Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/312

Rh "Why, yes, Mother, to be sure I will," he said, for he was an obedient boy.

One summer day Hansel sat on a bank under a favorite tree whittling a bit of wood into the shape of a goat. The live goat which he was copying munched the leaves of a vine close by. She was a pretty creature, and gave the milk which made Hansel's black bread taste so sweet at breakfast and supper.

He had finished his model, and was examining it with some satisfaction, when a stranger appeared beside him.

Hansel was startled, but not really alarmed. His first thought was of fairies, but he felt that fairies must be little and gauzy, and would not wear suits of gray cloth, nor carry big white umbrellas, nor have such broad shoulders and long brown beards. Still, he was a very little nervous, for he had not seen many people in his short life.

"Good-morning, my little man," said