THE DREAM FOX 11 



" Heart of Nature never sleeps, and work in his 

 garden never ceases," answered a Voice from be- 

 side the hearthstone. " I have been abroad all day 

 working to protect my own and soon I go out 

 again. The Plan directs the seasons and marks 

 their courses, but rebellious forces strive and 

 wrestle for the mastery and make delay and 

 havoc. 



" A vagrant voice called Kabibonokka from the 

 north. Quickly I bade the snows descend and 

 shield the earth from his rude breath. To-morrow, 

 if he leaves, Shawondasee will come and help me 

 gather up the snow again. Meanwhile I whisper 

 to the Coon, ' Keep close in your tree hole.' To 

 Crow and Jay, ' Stay well within the cedars lest 

 your eyeballs freeze.' To Quail and Grouse, sur- 

 rounded in the stubble, 4 Dive in the snow blanket, 

 lest you perish.' To the Eel beneath the ice, 

 4 Begin your journey down the river to your spring 

 sea chambers before the ice gates lift.' As to the 

 grass and plants and trees, snow dulls their ears, 

 they hear nothing, and their sap lies cold and still 

 and safe." 



" I'm so glad you've come back ! " cried Anne, 

 sitting up in bed and clasping her hands. " You 

 don't come to see me often, now that Tommy is 

 about so much and I have to stay indoors and do 



