THE MAPLE FRUITS AGAIN 181 



" Dear mother tree, let us go. 

 " We want to try our wings. 

 " We wish to be trees ourselves." 

 But the mother tree would not let them go. 

 u Not yet," she said. 

 " Wait until you are older and stronger. 

 " Wait until I have given you plenty of food- 

 " Then, when you are quite ready, I will let 

 you go." 



THE MAPLE FRUITS AGAIN 

 journeys separated discouraged 



At last the mother tree had done all that she 

 could. 



The twins were full grown. 



Their seed leaves were thick with food. 



The babies were well covered up in their 

 little cradles. 



One day the west wind carried off some of 

 the twins. 



" Now," they said, "we can begin to be trees." 



" Sun and rain, help us to grow ! " they cried. 



But the sun only smiled. 



And the rain wept. 



