136 FOREST FANCIES 



6i 



The trees are our homes," they replied. 



A light dawned in the young man's face. 



*'I thought Uncle Josiah was dreaming," he 

 murmured. '*Yes, yes, there are wood- 

 nymphs. I remember now the one who used 

 to rock my oaken cradle and sing me songs of 

 the beautiful forest that God had given to 

 Man. How one forgets as one grows up !" 



He paused before a large, fine oak loath to 

 chip its bark. 



^^Hush, woodpecker!" cried a voice within. 

 **I was sleeping, dreaming that my oak had 

 been made into handsome furniture to gladden 

 a good man's home." 



*^Such a tree would make a fine quarter- 

 sawed oak set," replied the young man. **I 

 wish I had it." 



And he tapped upon a tall chestnut. 



*^Who knocked upon my door?" 



**I'm awful sorry, Miss, but I must ask for 

 your pagoda." 



^^Are you a forester?" she asked. 



**A server of the forest," he replied. 



'*Then take my home." 



