Page:The shoemaker's apron (1920).djvu/31

 “I’m hunting for strawberries,” Marushka answered.

“Strawberries? But, Marushka, my child, it is winter and strawberries do not grow in the snow.”

Marushka shook her head sadly.

“I know that, sir, but my sister, Holena, says I must bring her strawberries from the forest or she will kill me and my mother says so, too. Please, sir, won’t you tell me where I can find some?”

Great January slowly stood up and walked over to the Month who sat opposite him. He handed him the long staff and said:

“Here, June, you take the high seat.”

So June took the high seat and began waving the staff over the fire. The flames blazed high and with the heat the snow all about melted instantly. The earth grew green; the trees decked themselves in leaves; the birds began to sing; flowers bloomed and, lo, it was summer! Presently little starry white blossoms covered the ground under the beech trees. Soon these turned to fruit, first green, then pink, then red, and, with a gasp of delight, Marushka saw that they were ripe strawberries.

“Now, Marushka,” June cried, “there are your strawberries! Pick them quickly!”