Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/325

308 Early on the following morning, he started alone and on foot for the charcoal-burner's hut.

An unaccountable sadness had come over him, and it deepened as he drew nearer to the old home.

At last he saw it. He took off his hat, and ran towards it, shouting—"Father! Mother!"

But no one answered. No eager faces appeared at the little dark windows.

He pressed on, he entered through the unlocked door. All was empty, silent, and deserted.

The rude picture of St. Hubert was gone from the wall; the plates and mugs from the dresser; the big, coarse linen-covered bedding from the low, rough bed.

A squirrel sprang down and out of the door, into the green world beyond.

Hansel's eyes filled with blinding tears. He flung himself on his knees by the