Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/253

Rh the boys' leathern satchel. She also added some dried fruit. Breakfast over, the children were ready to start on their journey. "Go in the name of the Lord, and don't forget what I have told you," said the mother, standing in the door.

They kissed their mother's hand, while their eyes filled with tears. Grandmother did not bid them good-bye yet; she went with them across the orchard, and Sultan and Tyrol followed. "Now, boys, you must mind Barunka; you know she is older than you," said Grandmother, on the way. "Don't play any of your foolhardy tricks, lest you hurt yourselves! Improve your time well in school; if you do not you will regret it when you are older. Greet respectfully every one you meet and keep out of the way of teams. You, Willie, don't try to pet every dog you meet; some are cross, and you might get bitten. Don't go into the water, and when you are warm, do not drink. And Johnny, don't you eat your lunch before dinner time, and then gape at the others. Now, good-bye. Adelka and I will come to meet you about four o'clock."

"And Grandma, don't forget to leave us some dinner,—a part of everything you have," begged John.

"You foolish boy, how should we forget!" said Grandmother. Then she blessed each one with the sign of the cross, and they turned to go, when she thought of something else. "Should a storm come up—I don't believe it will—then don't be afraid; go your way quietly and pray, but don't stop under a tree, for lightning is very apt to strike into a tree. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am, Papa told us so once, too."