful thing in the world to be up here with grandfather.”

The latter at that moment appeared coming from the goat shed and bringing two small foaming bowls of snow-white milk—one for Clara and one for Heidi.

“That will do the little daughter good,” he said, nodding to Clara; “it is from Little Swan and will make her strong. To your health, child! drink it up.”

Clara had never tasted goat’s milk before; she hesitated and smelt it before putting it to her lips, but seeing how Heidi drank hers up without hesitating, and how much she seemed to like it, Clara did the same, and drank till there was not a drop left, for she too found it delicious, tasting just as if sugar and cinnamon had been mixed with it.

“To-morrow we will drink two,” said the grandfather, who had looked on with satisfaction at seeing her follow Heidi’s example.

Peter now arrived with the goats, and while Heidi was receiving her usual crowded morning greetings, Uncle drew Peter aside to speak to him, for the goats bleated so loudly and continuously in their wish to express their joy and affection that no one could be heard near them.

“Attend to what I have to say,” he said. “From to-day be sure you let Little Swan go where she likes. She has an instinct where to find the best food for herself, and so if she wants to climb higher, you follow her, and it will do the others no harm if they go too; on no account bring her back. A little more climbing won’t hurt you, and in this matter she probably knows better than you what is good for her; I want her to give