UP THE MOUNTAIN. 245 



and about it long grass was growing, and shrubs over- 

 hung the nook, making of that patch of ground a bright 

 verdant spot — a little oasis — amid the barrenness. I 

 fancied to myself it must be very pleasant behind that 

 hillock, — a cozy little home such as children, in the 

 overflowing richness of their imagination, see with their 

 mind's eye, and in their play will try to build up and 

 make a reality, — a retreat that nobody was ever to know 

 anything about, all covered over with nice yielding turf- 

 While looking at the green bank, and dallying thus with 

 old recollections (by the way what a simpleton my com- 

 panion would have thought me, had he known what I 

 was about), two most delicately-formed little ears rose 

 from behind it, then suddenly disappeared. They came 

 again, and with them this time the pretty head of a kid, 

 nibbling a blade of grass. It was rather toying with the 

 herbage than browsing upon it ; and it pricked its ears, 

 and bright glances darted from its dark eyes, and it 

 leaped and disported itself in the very happiest play. I 

 turned to Neuner, putting one finger on my lips, and 

 then pointed down toward the watercourse. He was 

 soon by my side. Hidden by a bush I watched for what 

 else might come, for I knew it was not likely the kid 

 would be alone. Its head came forth, now on one side, 

 now on the other, but the rest of its body always re- 

 mained concealed. Afterwards another head came in 

 sight, or rather the ears and horns only, nor could I 

 once obtain a view of the whole animal. We remained 

 a long time waiting for it to emerge from this chosen 

 spot, but in vain. 



" That's a doe, Neuner," I whispered : " the horns 

 are too fine for a buck. When they come in view again, 

 look and you will see I am right." 



" I think so too," he answered ; " but we arc losing 



