Full text of "Heidi"
HEIDI
FIFTEENTH IMPRESSION
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009
http://www.archive.org/details/heidiOOOspyr
MADGE EVANS AS HEIDI OF THE ALPS.
Prizma Natural Color Photoplay.
HEIDI
BY
JOHANNA SPYRI
TRANSLATED BY
ELISABETH P. STORK
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
CHARLES WHARTON STORK, A.M., Ph.D.
ILLUSTRATED WITH
SCENES FROM THE PHOTOPLAY
NEW YORK
GROSSET & DUNLAP
PUBLISHERS
MacU io tbe Uokad States of Araerioa
.5»TRiaHT. 1915. BT t. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANT
INTRODUCTION
Unassuming in plot and style, "Heidi"
may none the less lay claim to rank as a
world classic. In the first place, both back-
ground and characters ring true. The air
of the Alps is wafted to us in every page; the
house among the pines, the meadows, and
the eagle poised above the naked rocks
form a picture that no one could willingly
forget. And the people, from the kindly
towns-folk to the quaint and touching peas-
ant types, are as real as any representation
of human nature need be. Every goat even,
has its personality. As for the little hero-
ine, she is a blessing not only to everyone
in the story, but to everyone who reads it.
The narrative merits of the book are too
apparent to call for comment.
As to the author, Johanna Spyri, she has
so entirely lost herself in her creation that
we may pass over her career rather rapidly.
She was born in Switzerland in 1829, came
6
INTRODUCTION
of a literary family, and devoted all her tal-
ent to the writmg of books for and about
children.
Since "Heidi" has been so often trans-
lated into EngUsh it may weU be asked
why there is any need for a new version.
The answer lies partly in the conventional
character of the previous translations. Now,
if there is any quahty in "Heidi" that
gives it a particular charm, that quality is
freshness, absolute spontaneity. To be sure,
the story is so attractive that it could never
be wholly spoiled; but has not the reader
the right to enjoy it in Enghsh at least
very nearly as much as he could in German.^
The two languages are so different in nature
that anything like a hteral rendering of one
into the other is sure to result in awkward-
ness and indirectness. Such a book must
be not translated, but re-hved and re-cre-
ated.
To perform such a feat the writer must,
to begin with, be famihar with the moun-
tains, and able to appreciate with Wordsworth
INTRODUCTION
The silence that is in the starry sky.
The sleep that is among the lonely hills.
The translator of the present version was bom
and reared in a region closely similar to that
of the story. Her home was originally in
the picturesque town of Salzburg, and her
father, Franz von Pausinger, was one of the
greatest landscape painters of his country
and generation. Another equally impor-
tant requisite is knowledge of children. It
happens that this translator has a daughter
just the age of the heroine, who moreover
loves to dress in Tyrolese costume. To
translate ''Heidi" was for her therefore a
labor of love, which means that the love
contended with and overcame the labor.
The English style of the present version
is, then, distinctive. It has often been no-
ticed that those who acquire a foreign lan-
guage often learn to speak it with un-
usual clearness and purity. For illustration
we need go no further than Joseph Conrad,
a Pole, probably the greatest master of nar-
INTRODUCTION
rative English writing to-day; or to our own
fellow-citizen Carl Schurz. In the present
case, the writer has lived seven years in
America and has strengthened an exceUent
training with a wide reading of the best Eng-
lish classics.
Many people say that they read without
noticing the author's style. This is seldom
quite true; unconsciously every one is im-
pressed in some way or other by the style
of every book, or by its lack of style. Chil-
dren are particularly sensitive in this re-
spect and should, therefore, as much as is
practicable, read only the best. In the new
translation of "Heidi" here offered to the
pubhc I believe that most readers wijl no-
tice an especial flavor, that very quahty
of delight in mountain scenes, in mountain
people and in child hfe generally, which is
one of the chief merits of the German orig-
inal. The phrasing has also been carefully
adapted to the purpose of reading aloud—
a thing that few translators think of. In
conclusion, the author, realising the dif-
INTRODUCTION
ference between the two languages, has en-
deavored to write the story afresh, as
Johanna Spyri would have written it had
EngUsh been her native tongue. How suc-
cessful the attempt has been the reader will
judge.
Charles Wharton Stork
Assistant Professor of English at the
University of Pennsylvania
CONTENTS
PART I
HEIDrS YEARS OF LEARNING AND TRAVEL
CHAPTEB PAGE
I. GOINQ UP TO THE AlM-UnCLE 17
II. With the Ghandfather 38
m. On the Pastuee 50
IV. In the Grandmother's Hut 67
V. Two Visitors 83
VI. A New Chapter with New Things 95
VII. Miss Rottenmeier Has an Uncomfortable Day . . 104
VIII. Great Disturbances in the Sesemann House .... 119
EX. The Master of the House Hears of Strange
Doings 129
X. A Grandmama 136
XI, Heidi Gains in Some Respects and Loses in Others 146
XII. The Sesemann House is Haunted 153
XIII. Up the Alp on a Summer Evening 165
XrV. On Sunday When the Church Bells Ring 183
PART II
HEIDI MAKES USE OF HER EXPERIENCE
XV. Preparations for a Journey 199
XVI. A Guest on the Alp 207
XVn. Retaliation 219
XVIII. Winter in the Village 229
XIX. Winter Still Continues 243
XX. News from Distant Friends 252
XXI. On Further Events on the Alp 268
XXII. Something Unexpected Happens 276
XXin. PARTma to Meet Again - 293
Part I
Heidi's Years of Learning and Travel
HEIDI
I
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
HE little old town of Mayen-
feld is charmingly situated.
From it a footpath leads
through green, well-wooded
stretches to the foot of the
heights which look down imposingly upon the
valley. Where the footpath begins to go
steeply and abruptly up the Alps, the heath,
with its short grass and pungent herbage,
at once sends out its soft perfume to meet
the wayfarer.
One bright sunny morning in June, a tall,
vigorous maiden of the mountain region
climbed up the narrow path, leading a Httle
girl by the hand. The youngster's cheeks
were in such a glow that it showed even
through her sun-browned skin. Small won-
2 IT
HEIDI
der though! for in spite of the heat, the
little one, who was scarcely five years old,
was bundled up as if she had to brave a
bitter frost. Her shape was difficult to dis-
tinguish, for she wore two dresses, if not
three, and around her shoulders a large red
cotton shawl. With her feet encased in
heavy hob-nailed boots, this hot and shape-
less little person toiled up the mountain.
The pair had been climbing for about an
hour when they reached a hamlet half-way
up the great mountain named the Aim.
This hamlet was called "Im Dorfli" or
"The Little Village." It was the elder
girl's home town, and therefore she was
greeted from nearly every house; people
called to her from windows and doors, and
very often from the road. But, answering
questions and calls as she went by, the girl
did not loiter on her way and only stood
still when she reached the end of the ham-
let. There a few cottages lay scattered about,
from the furthest of which a voice caUed
out to her through an open door: "Deta,
GOIXG UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
please wait one moment ! I am coming with
you, if you are going further up. "
When the girl stood still to wait, the
child instantly let go her hand and promptly
sat down on the ground.
"Are you tired, Heidi .f*" Deta asked the
child.
''No, but hot," she repUed.
"We shall be up in an hour, if you take
big steps and climb with all your little
might!" Thus the elder girl tried to en-
courage her small companion.
A stout, pleasant-looking woman stepped
out of the house and joined the two. The
child had risen and wandered behind the
old acquaintances, who immediately started
gossiping about their friends in the neighbor-
hood and the people of the hamlet generally.
"Where are you taking the child, Deta?"
asked the newcomer. "Is she the child'
your sister left?"
"Yes," Deta assured her; "I am taking
her up to the Aim-Uncle and there I want
her to remain."
19
HEIDI
cc
You can't really mean to take her there
Deta. You must have lost your senses, to
go to him. I am sure the old man will
show you the door and won't even listen
to what you say."
"Why not? As he's her grandfather, it
is high time he should do something for the
child. I have taken care of her until this^
summer and now a good place has been
offered to me. The child shall not hinder
me from accepting it, I tell you that!"
" It would not be so hard, if he were like
other mortals. But you know him yourself.
How could he look after a child, especially
such a little one? She'll never get along with
him, I am sure of that ! — But tell me of your
prospects."
"I am going to a splendid house in
Frankfurt. Last summer some people went
off to the baths and I took care of their
rooms. As they got to like me, they wanted
to take me along, but I could not leave.
They have come back now and have per-
suaded me to go with them."
20
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
"I am glad I am not the child!" exclaimed
Barbara with a shudder. "Nobody knows
anything about the old man's life up there.
He doesn't speak to a Hving soul, and from
one year's end to the other he keeps away
from church. People get out of his way
when he appears once in a twelve-month
down here among us. We all fear him
and he is really just like a heathen or an
old Indian, with those thick grey eyebrows
and that huge uncanny beard. When he
wanders along the road with his twisted
stick we are all afraid to meet him
alone. "
"That is not my fault," said Deta stub-
bornly. "He won't do her any harm; and
if he should, he is responsible, not I."
"I wish I knew what weighs on the old
man's conscience. Why are his eyes so
fierce and why does he live up there all
alone? Nobody ever sees him and we hear
many strange things about him. Didn't
your sister tell you anything, Deta.^^"
Of course she did, but I*shall hold my
HEIDI
tongue. He would make me pay for it if
I didn't. "
Barbara had long been anxious to know
something about the old uncle and why he
Uved apart from everybody. Nobody had
a good word for him, and when people talked
about him, they did not speak openly but
as if they were afraid. She could not even
explain to herself why he was called the
Aim-Uncle. He could not possibly be the
uncle of all the people in the village, but
since everybody spoke of him so, she did
the same. Barbara, who had only lived in
the village since her marriage, was glad to get
some information from her friend. Data had
been bred there, but since her mother's
death had gone away to earn her livelihood.
She confidentially seized Deta's arm and
said: *'I wish you would tell me the truth
about him, Deta; you know it all — ^people
only gossip. Tell me, what has happened
to the old man to turn everybody against
him so? Did he always hate his fellow*
creatures.'*"
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
"I cannot tell you whether he always did,
and that for a very good reason. He being
sixty years old, and I only twenty-six, you
can't expect me to give you an account of
his early youth. But if you'll promise to
keep it to yourself and not set all the people
in Pratiggan talking, I can tell you a good
deal. My mother and he both came from
Domleschg. "
"How can you talk like that, Deta?" re-
plied Barbara in an offended tone. "People
do not gossip much in Pratiggan, and I
always can keep things to myself, if I have
to. You won't repent of having told me,
I assure you!"
"All right, but keep your word!" said
Deta warningly. Then she looked around to
see that the child was not so close to them
as to overhear what might be said; but the
little girl was nowhere to be seen. T^Tiile
the two young women had talked at such a
rate, they had not noticed her absence;
quite a while must have elapsed since the
little girl had given up following her com-
2S
HEIDI
panions. Deta, standing still, looked about
her everj^where, but no one was on the path,
which — except for a few curves — was visible
as far down as the village.
"There she is! Can't you see her there?'*
exclaimed Barbara, pointing to a spot a
good distance from the path. "She is climb-
ing up with the goatherd Peter and his goats.
I wonder why he is so late to-day. I must
say, it suits us well enough; he can look
after the child while you tell me everything
without being mterrupted. "
"It will be very easy for Peter to watch
her," remarked Deta; "she is bright for her
five years and keeps her eyes wide open.
I have often noticed that and I am glad
for her, for it will be useful with the uncle.
He has nothing left in the whole wide world,
but his cottage and two goats!"
"Did he once have more.'^" asked Barbarac
"I should say so. He was heir to a large
farm in Domleschg. But setting up to play
the fine gentleman, he soon lost everything
with drink and play. His parents died with
24
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
grief and he himself disappeared from these
parts. After many years he came back with
a half-grovrn boy, his son. Tobias, that was
his name, became a carpenter and turned out
to be a quiet, steady fellow. Many strange
rumors went round about the uncle and I
think that was why he left Domleschg for
Dorfli. We acknowledged relationship, my
mother's grandmother being a cousin of his.
Vie called him uncle, and because we are
related on my father's side to nearly all
the people in the hamlet they too all called
him uncle. He was named 'Aim-Uncle'
when he moved up to the Aim."
« "But what happened to Tobias?" asked
Barbara eagerly.
*'Just wait. How can I tell you every-
thing at once?" exclaimed Deta. *' Tobias
was an apprentice in Mels, and when he
was made master, he came home to the
village and married my sister Adelheid.'
They always had been fond of each other
and they lived very happily as man and
wife. But their joy was short. Two years
25
HEIDI
afterwards, when Tobias was helping to
build a house, a beam fell on him and killed
him. Adelheid was thrown into a violent
.fever with grief and fright, and never re-
covered from it. She had never been strong
and had often sufifered from queer spells,
when we did not know whether she was
awake or asleep. Only a few weeks after
Tobias's death they buried poor Adelheid.
"People said that heaven had punished
the uncle for his misdeeds. After the
death of his son he never spoke to a Uv-
ing soul. Suddenly he moved up to the
Alp, to hve there at enmity with God and
man.
*' My mother and I took Adelheid's little
year-old baby, Heidi, to live with us. When
I went to Ragatz I took her with me;
but in the spring the family whose work
I had done last year came from Frankfurt
and resolved to take me to their town-house.
I am very glad to get such a good position. "
"And now you want to hand over the
child to this terrible old man. I really won-
26
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UXCLE
der how you can do it, Deta!" said Barbara
with reproach in her voice.
"It seems to me I have really done enough
for the child. I do not know where eke
to take her, as she is too young to come with
me to Frankfurt. By the way, Barbara,
where are you going? We are haK-way up
the Aim already."
Deta shook hands with her companion and
stood still while Barbara approached the
tiny, dark-brown mountain hut, which lay
in a hollow a few steps away from the path.
Situated half-way up the Aim, the cottage
was luckily protected from the mighty winds.
Had it been exposed to the tempests, it
would have been a doubtful habitation in
the state of decay it was in. Even as it
was, the doors and windows rattled and the
old rafters shook when the south wind
swept the mountain side. If the hut had
stood on the Aim top, the wind would have
blown it down the valley without much ado
when the storm season came.
Here Hved Peter the goatherd, a boy
27
HEIDI
eleven years old, who daily fetched the
goats from the village and drove them up
the mountain to the short and luscious
grasses of the pastures. Peter raced down
in the evening with the light-footed Uttle
goats. When he whistled sharply through
his fingers, every owner would come and
get his or her goat. These owners were
mostly small boys and girls and, as the
goats were friendly, they did not fear them.
That was the only time Peter spent with
other children, the rest of the day the ani-
mals were his sole companions. At home
lived his mother and an old bhnd grand-
mother, but he only spent enough time in
the hut to swallow his bread and milk for
breakfast and the same repast for supper.
After that he sought his bed to sleep. He
always left early in the morning and at
night he came home late, so that he could
be with his friends as long as possible. His
father had met with an accident some years
ago; he also had been called Peter the
goatherd. His mother, whose name was
28
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
Brigida, was called "Goatherd Peter's wife"*'
and his blind grandmother was called by
young and old from many miles about just
"grandmother."
Deta waited about ten minutes to see if
the children were coming up behind with
the goats. As she could not find them any-
where, she climbed up a httle higher to
get a better view down the valley from there,
and peered from side to side with marks
of great impatience on her countenance. ,
The children in the meantime were as-
cending slowly in a zigzag way, Peter al-
ways knowing where to find all sorts of
good grazing places for his goats where they
could nibble. Thus they strayed from side
to side. The poor httle girl had followed
the boy only with the greatest effort and.
she was panting in her heavy clothes. She
was so hot and uncomfortable that she only
climbed by exerting all her strength. She did
not say anything but looked enviously at
Peter, who jumped about so easily in his
light trousers and bare feet. She envied even
29
HEIDI
more the goats that dimbed over bushes,
stones, and steep inclines with their slender
legs. Suddenly sitting down on the ground
the child swiftly took off her shoes and
stockings. Getting up she undid the heavy
shawl and the two httle dresses. Out she
sHpped without more ado and stood up in
only a light petticoat. In sheer delight at
the relief, she threw up her dimpled arms,
that were bare up to her short sleeves. To
save the trouble of carrying them, her aunt
had dressed her in her Sunday clothes over
her workday garments. Heidi arranged her
dresses neatly in a heap and joined Peter
and the goats. She was now as light-footed
as any of them. "WTien Peter, who had not
paid much attention, saw her suddenly in her
light attire, he grinned. Looking back, he saw
the little heap of dresses on the ground and
then he grinned yet more, till his mouth
seemed to reach from ear to ear; but he
said never a word.
The child, feeling free and comfortable,
started to converse with Peter, and he had
30
goijstg up to the alm-uncle
to answer many questions. She asked him
how many goats he had, and where he led
them, what he did with them when he got
there, and so forth.
At last the children reached the summit
in front of the hut. When Deta saw the
httle party of chmbers she cried out shrilly;
"Heidi, what have you done.^ What a sight
you are! Where are your dresses and your
shawl? Are the new shoes gone that I just
bought for you, and the new stockings that
I made myself.? Where are they all, Heidi.?"
The child quietly pointed down and said
"There."
The aunt followed the direction of her
finger and descried a little heap with a
small red dot in the middle, which she recog-
nized as the shawl.
"Unlucky child!" Deta said excitedly,
"What does all this mean? Why have you
taken your things all off ? "
"Because I do not need them," said the
child, not seeming in the least repentant
of her deed
SI
HEIDI
**How can you be so stupid, Heidi? Have
you lost your senses?" the aunt went on,
in a tone of mingled vexation and reproach.
''Who do you think will go way down
there to fetch those things up again? It
is half-an-hour's walk. Please, Peter, run
down and get them. Do not stand and
stare at me as if you were glued to the spot. "
"I am late already," replied Peter, and
stood without moving from the place where,
with his hands in his trousers' pockets, he had
witnessed the violent outbreak of Heidi's aunt.
"There you are, standing and staring, but
that won't get you further," said Deta.
"I'll give you this if you go down." With
that she held a five-penny-piece under his
eyes. That made Peter start and in a great
hurry he ran down the straightest path. He
arrived again in so short a time that Deta
had to praise him and gave him her little
coin without delay. He did not often get
such a treasure, and therefore his face was
beaming and he laughingly dropped the
money deep into his pocket.
32
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
"If you are going up to the uncle, as we
are, you can carry the pack till we get
there," said Deta. They still had to cKmb
a steep ascent that lay behind Peter's hut.
The boy readily took the things and followed
Deta, his left arm holding the bundle and
his right swingmg the stick. Heidi jumped
along gaily by his side with the goats.
After three quarters of an hour they
reached the height where the hut of the
old man stood on a prominent rock, exposed
to every wind, but bathed in the full sun-
light. From there you could gaze far down
into the valley. Behind the hut stood three
old fir-trees with great shaggy branches.
Further back the old grey rocks rose high
and sheer. Above them you could see green
and fertile pastures, till at last the stony
boulders reached the bare, steep cliffs.
Overlooking the valley the uncle had made
himself a bench, by the side of the hut.
Here he sat, with his pipe betv^een his teeth
and both hands resting on his knees. He
quietly watched the children cHmbing up
HEIDI
with the goats and Aunt Deta behind them,
for the children had caught up to her long ago.
Heidi reached the top first, and approach-
ing the old man she held out her hand to him
and said: "Good evening, grandfather!"
**Well, well, what does that mean?" re-
plied the old man in a rough voice. Giving
her his hand for only a moment, he watched
her with a long and penetrating look from
under his bushy brows. Heidi gazed back
at him with an unwinking glance and ex-
amined him with much curiosity, for he was
strange to look at, with his thick, grey
beard and shaggy eyebrows, that met in the
middle like a thicket.
Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime
with Peter, who was eager to see what was
going to happen.
"Good-day to you, uncle," said Deta as
she approached. "This is Tobias's and Adel-
heid's child. You won't be able to remember
her, because last time you saw her she was
scarcely a year old."
"Why do you bring her here.'^" asked the
34
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
uncle, and turning to Peter he said: "Get
away and bring my goats. How late you
are already!"
Peter obeyed and disappeared on the
spot; the uncle had looked at him in such a
manner that he was glad to go.
"Uncle, I have brought the httle girl for
you to keep," said Deta. ''I have done
my share these last four years and now it
is your turn to provide for her."
The old man's eyes flamed with anger.
'^Indeed!" he said. "What on earth shall
I do, when she begins to whine and cry
for you? Small children always do, and
then I'll be helpless."
''You'll have to look out for that!" Deta
retorted. "When the httle baby was left
m my hands a few years ago, I had to find
out how to care for the httle innocent my-
self and nobody told me anything. I al-
ready had mother on my hands and there
was plenty for me to do. You can't blame
me if I want to earn some money now.
If you can't keep the child, you can do
HEIDI
With her whatever you please. If she
comes to harm you are responsible and I
am sure you do not want to burden your
conscience any further."
Deta had said more in her excitement
than she had intended, just because her
conscience was not quite clear. The uncle
had risen during her last words and now
he gave her such a look that she retreated
a few steps. Stretching out his arm in a
commanding gesture, he said to her: "Away
with you! Begone! Stay wherever you
came from and don't venture soon again
into my sight!"
Deta did not have to be told twice. She
said "Good-bye" to Heidi and "Farewell"
to the uncle, and started down the mountain.
Like steam her excitement seemed to drive
her forward, and she ran down at a tre-
mendous rate. The people in the village
called to her now more than they had on
her way up, because they all were wonder-
ing where she had left the child. They
"were well acquainted with both and knew
86
GOING UP TO THE ALM-UNCLE
their history. TMien she heard from door
and windows: "Where is the child?"
"Where have you left her, Deta?*' and so
forth, she answered more and more re-
luctantly: "Up with the Aim-Uncle, — with
the Aim-Uncle!" She became much pro-
voked because the women called to her from
every side: "How could you do it?" "The
poor little creature!" "The idea of leav-
ing such a helpless child up there!" and,
over and over again: "The poor little dear!"
Deta ran as quickly as she could and was
glad when she heard no more calls, because,
to tell the truth, she herseK was uneasy.
Her mother had asked her on her death-
bed to care for Heidi. But she consoled
herself with the thought that she would be
able to do more for the child if she could
earn some money. She was very glad to
go away from people who interfered in her
affairs, and looked forward with great de-
light to her new place.
n
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
jFTER Deta had disappeared,
the Uncle sat down again on
the bench, blowing big clouds
of smoke out of his pipe. He
did not speak, but kept his
eyes fastened on the ground. In the mean-
time Heidi looked about her, and discovering
the goat-shed, peeped in. Nothing could be
seen inside. Searching for some more inter-
esting thing, she saw the three old fir-trees
behind the hut. Here the wind was roaring
through the branches and the tree-tops were
swaying to and fro. Heidi stood still to Hsten.
After the wind had ceased somewhat, she
walked round the hut back to her grand-
father. She found him in exactly the same
position, and planting herself in front of the
old man, with arms folded behind her back,
she gazed at him. The grandfather, looking
up, saw the child standing motionless before
38
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
him. "What do you want to do now?" he
asked her.
"I want to see what's in the hut," replied
Heidi.
"Come then," and with that the grand-
father got up and entered the cottage.
"Take your things along," he commanded.
"I do not want them any more," answered
Heidi.
The old man, turning about, threw a pene-
trating glance at her. The child's black
eyes were sparkling in expectation of all the
things to come. " She is not lacking in intelli-
gence," he muttered to himself. Aloud he
added :"T\Tiy don't you need them anymore?"
"I want to go about Hke the light-footed
goats !"
"All right, you can; but fetch the things
and we'll put them in the cupboard." The
child obeyed the command. The old man
now opened the door, and Heidi followed
him into a fairly spacious room, which took
in the entire expanse of the hut. In one
eorner stood a table and a chair, and in
HEIDI
another the grandfather's bed. Across the
room a large kettle was suspended over the
hearth, and opposite to it a large door was
sunk into the wall. This the grandfather
opened. It was the cupboard, in which ah
his clothes were kept. In one shelf were a
few shirts, socks and towels; on another a
few plates, cups and glasses; and on the top
shelf Heidi could see a round loaf of bread,
some bacon and cheese. In this cupboard
the grandfather kept everything that he
needed for his subsistence. When he opened
it, Heidi pushed her things as far behind
the grandfather's clothes as she could reach.
She did not want them found again in a
hurry. After looking around attentively in
the room, she asked, "Where am I going
to sleep, grandfather.?"
" 'VMierever you want to," he replied. That
suited Heidi exactly. She peeped into all
the corners of the room and looked at every
little nook to find a cosy place to sleep.
Beside the old man's bed she saw a ladder.
Climbing up, she arrived at a hayloft, which
40
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
t^as filled with fresh and fragrant hay.
Through a tiny round window she could
look far down into the valley.
''I want to sleep up here," Heidi called
down. "Oh, it is lovely here. Please come
up, grandfather, and see it for yourseK,"
"I know it," sounded from below.
"I am making the bed now^" thehttle girl
called out again, while she ran busily to and
fro. "Oh, do come up and bring a sheet,
grandfather, for every bed must have a sheet."
"Is that so?" said the old man. After a
while he opened the cupboard and rummaged
around in it. At last he pulled out a long
coarse cloth from under the shirts. It some-
what resembled a sheet, and with this he
chmbed up to the loft. Here a neat little
bed was already prepared. On top the hay
was heaped up high so that the head of
the occupant would lie exactly opposite
the window.
The grandfather was well pleased with the
arrangement. To prevent the hard floor
from being felt, he made the couch twice as
41
HEIDI
thick. Then he and Heidi together put the
heavy sheet on, tucking the ends in well.
Heidi looked thoughtfully at her fresh, new
bed and said, "Grandfather, we have for-
gotten something."
**What?" he asked.
*'I have no cover. Y/hen I go to bed I
always creep in between the sheet and the
cover."
"What shall we do if I haven't any?"
asked the grandfather.
"Never mind, I'll just take some more
hay to cover me," Heidi reassured him, and
was just going to the heap of hay when the
old man stopped her.
"Just wait one minute," he said, and went
down to his own bed. From it he took a
large, heavy hnen bag and brought it to
the child.
"Isn't this better than hay?" he asked»
Heidi pulled the sack to and fro with all
her might, but she could not unfold it, for it
was too heavy for her little arms. The grand-
father put the thick cover on the bed while
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
Heidi watched him. After it was all done, she
said: ''What a nice bed I have now, and
what a splendid cover ! I only wish the even-
ing was here, that I might go to sleep in it."
"I think we might eat something first,"
said the grandfather. " Don't you think so?"
Heidi had forgotten everything else in her
interest for the bed; but when she was re-
minded of her dinner, she noticed how
terribly hungry she really was. She had had
only a piece of bread and a cup of thin
coffee very early in the morning, before her
long journey. Heidi said approvingly: ''I
think we might, grandfather!"
"Let's go down then, if we agree/' said
the old man, and followed close behind her.
Going up to the fireplace, he pushed the
big kettle aside and reached for a smaller
one that was suspended on a chain. Then
sitting down on a three-legged stool, he
kindled a bright fire. When the kettle was
boiling, the old man put a large piece of
cheese on a long iron fork, and held it over
the fire, turning it to and fro, till it was
43
HEIDI
golden-brown on all sides. Heidi had watched
him eagerly. Suddenly she ran to the cup-
board. When her grandfather brought a
pot and the toasted cheese to the table, he
found it already nicely set with two plates and
two knives and the bread in the middle. Heidi
had seen the things in the cupboard and knew
that they would be needed for the meal.
'*I am glad to see that you can think for
yourself," said the grandfather, while he put
the cheese on top of the bread, "but some-
thing is missing yet."
Heidi saw the steaming pot and ran back
to the cupboard in all haste. A single httle
bowl was on the shelf. That did not per-
plex Heidi though, for she saw two glasses
standing behind. With those three things
she returned to the table.
''You certainly can help yourself! Where
shall you sit, though?" asked the grand-
father, who occupied the only chair himseK.
Heidi flew to the hearth, and bringing back
the little stool, sat down on it.
**Now you have a seat, but it is much
44
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
too low. In fact, you are too little to reach
the table from my chair. Now you shall
have something to eat at last!" and with
that the grandfather filled the little bowl
with milk. Putting it on his chair, he pushed
it as near to the stool as was possible, and
in that way Heidi had a table before her.
He commanded her to eat the large piece
of bread and the shce of golden cheese. He
sat down himself on a corner of the table
and started his own dinner. Heidi drank
without stopping, for she felt exceedingly
thirsty after her long journey. Taking a
long breath, she put down her httle bowl.
"How do you like the milk.^" the grand-
father asked her.
"I never tasted better," answered Heidi.
"Then you shall have more," and with
that the grandfather filled the little bowl
again. The little girl ate and drank with
the greatest enjoyment. After she was
through, both went out into the goat-shed.
Here the old man busied himself, and Heidi
watched him attentively while he was sweep-
45
HEIDI
ing and putting down fresh straw for the
goats to sleep on. Then he went to the
Httle shop alongside and fashioned a high
chair for Heidi, to the httle girl's greatest
amazement.
"What is this?" asked the grandfather.
" This is a chair for me. I am sure of it be-
cause it is so high. How quickly it was made !"
said the child, full of admiration and wonder.
''She knows what is what and has her
eyes on the right place," the grandfather
said to himself, while he walked around the
hut, fastening a nail or a loose board here
and there. He wandered about with his
hammer and nails, repairing whatever was
in need of fixing. Heidi followed him at
every step and watched the performance
with great enjoyment and attention.
At last the evening came. The old fir-
trees were rusthng and a mighty wind was
roaring and howling through the tree-tops.
Those sounds thrilled Heidi's heart and
filled it with happiness and joy. She danced
and jumped about under the trees, for those
46
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
sounds made her feel as if a wonderful thing
had happened to her. The grandfather
stood under the door, watching her, when
suddenly a shrill whistle was heard. Heidi
stood still and the grandfather joined her
outside. Down from the heights came one
goat after another, with Peter in their midst.
Uttering a cry of joy, Heidi ran into the
middle of the flock, greeting her old friends.
\Mien they had all reached the hut, they
stopped on their way and two beautiful
slender goats came out of the herd, one of
them white and the other brown. They
came up to the grandfather, who held out some
salt in his hands to them, as he did every night.
Heidi tenderly caressed first one and then
the other, seeming beside herself with joy.
"Are they ours, grandfather? Do they
both belong to us? Are they going to the
stable? Are they going to stay with us?"
Heidi kept on asking in her excitement.
The grandfather hardly could put in a "yes,
yes, surely" between her numerous questions.
When the goats had licked up all the salt,
4T
HEIDI
the old man said, "Go in, Heidi, and fetch
your bowl and the bread."
Heidi obeyed and returned instantly. The
grandfather milked a full bowl from the
white goat, cut a piece of bread for the
child, and told her to eat. "Afterwards you
can go to bed. If you need some shirts and
other Hnen, you will find them in the bottom
of the cupboard. Aunt Deta has left a bundle
for you. Now good-night, I have to look after
the goats and lock them up for the night."
"Good-night, grandfather! Oh, please tell
me what their names are," called Heidi
after him.
"The white one's name is Schwanh and
the brown one I call Barh," was his answer.
" Good-night, Schwanh ! Good-night, Barh,"
the httle girl called loudly, for they w^ere
just disappearing in the shed. Heidi now
sat down on the bench and took her supper.
The strong wind nearly blew her from her
seat, so she hurried with her meal, to be able
to go inside and up to her bed. She slept in
it as well as a prince on his royal couch.
48
WITH THE GRANDFATHER
Very soon after Heidi had gone up, before
it was quite dark, the old man also sought
his bed. He was always up in the morning
with the sun, which rose early over the
mountain-side in those summer days. It
was a wild, stormy night; the hut was shaking
in the gusts and all the boards were creak-
ing. The wind howled through the chimney
and the old fir-trees shook so strongly that
many a dry branch came crashing down.
In the middle of the night the grandfather
got up, saying to himself: "I am sure she
is afraid." Climbing up the ladder, he went
up to Heidi's bed. The first moment every-
thing lay in darkness, when all of a sudden
the moon came out behind the clouds and
sent his brilKant hght across Heidi's bed.
Her cheeks were burning red and she lay
peacefully on her round and chubby arms.
She must have had a happy dream, for she
was smiling in her sleep. The grandfather
stood and watched her till a cloud flew over the
moon and left everything in total darkness.
Then he went down to seek his bed again.
m
ON THE PASTURE
'IDI was awakened early next
morning by a loud whistle.
Opening her eyes, she saw her
little bed and the hay beside
her bathed in golden sunlight.
For a short while she did not know where
she was, but when she heard her grand-
father's deep voice outside, she recollected
everything. She remembered how she had
come up the mountain the day before and
left old Ursula, who was always shivering
with cold and sat near the stove all day.
While Heidi hved with Ursula, she had al-
ways been obhged to keep in the house,
where the old woman could see her. Being
deaf, Ursula was afraid to let Heidi go out-
doors, and the child had often fretted in
the narrow room and had longed to run out-
side. She was therefore dehghted to find her-
self in her new home and hardly could wait
ox THE PASTURE
to see the goats again. Jumping out of bed,
she put on her few things and in a short time
went down the ladder and ran outside.
Peter was already there with his flock, waiting
for Schwanli and Barli, whom the grandfather
was just bringing to join the other goats.
''Do you want to go with him to the
pasture?" asked the grandfather.
"Yes," cried Heidi, clapping her hands.
"Go now, and wash yourself first, for the
sun will laugh at you if he sees how dirty
you are. Everything is ready there for you,"
he added, pointing to a large tub of water
that stood in the sun. Heidi did as she
was told, and washed and rubbed herself
till her cheeks were glowing. In the mean-
while the grandfather called to Peter to
come into the hut and bring his bag along*
The boy followed the old man, who com-
manded him to open the bag in which
he carried his scanty dinner. The grand-
father put into the bag a piece of bread and a
slice of cheese, that were easily twice as large
as those the boy had in the bag himself.
51
HEIDI
"The little bowl goes in, too," said the
Uncle, "for the child does not know how to
drink straight from the goat, the way you
do. She is going to stay with you all day,
therefore milk two bowls full for her dinner.
Look out that she does not fall over the
rocks! Do you hear?"
Just then Heidi came running in. " Grand-
father, can the sun still laugh at me?" she
asked. The child had rubbed herself so
violently with the coarse towel which the
grandfather had put beside the tub that
her face, neck and arms were as red as a
lobster. With a smile the grandfather said:
*'No, he can't laugh any more now; but when
you come home to-night you must go into the
tub like a fish. When one goes about like the
goats, one gets dirty feet. Be off!"
They started merrily up the Alp. A cloud-
less, deep-blue sky looked down on them,
for the wind had driven away every little
cloud in the night. The fresh green moun-
tain-side was bathed in brilliant sunlight,
and many blue and yellow flowers had
53
ON THE PASTUKE
opened. Heidi was wild with joy and ran
from side to side. In one place she saw big
patches of fine red primroses, on another
spot blue gentians sparkled in the grass,
and everywhere the golden rock-roses were
nodding to her. In her transport at finding
such treasures, Heidi even forgot Peter and
his goats. She ran far ahead of him and then
strayed away off to one side, for the sparkling
flowers tempted her here and there. Picking
whole bunches of them to take home with
her, she put them all into her little
apron.
Peter, whose round eyes could only move
about slowly, had a hard time looking out for
her. The goats Vv^ere even worse, and only by
shouting and whistling, especially by swinging
his rod, could he drive them together.
''Heidi, where are you now.^" he called
quite angrily.
''Here," it sounded from somewhere. Peter
could not see her, for she was sitting on the
ground behind a little mound, which was
covered with fragrant flowers. The whole
53
HEIDI
air was filled with their perfume, and the
child drew it in, in long breaths.
"Follow me now!" Peter called out. "The
grandfather has told me to look out for you,
and you must not fall over the rocks."
"\\Tiere are they.?" asked Heidi without
even stirring.
"Way up there, and we have still far to
go. If you come quickly, we may see the
eagle there and hear him shriek."
That tempted Heidi, and she came running
to Peter, with her apron full of flowers.
"You have enough now," he declared.
"If you pick them all to-day, there won't
be any left to-morrow." Heidi admitted
that, besides which she had her apron al-
ready full. From now on she stayed at
Peter's side. The goats, scenting the pungent
herbs, also hurried up without delay.
Peter generally took his quarters for the
day at the foot of a high cliff, which seemed
to reach far up into the sky. Overhanging
rocks on one side made it dangerous, so
that the grandfather was wise to warn Peterc
54
ON THE PASTURE
After they had reached their destination, the
boy took off his bag, putting it in a Httle
hollow in the ground. The wind often blew in
violent gusts up there, and Peter did not
want to lose his precious load. Then he lay
down in the sunny grass, for he was very tired.
Heidi, taking off her apron, rolled it
tightly together and put it beside Peter's
bag. Then, sitting down beside the boy,
she looked about her. Far down she saw
the glistening valley; a large field of snow
rose high in front of her. Heidi sat a long
time without stirring, with Peter asleep by
her side and the goats climbing about be-
tween the bushes. A hght breeze fanned
her cheek and those big mountains about
her made her feel happy as never before.
She looked up at the mountain-tops till
they all seemed to have faces, and soon
they were familiar to her, like old friends.
Suddenly she heard a loud, sharp scream, and
looking up she beheld the largest bird she had
ever seen, flying above her. With outspread
wings he flew in large circles over Heidi's head.
55
HEIDI
"Wake up. Peterl" Heidi called. "Look
up, Peter, and see the eagle there!"
Peter got wide wake, and then they both
watched the bird breathlessly. It rose higher
and higher into the azure, till it disappeared
at last behind the mountain -peak.
"Where has it gone?" Heidi asked.
"Home to its nest," was Peter's answer.
"Oh, does it really hve way up there.^
How wonderful that must be! But tell me
why it screams so loud.^" Heidi inquired.
"Because it has to," Peter rephed.
"Oh, let's climb up there and see its nest!"
implored Heidi, but Peter, expressing de-
cided disapproval in his voice, answered:
"Oh dear. Oh dear, not even goats could
climb up there ! Grandfather has told me not
to let you fall down the rocks, so we can't go !"
Peter now began to call loudly and to
whistle, and soon all the goats were as-
sembled on the green field. Heidi ran mto
their midst, for she loved to see them leaping
and playing about.
Peter in the meantime was preparing din-
56
ON THE PASTURE
ner for Heidi and himself, by putting her
large pieces on one side and his own small
ones on the other. Then he milked Eiirli
and put the full bowl in the middle. When he
was ready, he called to the little girl. But
it took some time before she obeyed his call.
"Stop jumping, now," said Peter, "and
sit down; your dinner is ready."
"Is this milk for me?" she inquired.
"Yes it is; those large pieces also belong
to you. IfMien you are through w4th the
milk, I'll get you some more. After that
I'll get mine."
"What milk do you get.^" Heidi inquired.
"I get it from my own goat, that speckled
one over there. But go ahead and eat!"
Peter commanded again. Heidi obeyed, and
when the bowl was empty, he filled it again.
Breaking off a piece of bread for herself,
she gave Peter the rest, which was still bigger ,
than his own portion had been. She handed
him also the whole slice of cheese, saying:
"You can eat that, I have had enough!"
Peter was speechless with surprise, for it
67
HEIDI
would have been impossible for him ever to
give up any of his share. Not taking Heidi
in earnest, he hesitated till she put the
things on his knees. Then he saw she really
meant it, and he seized his prize. Nodding
his thanks to her, he ate the most luxurious
meal he had ever had in all his life. Heidi
was watching the goats in the meantime, and
asked Peter for their names.
The boy could tell them all to her, for
their names were about the only thing he
had to carry in his head. She soon knew
them, too, for she had hstened attentively.
One of them was the Big Turk, who tried
to stick his big horns into all the others.
Most of the goats ran away from their rough
comrade. The bold Thistlefinch alone wai
not afraid, and running his horns three or
four times into the other, so astonished the
Turk with his great daring that he stood
still and gave up fighting, for the Thistle-
finch had sharp horns and met him in the
most warhke attitude. A small, white goat,
called Snowhopper, kept up bleating in the
58
ON THE PASTURE
most piteous way, which induced Heidi to
console it several times. Heidi at last went
to the little thing again, and throwing her
arms around its head, she asked, **What
is the matter with you, Sno whopper? Why
do you always cry for help?" The httle
goat pressed close to Heidi's side and became
perfectly quiet. Peter was still eating, but
between the swallows he called to Heidi:
"She is so unhappy, because the old goat
has left us. She was sold to somebody in
Mayenfeld two days ago."
"Who was the old goat?"
"Her mother, of course."
Where is her grandmother?"
She hasn't any."
And her grandfather?"
Hasn't any either."
Poor little Snowhopper!" said Heidi,
drawing the little creature tenderly to her.
"Don't grieve any more; see, I am coming
up with you every day now, and if there is
anything the matter, you can come to me."
Snowhopper rubbed her head against
I
HEIDI
Heidi's shoulder and stopped bleating. When
Peter had finally finished his dinner, he joined
Heidi.
The little girl had just been observing
that Schwanli and Barli were by far the
cleanest and prettiest of the goats. They
evaded the obtrusive Turk with a sort of
contempt and always managed to find the
greenest bushes for themselves. She men-
tioned it to Peter, who replied: "I know!
Of course they are the prettiest, because the
imcle washes them and gives them salt. He
has the best stable by far."
All of a sudden Peter, who had been lying
on the ground, jumped up and bounded after
the goats. Heidi, knowing that something
must have happened, followed him. She
saw him running to a dangerous abyss on
the side. Peter had noticed how the rash
Thistlefinch had gone nearer and nearer to
the dangerous spot. Peter only just came
in time to prevent the goat from f alKng down
over the very edge. Unfortunately Peter
had stumbled over a stone in his hurry and
60
ON THE PASTURE
was only able to catch the goat by one
leg. The Thistlefinch, being enraged to find
himself stopped in his charming ramble,
bleated furiously. Not being able to get up,
Peter loudly called for help. Heidi imme-
diately saw that Peter was nearly pulling off
the animal's leg. She quickly picked some
fragrant herbs and holding them under the
animal's nose, she said soothingly: "Come,
come, Thistlefinch, and be sensible. Yoii
might fall down there and break your leg.
That would hurt you horribly."
The goat turned about and devoured the
herbs Heidi held in her hand. When Peter
got to his feet, he led back the runaway with
Heidi's help. When he had the goat in safety,
he raised his rod to beat it for punishment.
The goat retreated shyly, for it knew what was
coming. Heidi screamed loudly: "Peter, no,
do not beat him! look how scared he is."
"He well deserves it," snarled Peter, ready
to strike. But Heidi, seizing his arm, shoutedj
full of indignation: "You mustn't hurt himl
Let him go.'"
61
HEIDI
Heidi's eyes were sparkling, and when he
saw her with her commanding mien, he
desisted and dropped his rope. "I'll let him
go, if you give me a piece of your cheese
again to-morrow," he said, for he wanted
a compensation for his fright.
"You may have it all to-morrow and
every day, because I don't need it," Heidi
assured him. "I shall also give you a big
piece of bread, if you promise never to
beat any of the goats."
"I don't care," growled Peter, and in that
way he gave his promise.
Thus the day had passed, and the sun was
already sinking down behind the mountains.
Sitting on the grass, Heidi looked at the blue-
bells and the wild roses that were shining
in the last rays of the sun. The peaks also
started to glow, and Heidi suddenly called
to the boy: "Oh, Peter, look! everything is
on fire. The mountains are burning and the
sky, too. Oh, look ! the moon over there is on
fire, too. Do you see the mountains all in
a glow.f^ Oh, how beautiful the snow looks!
62
ON THE PASTURE
Peter, the eagle's nest is surely on fire, too.
Oh, look at the fir-trees over there!"
Peter was quietly peeling his rod, and
looking up, said to Heidi: "This is no fire;
it always looks like that."
"But what is it then?" asked Heidi eagerly,
gazing about her everywhere.
" It gets that way of itself," explained Peter.
"Oh look! Everything is all rosy now!
Oh, look at this mountain over there with
the snow and the sharp peaks. What is
its name.^"
"Mountains have no names," he answered.
"Oh, see, how beautiful! It looks as if
many, many roses were growing on those
cliffs. Oh, now they are getting grey. Oh
dear! the fire has gone out and it is all over.
What a terrible shame!" said Heidi quite
despondently.
''It will be the same again tomorrow,"
Peter reassured her. "Come now, we have
to go home.''
When Peter had called the goats together,
they started downwards.
63
HEIDI
"Will it be like that every day when we
are up?" asked Heidi, eagerly.
"It usually is," was the reply.
"What about tomorrow?" she inquired.
"Tomorrow it will be like that, I am sure,"
Peter affirmed.
That made Heidi feel happy again. She
walked quietly by Peter's side, thinking over
all the new things she had seen. At last,
reaching the hut, they found the grand-
father waiting for them on a bench under
the fir-trees. Heidi ran up to him and the
two goats followed, for they knew their mas-
ter. Peter called to her: "Come again to-
morrow ! Good-night !"
Heidi gave him her hand, assuring him
that she would come, and finding herself
surrounded by the goats, she hugged Snow-
hopper a last time.
T\Tien Peter had disappeared, Heidi re-
turned to her grandfather. "Oh grand-
father! it was so beautiful! I saw the fire
and the roses on the rocks! And see the
many, many flowers I am bringing you!"
64
ON THE PASTURE
With that Heidi shook them out of her apron.
But oh, how miserable they looked! Heidi
did not even know them any more.
"What is the matter with them, grand-
father? They looked so different!" Heidi
exclaimed in her fright.
"They are made to bloom in the sun and
not to be shut up in an apron," said the
grandfather.
"Then I shall never pick them any more!
Please, grandfather, tell me why the eagle
screeches so loudly," asked Heidi.
"First go and take a bath, while I go
into the shed to get your milk. Afterwards
we'll go inside together and I'll tell you all
about it during supper-time."
They did as was proposed, and when
Heidi sat on her high chair before her milk,
she asked the same question as before.
i
"Because he is sneering at the people'
down below, who sit in the villages anc^,
make each other angry. He calls down t6
them: — *If you would go apart to live up
on the heights like me, you would feel much
R 65
HEIDI
better!' " The grandfather said these last
words with such a wild voice, that it re-
minded Heidi of the eagle's screech.
"Wliy do the mountains have no names,
grandfather ?" asked Heidi.
"They all have names, and if you tell me
their shape I can name them for you."
Heidi described several and the old man
could name them all. The child told him
now about all the happenings of the day,
and especially about the wonderful fire. She
asked how it came about.
"'The sun does it," he exclaimed. ''Say-
ing good-night to the mountains, he throws
his most beautiful rays to them, that they
may not forget him till the morning."
Heidi was so much pleased with this ex-
planation, that she could hardly wait to see
the sun's good-night greetings repeated. It
was time now to go to bed, and Heidi slept
soundly all night. She dreamt that the
little Snowhopper was bounding happily
about on the glowing mountains with many
ghstening roses blooming round her.
66
IV
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
^^EXT morning Peter came again
with his goats, and Heidi went
up to the pasture with them.
This happened day after day,
and in this healthy Hfe Heidi
grew stronger, and more sunburnt every day.
Soon the autumn came and when the wind
was blowing across the mountainside, the
grandfather would say: "You must stay
home to-day, Heidi; for the wind can blow
such a little thing as you down into the val-
ley with a single gust."
It always made Peter unhappy when Heidi
did not come along, for he saw nothing but
misfortunes ahead of him; he hardly knew
how to pass his time, and besides, he was
deprived of his abundant dinner. The goats
were so accustomed to Heidi by this time,
that they did not follow Peter when she was
not with him.
67
HEIDI
Heidi herself did not mind staying at
home, for she loved nothing better than to
watch her grandfather with his saw and
hammer. Sometimes the grandfather would
make small round cheeses on those days,
and there was no greater pleasure for Heidi
than to see him stir the butter with his bare
arms. When the wind would howl through
the fir-trees on those stormy days, Heidi
would run out to the grove, thrilled and
happy by the wondrous roaring in the
branches. The sun had lost its vigor, and
the child had to put on her shoes and stock-
ings and her little dress.
The weather got colder and colder, and
when Peter came up in the morning, he
would blow into his hands, he was so frozen.
At last even Peter could not come any more,
for a deep snow had fallen over night. Heidi
stood at the window, watching the snow fall-
ing down. It kept on snowing till it reached
the windows; still it did not stop, and soon the
windows could not be opened, and they were
all shut in. When it had lasted for several
68
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
days, Heidi thought that it would soon cover
up the cottage. It finally stopped, and the
grandfather went out to shovel the snow
away from the door and windows, piling it
up high here and there. In the afternoon
the two were sitting near the fire when
noisy steps were heard outside and the door
was pushed open. It was Peter, who had
come up to see Heidi. Muttering, "Good-
evening," he went up to the fire. His face
was beaming, and Heidi had to laugh when
she saw little waterfalls trickling down from
his person, for all the ice and snow had melted
in the great heat.
The grandfather now asked Peter how he
got along in school. Heidi was so inter-
ested that she asked him a hundred ques-
tions. Poor Peter, who was not an easy
talker, found himself in great difficulty an-
swering the little girl's inquiries, but at
least it gave him leisure to dry his clothes.
During this conversation the grandfather's
eyes had been twinkling, and at last he said
to the boy: *' Now that you have been under
69
HEIDI
jBre, general, you need some strengthening.
Come and join us at supper."
With that the old man prepared a meal
which amply satisfied Peter's appetite. It
had begun to get dark, and Peter knew that
it was time to go. He had said good-bye
and thank you, when turning to Heidi he
remarked :
''I'll come next Sunday, if I may. By the
way, Heidi, grandmother asked me to tell
you that she would love to see you."
Heidi immediately approved of this idea,
and her first word next morning was : " Grand-
father, I must go down to grandmother. She
is expecting me."
Four days later the sun was shining and
the tight-packed frozen snow was crackhng
under every step. Heidi was sitting at the
dinner-table, imploring the old man to let
her make the visit then, when he got up,
and fetching down her heavy cover, told her
to follow him. They went out into the glisten-
ing snow; no sound was heard and the snow-
laden fix-trees shone and ghttered in the
70
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
sun. Heidi in her transport was running to
and fro: "Grandfather, come out! Oh, look
at the trees! They are all covered with sil-
ver and gold," she called to the grandfather,
who had just come out of his workshop
with a wide sled. Wrapping the child up in
her cover, he put her on the sled, holding her
fast. Off they started at such a pace that
Heidi shouted for joy, for she seemed to be
flying like a bird. The sled had stopped in
front of Peter's hut, and grandfather said:
**Go in. When it gets dark, start on your
way home." When he had unwrapped her,
he turned homewards with his sled.
Opening the door, Heidi found herself in
a tiny, dark kitchen, and going through an-
other door, she entered a narrow chamber.
Near a table a woman was seated, busy with
mending Peter's coat, which Heidi had recog-
nized immediately. A bent old woman was
sitting in a corner, and Heidi, approaching
her at once, said: "How do you do, grand-
mother .^^ I have come now, and I hope I
haven't kept you waiting too long!"
71
HEIDI
Lifting her head, the grandmother sought
for Heidi's hand. FeeHng it thoughtfully,
she said: "Are you the httle girl who Uves
up with the uncle? Is your name Heidi?"
"Yes," Heidi repUed. "The grandfather
just brought me down in the sled."
"How is it possible? Your hands are as
warm as toast! Brigida, did the uncle really
come down with the child?"
Brigida, Peter's mother, had gotten up to
look at the child. She said: "I don't know
if he did, but I don't think so. She probably
doesn't know."
Heidi, looking up, said quite decidedly:
**I know that grandfather wrapped me up
in a cover when we coasted down together."
"Peter was right after all," said the grand-
mother. "We never thought the child would
live more than three weeks with him. Bri-
gida, tell me what she looks like."
"She has Adelheid's fine Hmbs and black
eyes, and curly hair like Tobias and the old
man. I think she looks like both of them."
While the women were talking, Heidi had
72
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
been taking in everything. Then she said:
"Grandmother, look at the shutter over
there. It is hanging loose. If grandfather
were here, he would fasten it. It will break
the window-pane! Just look at it."
"What a sweet child you are," said the
grandmother tenderly. "I can hear it, but
I cannot see it, child. This cottage rattles
and creaks, and when the wind blows, it
comes in through every chink. Some day the
whole house will break to pieces and fall on
top of us. If only Peter knew how to mend
it! We have no one else."
"WTiy, grandmother, can't you see the
shutter .f^" asked Heidi.
"Child, I cannot see anything," lamented
the old woman.
"Can you see it when I open the shutter
to let in the light .^"
"No, no, not even then. Nobody can
ever show me the light again."
"But you can see when you go out into
the snow, where everything is bright. Come
with me, grandmother, I'll show you!" and
73
HEIDI
Heidi, taking the old woman by the hand,
tried to lead her out. Heidi was frightened
and got more anxious all the time.
"Just let me stay here, child. Everything
is dark for me, and my poor eyes can neither
see the snow nor the light."
"But grandmother, does it not get light
in the summer, when the sun shines down
on the mountains to say good-night, setting
them all aflame?"
"No, child, I can never see the fiery moun-
tains anv more. I have to Hve in darkness,
always."
Heidi burst out crying now and sobbed
aloud. "Can nobody make it hght for you.^^
Is there nobody who can do it, grandmother?
Nobody ?"
The grandmother tried all possible means
to comfort the child; it wrung her heart to
see her terrible distress. It was awfully hard
for Heidi to stop crying when she had once
begun, for she cried so seldom. The grand-
mother said: "Heidi, let me tell you some-
thing, People who cannot see love to hsten
T4
s
I
»^:-
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
to friendly words Sit down beside me and
tell me all about yourself. Talk to me about
your grandfather, for it has been long since
1 1 have heard anything about him. I used
to know him very well."
Heidi suddenly wiped away her tears, for
she had had a cheering thought. ''Grand-
mother, I shall tell grandfather about it,
and I am sure he can make it light for you.
He can mend your little house and stop the
rattling."
The old woman remained silent, and Heidi,
with the greatest vivacity, began to describe
her life with the grandfather. Listening at-
tentively, the two women would say to each
other sometimes: "Do you hear what she
says about the uncle .^ Did you listen?"
Heidi's tale was interrupted suddenly by
a great thumping on the door; and who
should come in but Peter. No sooner had
he seen Heidi, than he smiled, opening his
round eyes as wide as possible. Heidi called,
"Good-evening, Peter!"
"Is it really time for him to come home!"
75
HEIDI
exclaimed Peter's grandmother. "How
quickly the time has flown. Good-evening,
little Peter; how is your reading going?"
"Just the same," the boy repHed.
"Oh, dear, I was hoping for a change at
last. You are nearly twelve years old, my
boy."
"Why should there be a change.^" inquired
Heidi with greatest interest.
"I am afraid he'll never learn it after all.
On the shelf over there is an old prayer-
book with beautiful songs. I have forgotten
them all, for I do not hear them any more.
I longed that Peter should read them to
me some day, but he will never be able to!"
Peter's mother got up from her work now,
saying, "I must make a light. The afternoon
has passed and now it's getting dark."
When Heidi heard those words, she started,
and holding out her hand to all, she said:
"Good-night. I have to go, for it is getting
dark." But the anxious grandmother called
out: "Wait, child, don't go up alone! Go
with her, Peter, and take care that she does
76
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
not fall. Don't let her get cold, do you hear?
Has Heidi a shawl?"
"I haven't, but I won't be cold," Heidi
called back, for she had already escaped
through the door. She ran so fast that Peter
could hardly follow her. The old woman
frettingly called out: "Brigida, run after her.
Get a warm shawl, she'll freeze in this cold
night. Hurry up!" Brigida obeyed. The
children had hardly climbed any distance,
when they saw the old man coming and with
a few vigorous steps he stood beside them.
"I am glad you kept your word, Heidi,"
he said; and packing her into her cover, he .
started up the hill, carrying the child in his
arms. Brigida had come in time to see it,
and told the grandmother what she had wit-
nessed.
"Thank God, thank God!" the old woman
said. "I hope she'll come again; she has
done me so much good! What a soft heart
she has, the darling, and how nicely she can
talk." All evening the grandmother said
to herself, "If only he lets her come again!
77
HEIDI
I have something to look forward to in this
world now, thank God!"
Heidi could hardly wait before they
reached the cottage. She had tried to talk
on the way, but no sound could be heard
through the heavy cover. As soon as they
were inside the hut she began: ''Grand-
father, we must take some nails and a ham-
mer down tomorrow; a shutter is loose in
grandmother's house and many other places
shake. Everything rattles in her house."
"Is that so.? Who says we must.?"
"Nobody told me, but I know," Heidi
rephed. "Everything is loose in the house,
and poor grandmother told me she was
afraid that the house might tumble down.
And grandfather, she cannot see the light.
Can you help her and make it hght for her.?
How terrible it must be to be afraid in the
dark and nobody there to help you! Oh,
please, grandfather, do something to help
her! I know you can."
Heidi had been clmging to her grandfather
and looking up to him with trusting eyes.
78
IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S HUT
At last he said, glancing down: ''All right,,
child, we'll see that it won't rattle any more.
We can do it tomorrow."
Heidi was so overjoyed at these words
that she danced around the room shouting:
"We'll do it tomorrow! We can do it to-
morrow!"
The grandfather, keeping his word, took
Heidi down the following day with the same
instructions as before. After Heidi had dis-
appeared, he went around the house inspect-
ing it.
The grandmother, in her joy at seeing
the child again, had stopped the wheel and
called: ''Here is the child again! She has
come again!" Heidi, grasping her out-
stretched hands, sat herself on a low stool at
the old woman's feet and began to chat.
Suddenly violent blows were heard outside;
the grandmother in her fright nearly upset
the spinning-wheel and screamed: "Oh, God,
it has come at last. The hut is tumbling
down!"
"Grandmother, don't be frightened," said
79
\
HEIDI
the child, while she put her arms around hen
"Grandfather is just fastening the shutter
and fixing everything for you."
"Is it possible? Has God not forgotten
us after all? Brigida, have you heard it?
Surely that is a hammer. Ask him to come
in a moment, if it is he, for I must thank
him."
When Brigida went out, she found the old
man busy with putting a new beam along the
wall. Approaching him, she said: "Mother
and I wish you a good-afternoon. We are
very much obhged to you for doing us such
a service, and mother would like to see you.
There are few that would have done it,
micle, and how can we thank you?"
"That will do," he interrupted. ''I know
what your opinion about me is. Go in, for
I can find what needs mending myself."
Brigida obeyed, for the uncle had a way
that nobody could oppose. All afternoon
the uncle hammered around; he even chmbed
up on the roof, where much was missing. At
last he had to stop, for the last nail was gone
80
IN THE GRAXDMOTHER'S HUT
from his pocket. The darkness had come
in the meantime, and Heidi was ready to
go up with him, packed warmly in his arms.
Thus the winter passed. Sunshine had
come again into the bhnd woman's hfe, and
made her days less dark and dreary. Early
every morning she would begin to listen for
Heidi's footsteps, and when the door was
opened and the child ran in, the grandmother
exclaimed every time more joyfully: *' Thank
God, she has come again!"
Heidi would talk about her life, and make
the grandmother smile and laugh, and in
that way the hours flew by. In former times
the old woman had always sighed: "Brigida,
is the day not over yet?" but now she always
exclaimed after Heidi's departure: *'How
quickly the afternoon has gone by. Don't
you think so, too, Brigida?" Her daughter
had to assent, for Heidi had long ago won
her heart. "If only God will spare us the
child!" the grandmother would often say.
"I hope the uncle will always be kind, as he
is now." — "Does Heidi look well, Brigida?"
81
HEIDI
was a frequent question, which always got
a reassuring answer.
Heidi also became very fond of the old
grandmother, and when the weather was fair,
she visited her every day that winter. When-
ever the child remembered that the grand-
mother was blind, she would get very sad;
her only comfort was that her coming brought
such happiness. The grandfather soon had
mended the cottage; often he would take
down big loads of timber, which he used to
good purpose. The grandmother vowed that
no rattling could be heard any more, and
that, thanks to the uncle's kindness, she
slept better that wmter than she had done
for many a year.
V
TWO VISITORS
i
T
1
WO winters had nearly passed.
Heidi was happy, for the
spring was coming again, with
the soft delicious wind that
made the fir-trees roar. Soon
she would be able to go up to the pasture,
where blue and yellow flowers greeted her
at every step. She was nearly eight years
old, and had learned to take care of the
goats, who ran after her like little dogs.
Several times the village teacher had sent
word by Peter that the child was wanted in
school, but the old man had not paid any
attention to the message and had kept her
with him as before. It was a beautiful morn-
ing in March. The snow had melted on the
slopes, and was going fast. Snowdrops were
peeping through the ground, which seemed
to be getting ready for spring. Heidi was
83
HEIDI
running to and fro before the door, when
she suddenly saw an old gentleman, dressed in
black, standing beside ner. As she appeared
frightened, he said kindly: *'Vou must not
be afraid of me, for I love children. Give
me your hand, Heidi, and tell me where
your grandfather is."
"He is inside, making round wooden
spoons," the child replied, opening the door
while she spoke.
It was the old pastor of the village, who
had known the grandfather years ago. After
entering, he approached the old man, say-
ing: "Good-morning, neighbor."
The old man got up, surprised, and offer-
ing a seat to the visitor, said: "Good-morn-
ing, Mr. Parson. Here is a wooden chair,
if it is good enough."
Sitting down, the parson said: "It is long
since I have seen you, neighbor. I have
come to-day to talk over a matter with you.
I am sure you can guess what it is about."
The clergyman here looked at Heidi, who
was standing near the door.
84
TWO VISITORS
•* Heidi, run out to see the goats," said
the grandfather, "and bring them some salt;
you can stay till I come."
Heidi disappeared on the spot. "The
child should have come to school a year ago,"
the parson went on to say. "Didn't you
get the teacher's v/arning? What do you
intend to do with the child?"
"I do not want her to go to school," said
the old man, unrelentingly.
"What do you want the child to be?"
"I want her to be free and happy as a
bird!"
"But she is human, and it is high time for
her to learn something. I have come now
to tell you about it, so that you can make
your plans. She must come to school next
winter; remember that."
"I shan't do it, pastor!" was the reply.
"Do you think there is no way?" the
clergyman replied, a little hotly. "You know
the world, for you have travelled far. What
little sense you show!"
"You think I am going to send this dehcate
85
HEIDI
child to school in every storm and weather!"
the old man said excitedly. "It is a two
hours' walk, and I shall not let her go; for
the wind often howls so that it chokes me
if I venture out. Did you know Adelheid,
her mother.^ She was a sleep-walker, and
had fainting-fits. Nobody shall compel me
to let her go; I will gladly fight it out in
court."
"You are perfectly right," said the clergy-
man kindly. "You could not send her to
school from here. Why don't you come down
to Hve among us again .^ You are leading
a strange hfe here; I wonder how you can
keep the child warm in winter."
"She has young blood and a good cover.
I know where to find good wood, and all
winter I keep a fire going. I couldn't live in
the village, for the people there and I despise
each other; we had better keep apart."
"You are mistaken, I assure you! Make
your peace with God, and then you'll see
how happy you will be."
The clergyman had risen, and holding out
TWO VISITORS
his hand, he said cordially: "I shall count
on you next winter, neighbor. We shall
receive you gladly, reconciled with God and
man."
But the uncle repHed firmly, while he
shook his visitor by the hand: "Thank you
for your kindness, but you will have to wait
in vain."
"God be with you," said the parson, and
left him sadly.
The old man was out of humor that day,
and when Heidi begged to go to the grand-
mother, he only growled: "Not to-day."
Next day they had hardly finished their
dinner, when another visitor arrived. It was
Heidi's aunt Deta ; she wore a hat with
feathers and a dress with such a train that
it swept up everything that lay on the cottage
floor. Wliile the uncle looked at her silently,
Deta began to praise him and the child's
red cheeks. She told him that it had not
been her intention to leave Heidi with him
long, for she knew she must be in his way.
She had tried to provide for the child else-
87
HEIDI
where, and at last she had found a splendid
chance for her. Very rich relations of her
lady, who owned the largest house in Frank-
furt, had a lame daughter. This poor little
girl was confined to her rolling-chair and
needed a companion at her lessons. Deta
had heard from her lady that a sweet, quaint
child was wanted as playmate and school-
mate for the invalid. She had gone to the
housekeeper and told her all about Heidi.
The lady, delighted with the idea, had told
her to fetch the child at once. She had come
now, and it was a luck}^ chance for Heidi,
for one never knew what might happen in
such a case, and who could tell — ' '
"Have you finished.^" the old man in-
terrupted her at last.
"Why, one might think I was telling you
the silliest things. There is not a man in
Pratiggan who would not thank God for
such news."
"Bring them to somebody else, but not
to me," said the imcle, coldly.
Deta, flaming up, repHed: "Do you want
88
TWO VISITORS
to hear what I think? Don't I know how
old she is; eight years old and ignorant of
everything. They have told me that you
refuse to send her to church and to school.
She is my only sister's child, and I shall not
bear it, for I am responsible. You do not
care for her, how else could you be indif-
ferent to such luck. You had better give
way or I shall get the people to back me.
If I were you, I would not have it brought
to court; some things might be warmed up
that you would not care to hear about."
"Be quiet!" the uncle thundered with
flaming eyes. **Take her and ruin her, but
do not bring her before my sight again. I
do not want to see her with feathers in her
hat and wicked words like yours."
With long strides he went out.
"You have made him angry!" said Heidi
with a furious look.
"He won't be cross long. But come now,
where are your things?" asked Deta.
"I won't come," Heidi replied.
"What?" Deta said passionately. But
HEIDI
changing her tone, she continued in a more
friendly manner: *'Come now; you don't
understand me. I am taking you to the
most beautiful place you have ever seen."
After packing up Heidi's clothes she said
again, " Come, child, and take your hat.
It is not very nice, but we can't help it."
"I shall not come," was the reply.
"Don't be stupid and obstinate, hke a
goat. Listen to me. Grandfather is send-
ing us away and we must do what he com-
mands, or he will get more angry still.
You'll see how fine it is in Frankfurt. If
you do not like it, you can come home again
and by that time grandfather will have for-
given us."
** Can I come home again to-night.'*" asked
Heidi.
"Come now, I told you you could come
back. If we get to Mayenfeld today, we
can take the train to-morrow. That will
make you fly home again in the shortest
time!"
Holding the bundle, Deta led the child
90
TWO VISITORS
down the mountain. On their way they met
Peter, who had not gone to school that day.
The boy thought it was a more useful oc*
cupation to look for hazel-rods than to learn
to read, for he always needed the rods. He
had had a most successful day, for he carried
an enormous bundle on his shoulder. When
he caught sight of Heidi and Deta, he asked
them where they were going.
** I am going to Frankfurt with Aunt Deta,"
Heidi replied; "but first I must see grand-
mother, for she is waiting."
"Oh no, it is too late. You can see he^
when you come back, but not now," said
Deta, pulling Heidi along with her, for she
was afraid that the old woman might detain
the child.
Peter ran into the cottage and hit the
table with his rods. The grandmother
'jumped up in her fright and asked him
what that meant.
"They have taken Heidi away," Peter said
with a groan.
Who has, Peter? Where has she gone?"
HEIDI
the unhappy grandmother asked. Brigida
had seen Deta walking up the footpath a
short while ago and soon they guessed what
had happened. With a trembling hand the
old woman opened a window and called out
as loudly as she could: "Deta, Deta, don't
take the child away. Don't take her from us."
When Heidi heard that she struggled to
get free, and said: "I must go to grand-
mother; she is caUing me."
But Deta would not let her go. She urged
her on by saying that she might return soon
again. She also suggested that Heidi might
bring a lovely present to the grandmother
when she came back.
Heidi liked this prospect and followed Deta
without more ado. After a while she asked:
"AVhat shall I bring to the grandmother?"
"You might bring her some soft white
rolls, Heidi. I think the black bread is too
hard for poor grandmother to eat."
"Yes, I know, aunt, she always gives it
to Peter," Heidi confirmed her. "We must
go quickly now; we might get to Frankfurt
92
TWO VISITOKS
today and then I can be back tomorrow
with the rolls."
Heidi was running now, and Deta had
to follow. She was glad enough to escape
the questions that people might ask her in
the village. People could see that Heidi was
pulling her along, so she said: "I can't stop.
Don't you see how the child is hurrying?
We have still far to go," whenever she heard
from all sides: "Are you taking her with
you?" "Is she running away from the
uncle?" "What a wonder she is still ahve!"
"What red cheeks she has," and so on. Soon
they had escaped and had left the village far
behind them.
From that time on the uncle looked more
angry than ever when he came to the village.
Everybody was afraid of him, and the women
would warn their children to keep out of
his sight.
He came down but seldom, and then only
to sell his cheese and buy his provisions.
Often people remarked how lucky it was
that Heidi had left him. They had seen
93
HEIDI
her hurrying away, so they thought that
she had been glad to go.
The old grandmother alone stuck to him
faithfully. Whenever anybody came up to
her, she would tell them what good care
the old man had taken of Heidi. She also
told them that he had mended her little
house. These reports reached the village,
of course, but people only half believed them,
for the grandmother was infirm and old.
She began her days with sighing again. "All
happiness has left us with the child. The
days are so long and dreary, and I have
no joy left. If only I could hear Heidi's
voice before I die," the poor old woman
would exclaim, day after day.
VI
A NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW
THINGS
N a beautiful house in Frank-
furt lived a sick child by the
name of Clara Sesemann. She
was sitting in a comfortable
rolling-chair, which could be
pushed from room to room. Clara spent most
of her time in the study, where long rows of
bookcases lined the walls. This room was
used as a living-room, and here she was also
given her lessons.
Clara had a pale, thin face with soft blue
eyes, which at that moment were watching
the clock impatiently. At last she said: "Oh
Miss Rottenmeier, isn't it time yet.^"
The lady so addressed was the house-
keeper, who had lived with Clara since Mrs.
Sesemann's death. Miss Rottenmeier wore
a peculiar uniform with a long cape, and a
high cap on her head. Clara's father, who
96
HEIDI
was away from home a great deal, left the
entire management of the house to this lady,
on the condition that his daughter's wishes
should always be considered.
While Clara was waiting, Deta had ar-
rived at the front door with Heidi. She
was asking the coachman who had brought
her if she could go upstairs.
"That's not my business," grumbled the
coachman; "you must ring for the butler."
Sebastian, the butler, a man with large
brass buttons on his coat, soon stood before
her.
"May I see IVIiss Rottenmeier.^" Deta
asked.
"That's not my business," the butler an-
nounced. "Ring for Tinette, the maid."
With that, he disappeared.
Deta, ringing again, saw a girl with a bril-
Uant white cap on her head, coming down the
stairway. The maid stopped haK-w^ay down
and asked scornfully: "What do you want.'^"
Deta repeated her wish again. Tinette
told her to wait while she went upstairs,
96
A NEW CHAPTER
but it did not take long before the two were
asked to come up.
Following the maid, they found themselves
in the study. Deta held on to Heidi's hand
and stayed near the door.
Miss Rottenmeier, slowly getting up, ap-
proached the newcomers. She did not seem
pleased with Heidi, who wore her hat and
shawl and was looking up at the lady's head-
dress with innocent wonder.
"What is your name?" the lady asked.
"Heidi," was the child's clear answer.
"What.? Is that a Christian name? What
name did you receive in baptism?" mquired
the lady again.
"I don't remember that any more," the
child replied.
'' What an answer ! What does that mean ?"
said the housekeeper, shaking her head. "Is
the child ignorant or pert. Miss Deta?"
"I shall speak for the child, if I may,
madam," Deta said, after giving Heidi a
little blow for her unbecoming answer. ''The
child has never been in such a fine house
7 9T
HEIDI
and does not know how to behave. I hope the
lady will forgive her manners. She is called
Adelheid after hermother, who was my sister."
"Oh well, that is better. But Miss Deta,
the child seems peculiar for her age. I
thought I told you that Miss Clara's com-
panion would have to be twelve years old
hke her, to be able to share her studies.
How old is Adelheid?"
"I am sorry, but I am afraid she is some-
what younger than I thought. I think she
is about ten years old."
"Grandfather said that I was eight years
old," said Heidi now. Deta gave her another
blow, but as the child had no idea why, she
did not get embarrassed.
"What, only eight years old!" Miss Rot-
tenmeier exclaimed indignantly. "How can
we get along? What have you learned?
What books have you studied?"
"None," said Heidi.
"But how did you learn to read?"
"I can't read and Peter can't do it either,"
Heidi retorted.
98
A NEW CHAPTER
*'For mercy's sake! you cannot read?"
cried the lady in her surprise. **How is it
possible? What else have you studied?"
"Nothing," replied Heidi, truthfully.
"Miss Deta, how could you bring this
child?" said the housekeeper, when she was
more composed.
Deta, however, was not easily intimidated,
and said: "I am sorry, but I thought this
child would suit you, She is small, but older
children are often spoilt and not like her. I
must go now, for my mistress is waiting. As
soon as I can, I'll come to see how the child
is getting along." With a bow she was outside
and with a few quick steps hurried down -stairs.
Miss Hottenmeier followed her and tried
to call her back, for she wanted to ask Deta
a number of questions.
Heidi was still standing on the same spot.
Clara had watched the scene, and called to
the child now to come to her.
Heidi approached the rolling-chair.
"Do you want to be called Heidi or Adel-
heid?" asked Clara.
99
HEIDI
"My Dame is Heidi and nothing else,'*
was the child's answer.
"I'll call you Heidi then, for I like it very
much," said Clara. "I have never heard
the name before. What curly hair you have !
Was it always like that.^"
"I think so."
"Did you hke to come to Frankfurt?"
asked Clara again.
"Oh, no, but then I am going home again
to-morrow, and shall bring grandmother
some soft white rolls," Heidi explained.
"TVTiat a curious child you are," said
Clara. "You have come to Frankfurt to
stay with me, don't you know that.^ We
shall have our lessons together, and I think
it will be great fun when you learn to read.
Generally the morning seems to have no end.
for Mr. Candidate comes at ten and stays
till two. That is a long time, and he has to
yawn himself, he gets so tired. Miss Rotten-
meier and he both yawn together behind
their books, but when I do it. Miss Rotten-
meier makes me take cod-liver oil and says
100
A NEW CHAPTER
that I am ill. So I must swallow my yawns,
for I hate the oil. What fun it will be now,
when you learn to read !"
Heidi shook her head doubtfully at these
prospects.
''Everybody must learn to read, Heidi.
Mr. Candidate is very patient and will ex-
plain it all to you. You won't know what he
means at first, for it is difficult to understand
him. It won't take long to learn, though,
and then you will know what he means."
When Miss Rottenmeier found that she
was unable to recall Deta, she came back to
the children. She was in a very excited
mood, for she felt responsible for Heidi's
coming and did not know how to cancel
this unfortunate step. She soon got up
again to go to the dining-room, criticising
the butler and giving orders to the maid.
Sebastian, not daring to show his rage other-
wise, noisily opened the folding doors. When
he went up to Clara's chair, he saw Heidi
watching him intently. At last she said:
"You look like Peter."
101
HEIDI
Miss Rottenmeier was horrified with this
remark, and sent them all into the dining-
room. After Clara was lifted on to her chair,'
the housekeeper sat down beside her. Heidi
was motioned to sit opposite the lady. In
that way they were placed at the enormous
table. When Heidi saw a roll on her plate,
she turned to Sebastian, and pointing at
it, asked, "Can I have this.^^" Heidi had
already great confidence in the butler, es-
pecially on account of the resemblance she
had discovered. The butler nodded, and
when he saw Heidi put the bread in her
pocket, could hardly keep from laughing.
He came to Heidi now with a dish of small
baked fishes. For a long time the child did
not move; then turning her eyes to the but-
ler, she said: "Must I eat that.^^" Sebastian
nodded, but another pause ensued. "Why
don't you give it to me.^^" the child quietly
asked, looking at her plate. The butler,
hardly able to keep his countenance, was
told to place the dish on the table and
leave the room.
i(»
A NEW CHAPTER
When he was gone. Miss Rottenmeier ex-
plained to Heidi with many signs how to
help herself at table. She also told her never
to speak to Sebastian unless it was important.
After that the child was told how to accost
the servants and the governess. TMien the
question came up of how to call Clara, the older
girl said, *' Of course you shall call me Clara."
A great many rules followed now about
behavior at all times, about the shutting of
doors and about going to bed, and a hundred
other things. Poor Heidi's eyes were closing,
for she had risen at five that morning, and lean-
ing against her chair she fell asleep. When
Miss Rottenmeier had finished instructions,
she said: "I hope you will remember every-
thing, Adelheid. Did you understand me.^"
"Heidi went to sleep a long time ago,'*
said Clara, highly amused.
" It is atrocious what I have to bear with this
child," exclaimed Miss Rottenmeier, ringing
the bell with all her might. When the two ser-
vants arrived, they were hardly able to rouse
Heidi enough to show her to her bed-room*
103
VII
MISS ROTTENMEIER HAS AN
UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
HEN Heidi opened her eyes
next morning, she did not
know where she was. She
found herself on a high white
bed in a spacious room. Look-
ing around she observed long white curtains
before the windows, several chairs, and a sofa
covered with cretonne; in a corner she saw a
wash-stand with many curious things stand-
ing on it.
Suddenly Heidi remembered all the hap-
penings of the previous day. Jumping out
of bed, she dressed in a great hurry. She
was eager to look at the sky and the ground
below, as she had always done at home.
What was her disappointment when she
found that the windows were too high for
104
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
her to see anything except the walls and
windows opposite. Trying to open them,
she turned from one to the other, but in
vain. The poor child felt like a little bird
that is placed in a glittering cage for the
first time. At last she had to resign herself,
and sat down on a low stool, thinking of the
melting snow on the slopes and the first
fiowers of spring that she had hailed with
such delight.
Suddenly Tinette opened the door and
said curtly: "Breakfast's ready."
Heidi did not take this for a summons,
for the maid's face was scornful and forbid-
ding. She was waiting patiently for what
would happen next, when Miss Rottenmeier
burst into the room, saying: "What is the
matter, Adelheid.'^ Didn't you understand.'*
Come to breakfast!"
Heidi immediately followed the lady into
the dining-room, where Clara greeted her
with a smile. She looked much happier than
usual, for she expected new things to happen
that day. When breakfast had passed with-
105
HEIDI
out disturbance, the two cliildren were al-
lowed to go into the hbrary together and
were soon left alone.
"How can I see down to the ground?"
Heidi asked.
''Open a window and peep out," repUed
Clara, amused at the question.
"But it is impossible to open them," Heidi
said, sadly.
"Oh no. You can't do it and I can't
help you, either, but if you ask Sebastian
he'll do it for you."
Heidi was relieved. The poor child had
felt like a prisoner in her room. Clara now
asked Heidi what her home had been like,
and Heidi told her gladly about her Hfe in
the hut.
The tutor had arrived in the meantime,
but he was not asked to go to the study as
usual. Miss Rottenmeier was very much
excited about Heidi's coming and all the
comphcations that arose therefrom. She
was really responsible for it, having arranged
everything herself. She presented the uu-
106
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
fortunate case before the teacher, for she
wanted him to help her to get rid of the
child. Mr. Candidate, however, w^as always
careful of his judgments, and not afraid of
teaching beginners.
When the lady saw that he would not side
with her, she let him enter the study alone,
for the A,B,C held great horrors for her.
While she considered many problems, a
frightful noise as of something falling was
heard in the adjoining room, followed by a
cry to Sebastian for help. Running in, she
beheld a pile of books and papers on the floor,
with the table-cover on top. A black stream
of ink flowed across the length of the room.
Heidi had disappeared.
"There," Miss Rottenmeier exclaimed,
wringing her hands. "Everything drenched
with ink. Did such a thing ever happen
before.^ This child brings nothing but mis-
fortunes on us."
The teacher was standing up, looking at
the devastation, but Clara was highly enter-
tained by these events, and said: "Heidi
107
HEIDI
has not done it on purpose and must not
be punished. In her hurry to get away she
caught on the table-cover and pulled it down.
I think she must never have seen a coach
in all her life, for when she heard a carriage
rumbling by, she rushed out like mad."
"Didn't I tell you, Mr. Candidate, that
she has no idea whatever about behavior?
She does not even know that she has to sit
quiet at her lessons. But where has she gone?
What would Mr. Sesemann say if she should
run away?"
Whew Miss Rottenmeier went down-stairs
to look for the child, she saw her standing
at the open door, looking down the street.
**WTiat are you doing here? How can you
run away like that?" scolded Miss Rotten-
meier.
"I heard the fir-trees rustle, but I can't
see them and do not hear them any more,"
replied Heidi, looking in great perplexity
down the street. The noise of the passing
carriage had reminded her of the roaring
of the south-wind on the Alp.
108
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
"Fir-trees? What nonsense! We are not
in a wood. Come with me now to see what you
have done. ' ' When Heidi saw the devastation
that she had caused, she was greatly sur-
prised, for she had not noticed it in her hurry.
"This must never happen again," said the
lady sternly. "You must sit quiet at your
lessons; if you get up again I shall tie you
to your chair. Do you hear me.'^"
Heidi understood, and gave a promise to
sit quietly during her lessons from that time
on. After the servants had straightened the
room, it was late, and there was no more
time for studies. Nobody had time to
yawn that morning.
In the afternoon, while Clara was resting,
Heidi was left to herself. She planted her-
self in the hall and waited for the butler to
come up -stairs with the silver things. When
he reached the head of the stairs, she said to
him: "I want to ask you something." She
saw that the butler seemed angry, so she re-
assured him by saying that she did not mean
any harm.
109
HEIDI
All right. Miss, what is it?"
My name is not Miss, why don't you call
me Heidi?"
"Miss Rottenmeier told me to call you
Miss."
"Did she? Well then, it must be so. I
have three names already," sighed the child.
"What can I do for you?" asked Sebastian
now.
"Can you open a window for me?"
"Certainly," he replied.
Sebastian got a stool for Heidi, for the
window-sill was too high for her to see over.
In great disappointment, Heidi turned her
head away.
"I don't see anything but a street of stone.
Is it the same way on the other side of the
house?"
"Yes."
"Where do you go to look far down on
everything?"
"On a church-tower. Do you see that
one over there with the golden dome? From
there you can overlook everything."
110
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
Heidi immediately stepped down from
the stool and ran down-stairs. Opening
the door, she found herself in the street,
but she could not see the tower any more.
She wandered on from street to street, not
daring to accost any of the busy people.
Passing a corner, she saw a boy who had
a barrel-organ on his back and a curious
animal on his arm. Heidi ran to him and
asked: *' Where is the tower with the golden
dome?"
''Don't know," was the reply.
"Who can tell me.?"
"Don't know."
" Can you show me another church with a
tower .f^"
"Of course I can."
"Then come and show me."
"What are you going to give me for it.?"
said the boy, holding out his hand. Heidi
had nothing in her pocket but a little flower-
picture. Clara had only given it to her this
morning, so she was loath to part with it.
The temptation to look far down into the
111
HEIDI
valley was too great for her, though, and
she offered him the gift. The boy shook his
head, to Heidi's satisfaction.
"What else do you want?"
"Money."
"I have none, but Clara has some. How
much must I give you?"
"Twenty pennies."
"All right, but come."
While they were wandering down the
street, Heidi found out what a barrel-organ
was, for she had never seen one. When they
arrived before an old church with a tower,
Heidi was puzzled what to do next, but
having discovered a bell, she pulled it with
all her might. The boy agreed to wait for
Heidi and show her the way home if she gave
him a double fee.
The lock creaked now from inside, and
an old man opened the door. In an angry
voice, he said: "How do you dare to ring
for me? Can't you see that it is only for
those who want to see the tower?"
"But I do," said Heidi.
113
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
"What do you want to see? Did anybody
send you?" asked the man,.
"No; but I want to look down from up
there."
"Get home and don't try it again." With
that the tower-keeper was going to shut the
door, but Heidi held his coat-tails and pleaded
with him to let her come. The tower-keeper
looked at the child's eyes, which were nearly
full of tears.
"All right, come along, if you care so
much," he said, taking her by the hand.
The two climbed up now many, many steps,
which got narrower all the time. TMien
they had arrived on top, the old man lifted
Heidi up to the open window.
Heidi saw nothing but a sea of chimneys,
roofs and towers, and her heart sank. "Oh^
dear, it's different from the way I thought
it would be," she said.
"There! what could such a little girl know
about a view? We'll go down now and you
must promise never to ring at my tower any
more."
8 ns
HEIDI
On their way they passed an attic, where
a large grey cat guarded her new family in
a basket. This cat caught half-a-dozen mice
every day for herself, for the old tower was
full of rats and mice. Heidi gazed at her
in surprise, and was delighted when the old
man opened the basket.
"What charming kittens, what cunning
little creatures!" she exclaimed in her de-
Ught, when she saw them crawhng about,
jumping and tumbling.
"Would you like to have one.^" the old
man asked.
"For me? to keep.^" Heidi asked, for she
could not beheve her ears.
"Yes, of course. You can have several if
you have room for them," the old man said,
glad to find a good home for the kittens.
How happy Heidi was! Of course there
was enough room in the huge house, and
Clara would be delighted when she saw the
cunning things.
"How can I take them with me?" the child
asked, after she had tried in vain to catch one.
114
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
"I can bring them to your house, if you
tell me where you live," said Heidi's new
friend, while he caressed the old cat, who
had lived with him many years.
"Bring them to Mr. Sesemann's house;
there is a golden dog on the door, with a
ring in his mouth."
The old man had lived in the tower a
long time and knew everybody; Sebastian
also was a special friend of his.
''I know," he said. ''But to whom shall
I send them.f^ Do you belong to Mr. Sese-
mann.^"
"No. Please send them to Clara; she
will hke them, I am sure."
Heidi could hardly tear herself away from
the pretty things, so the old man put one
kitten in each of her pockets to console her.
After that she went away.
The boy was waiting patiently for her,
and when she had taken leave of the tower-
keeper, she asked the boy: "Do you know
where Mr. Sesemann's house is.^^"
<(
No," was the reply.
115
HEIDI
She described it as well as she could, till
the boy remembered it. Off they started,
and soon Heidi found herself pulling the
door-bell. When Sebastian arrived he said:
"Hurry up." Heidi went in, and the boy
was left outside, for Sebastian had not even
seen him.
"Come up quickly, little Miss," he urged.
"They are all waiting for you in the dining-
room. Miss Rottenmeier looks like a loaded
cannon. How could you run away like that.^"
Heidi sat down quietly on her chair. No-
body said a word, and there was an un-
comfortable silence. At last Miss Rotten-
meier began with a severe and solemn voice:
"I shall speak with you later, Adelheid.
How can you leave the house without a
word.f^ Your behavior was very remiss. The
idea of walking about till so late!"
"Meow!" was the reply.
"I didn't," Heidi began— "Meow!"
Sebastian nearly flung the dish on the
table, and disappeared.
"This is enough," Miss Rottenmeier tried
116
AN UNCOMFORTABLE DAY
to say, but her voice was hoarse with fury.
"Get up and leave the room."
Heidi got up. She began again. "I
made — " ''Meow! meow! meow! — "
"Heidi," said Clara now, "why do you
always say 'meow' again, if you see that
Miss Rottenmeier is angry .^"
"I am not doing it, it's the kittens," she
explained.
"What? Cats.f^ Kittens.^" screamed the
housekeeper. "Sebastian, Tinette, take the
horrible things away!" With that she ran
into the study, locking herself in, for she
feared kittens beyond anything on earth.
When Sebastian had finished his laugh, he
came into the room. He had foreseen the
excitement, having caught sight of the kit-
tens when Heidi came in. The scene was a
very peaceful one now; Clara held the little
kittens in her lap, and Heidi was kneeling
beside her. They both played happily with
the two graceful creatures. The butler
promised to look after the new-comers and
prepared a bed for them in a basket.
117
HEIDI
A long time afterwards, when it was time
to go to bed, Miss Rottenmeier cautiously
opened the door. "Are they away?" she
asked. "Yes," repHed the butler, quickly
seizing the kittens and taking them away.
The lecture that Miss Rottenmeier was
going to give Heidi was postponed to the
following day, for the lady was too much
exhausted after her fright. They all went
quietly to bed, and the children were happy
in the thought that their kittens had a com-
fortable bed.
VIII
GREAT DISTURBANCES IN THE
SESEMANN HOUSE
SHORT time after the tutor
had arrived next morning, the
door-bell rang so violently that
Sebastian thought it must be
Mr. Sesemann himself. What
was his surprise when a dirty street-boy,
with a barrel-organ on his back, stood be-
fore him!
"What do you mean by pulling the bell
like that.f^" the butler said.
"I want to see Clara."
"Can't you at least say 'Miss Clara', you
ragged urchin?" said Sebastian harshly.
"She owes me forty pennies," said the boy.
"You are crazy! How do you know Miss
Clara lives here?"
"I showed her the way yesterday and she
promised to give me forty pennies."
'What nonsense \ Miss Clara never goes
119
«r
HEIDI
out. You had better take yourself off, before
I send you!"
The boy, however, did not even budge,
and said: ''I saw her. She has curly hair,
black eyes and talks in a funny way."
"Oh," Sebastian chuckled to himself,
"that was the httle Miss."
Pulling the boy into the house, he said:
"All right, you can follow me. Wait at the
door till I call you, and then you can play
something for INIiss Clara."
Knockmg at the study- door, Sebastian
said, when he had entered: "A boy is here
who wants to see Miss Clara."
Clara, delighted at his interruption, said:
"Can't he come right up, Mr. Candidate.?"
But the boy was already inside, and
started to play. Miss Rottenmeier was in
Uie adjoining room when she heard the
sounds. Where did they come from.? Hur-
rying into the study, she saw the street-boy
playing to the eager children.
"Stop! stop!" she called, but in vain, for
the music drowned her voice. Suddenly she
120
GREAT DISTURBANCES
made a big jump, for there, between her
feet, crawled a black turtle. Only when
she shrieked for Sebastian could her voice
be heard. The butler came straight in, for
he had seen everything behind the door,
and a great scene it had been! Glued to a
chair in her fright. Miss Rottenmeier called:
"Send the boy away! Take them away!"
Sebastian obediently pulled the boy after
him; then he said: *'Here are forty pennies
from Miss Clara and forty more for play-
ing. It was well done, my boy."
With that he closed the door behind him.
Miss Rottenmeier found it wiser now to
stay in the study to prevent further dis-
turbances. Suddenly there was another
knock at the door. Sebastian appeared with a
large basket, which had been brought for Clara.
''We had better have our lesson before
we inspect it," said Miss Rottenmeier. But
Clara, turning to the tutor, asked: *'0h,'
please, Mr. Candidate, can't we just peep
in, to see what it is.'^"
"I am afraid that you will think of noth-
121
HEIDI
ing else," the teacher began. Just then
something in the basket, which had been
only lightly fastened, moved, and one, two,
three and still more little kittens jumped
out, scampering around the room with the
utmost speed. They bounded over the tutor's
boots and bit his trousers ; they climbed up
on Miss Rottenmeier's dress and crawled
around her feet. Mewing and running, they
caused a frightful confusion. Clara called
out in delight: "Oh, look at the cunning
creatures; look how they jump ! Heidi, look at
that one, and oh, see the one over there .f^"
Heidi followed them about, while the
teacher shook them off. When the house-
keeper had collected her wits after the great
fright, she called for the servants. They
soon arrived and stored the little kittens
safely in the new bed.
No time had been found for yawning that
day, either!
When Miss Rottenmeier, who had found
out the culprit, was alone with the children
in the evening, she began severely:
122
GREAT DISTURBANCES
"Adelheid, there is only one punishment
for you. I am going to send you to the
cellar, to think over your dreadful misdeeds,
in company with the rats."
A cellar held no terrors for Heidi, for in
her grandfather's cellar fresh milk and the
good cheese had been kept, and no rats had
lodged there.
But Clara shrieked: "Oh, Miss Rotten-
meier, you must wait till Papa comes home,
and then he can punish Heidi."
The lady unwillingly replied: *'A11 right,
Clara, but I shall also speak a few words to
Mr. Sesemann." With those words she left
the room. Since the child's arrival every-
thing had been upset, and the lady often
felt discouraged, though nothing remark-
able happened for a few days.
Clara, on the contrary, enjoyed her com-
panion's society, for she always did funny
things. In her lesson she could never get her
letters straight. They meant absolutely
nothing to her, except that they would remind
her of goats and eagles. The girls always
123
HEIDI
spent their evenings together, and Heidi
would entertain her friend with tales of her
former life, till her longing grew so great
that she added: "I have to go home now.
I must go tomorrow."
Clara's soothing words and the prospect
of more rolls for the grandmother kept the
child. Every day after dinner she was left
alone in her room for some hours. Think-
ing of the green fields at home, of the spark-
ling flowers on the mountains, she would
sit in a corner till her desire for all those
things became too great to bear. Her aunt
had clearly told her that she might return,
if she wished to do so, so one day she re-
solved to leave for the Aim-hut. In a great
hurry she packed the bread in the red shawl,
and putting on her old straw hat, started off.
The poor child did not get very far. At the
door she encountered Miss Rottenmeier, who
stared at Heidi in mute surprise.
"What are you up to.?" she exploded.
"Haven't I forbidden you to run away?
You look Uke a vagabond!"
1^
GREAT DISTURBANCES
"I was only going home," whispered the
frightened child.
''Wliat, you want to run away from this
house? What would Mr. Sesemann say?
What is it that does not suit you here?
Don't you get better treatment than you
deserve? Have you ever before had such
food, service and such a room? Answer!"
"No," was the reply.
"Don't I know that?" the furious lady
proceeded. "What a thankless child you
are, just idle and good-for-nothing!"
But Heidi could not bear it any longer.
She loudly wailed: "Oh, I want to go home.
WTiat will poor Sno whopper do without me?
Grandmother is waiting for me every day.
Poor Thistlefinch gets blows if Peter gets
no cheese, and I must see the sun again
when he says good-night to the mountains.
How the eagle would screech if he saw all
the people here in Frankfurt!"
"For mercy's sake, the child is crazy!"
exclaimed IMiss Rottenmeier, running up the
stairs. In her hurry she had bumped into
HEIDI
Sebastian, who was just then coming down.
"Bring the unlucky child up!'* she called
to him, rubbing her head.
"All right, many thanks," answered the
butler, rubbing his head, too, for he had en-
countered something far harder than she had.
When the butler came down, he saw Heidi
standing near the door with jflaming eyes,
trembling all over. Cheerfully he asked:
"What has happened, Httle one? Do not
take it to heart, and cheer up. She nearly
made a hole in my head just now, but we
must not get discouraged. Oh, no! — Come,
up with you; she said so!"
Heidi walked up-stairs very slowly. See-
ing her so changed, Sebastian said:
"Don't give in! Don't be so sad! You
have been so courageous till now; I have
never heard you cry yet. Come up now, and
when the lady's away we'll go and look at the
kittens. They are running round like wild!"
Nodding cheerlessly, the child disappeared
in her room.
That night at supper Miss Rottenmeier
126
GREAT DISTURBANCES
watched Heidi constantly, but nothing hap-
pened. The child sat as quiet as a mouse,
hardly touching her food, except the little roll.
Talking with the tutor next morning, Miss
Rottenmeier told him her fears about Heidi's
mind. But the teacher had more serious
troubles still, for Heidi had not even learned
her A,B,C in all this time.
Heidi was sorely in need of some clothes,
so Clara had given her some. Miss Rotten-
meier was just busy arranging the child's
wardrobe, when she suddenly returned.
"Adelheid," she said contemptuously,
"what do I find.f^ A big pile of bread in
your wardrobe! I never heard the like.
Yes, Clara, it is true." Then, calling Tinette,
she ordered her to take away the bread and
the old straw hat she had found.
"No, don't! I must keep my hat ! The bread
is for grandmother," cried Heidi in despair.
"You stay here, while we take the rubbish
away," said the lady sternly.
Heidi threw herself down now on Clara's
chair and sobbed as if her heart would break.
127
HEIDI
"Now I can't bring grandmother any rolls!
Ohjthey were for grandmother!" she lamented.
"Heidi, don't cry any more," Clara
begged. "Listen! When you go home some
day, I am going to give you as many rolls
as you had, and more. They will be much
softer and better than those stale ones you
have kept. Those were not fit to eat, Heidi.
Stop now, please, and don't cry any more!"
Only after a long, long time did Heidi
become quiet. When she had heard Clara's
promise, she cried: "Are you really going to
give me as many as I had.^"
At supper, Heidi's eyes were swollen and it
was still hard for her to keep from crying.
Sebastian made strange signs to her that
she did not understand. What did he mean?
Later, though, when she climbed into her
high bed, she found her old beloved straw
hat hidden under her cover. So Sebastian
had saved it for her and had tried to tell
her! She crushed it for joy, and wrapping
it in a handkerchief, she hid it in the furthest
corner of her wardrobe.
128
IX
THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HEARS
OF STRANGE DOINGS
FEW days afterwards there
was great excitement in the
Sesemann residence, for the
master of the house had just
arrived. The servants were
taking upstairs one load after another, for
Mr. Sesemann always brought many lovely
things home with him.
When he entered his daughter's room,
Heidi shyly retreated into a corner. He
greeted Clara affectionately, and she was
equally delighted to see him, for she loved
her father dearly. Then he called to Heidi:
"Oh, there is our little Swiss girl. Come
and give me your hand! That's right. Are
you good friends, my girls, tell me now.^^ You
don't fight together, what?"
"Oh, no, Clara is always kind to me,"
Heidi replied,
9 1^
HEIDI
"Heidi has never even tried to fight.
Papa," Clara quickly remarked.
"That's good, I like to hear that," said
the father rising. "I must get my dinner
now, for I am hungry. I shall come back
soon and show you what I have brought
home with me."
In the dining-room he found Miss Rotten-
meier surveying the table with a most tragic
face. "You do not look very happy at my
arrival. Miss Rottenmeier. What is the
matter .f^ Clara seems well enough," he said
to her.
"Oh, Mr. Sesemann, we have been terribly
disappointed," said the lady.
"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Sese-
mann, calmly sipping his wine.
"We had decided, as you know, to have
a companion for Clara. Knowing as I did
that you would wish me to get a noble, pure
child, I thought of this Swiss child, hoping
she would go through life like a breath of
pure air, hardly touching the earth."
"I think that even Swiss children are
130
STRANGE DOIXGS
made to touch the earth, otherwise they
would have to have wings."
"I think you understand what I mean.
I have been terribly disappointed, for this
child has brought the most frightful animals
into the house. Mr. Candidate can tell you !"
"The child does not look very terrible.
But what do you mean?"
'*I cannot explain it, because she does not
seem in her right mind at times."
Mr. Sesemann was getting worried at last,
when the tutor entered.
"Oh, Mr. Candidate, I hope you will ex-
plain. Please take a cup of coffee with me
and tell me about my daughter's companion.
Make it short, if you please!"
But this was impossible for Mr. Candidate,
who had to greet Mr. Sesemann first. Then
he began to reassure his host about the child,
pointing out to him that her education had
been neglected till then, and so on. But
poor Mr. Sesemann, unfortunately, did not
get his answer, and had to listen to very
long-winded explanations of the child's char*
131
HEIDI
acter. At last Mr. Sesemann got up, saying:
"Excuse me, Mr. Candidate, but I must go
over to Clara now."
He found the children in the study. Turn-
ing to Heidi, who had risen at his approach,
he said: ''Come, little one, get me — get me
a glass of water."
"Fresh water .^"
" Of course, fresh water," he replied. When
Heidi had gone, he sat down near Clara,
holding her hand. "Tell me, little Clara,"
he asked, "please tell me clearly what ani-
mals Heidi has brought into the house; is
she really not right in her mind.'^"
Clara now began to relate to her father
all the incidents with the kittens and the
turtle, and explained Heidi's speeches that
had so frightened the lady. Mr. Sesemann
laughed heartily and asked Clara if she
wished Heidi to remain.
"Of course. Papa. Since she is here,
something amusing happens every day; it
used to be so dull, but now Heidi keeps
me company."
133
STRANGE DOINGS
"Very good, very good, Clara; Oh! here
is your friend back again. Did you get
nice fresh water?" asked Mr. Sesemann.
Heidi handed him the glass and said:
"Yes, fresh from the fountain."
"You did not go to the fountain yourself,
Heidi .f^" said Clara.
"Certainly, but I had to get it from far,
there were so many people at the first and
at the second fountain. I had to go down
another street and there I got it. A gentle-
man with white hair sends his regards to
you, Mr. Sesemann."
Clara's father laughed and asked: "Who
was the gentleman?"
"When he passed by the fountain and
saw me there with a glass, he stood still
and said: 'Please give me to drink, for you
have a glass; to whom are you bringing
the water?' Then I said: *I am bringing
it to Mr. Sesemann.' When he heard that
he laughed very loud and gave me his re-
gards for you, with the wish that you would
enjoy your drink."
133
HEIDI
"I wonder who it was? What did the
gentleman look like?"
"He has a friendly laugh and wears a gold
pendant with a red stone on his thick gold
chain; there is a horsehead on his cane."
"Oh, that was the doctor — " "That was
my old doctor," exclaimed father and daugh-
ter at the same time.
In the evening, Mr. Sesemann told Miss
Rottenmeier that Heidi was going to remain,
for the children were very fond of each
other and he found Heidi normal and very
sweet. "I want the child to be treated
kindly," Mr. Sesemann added decidedly.
"Her pecuharities must not be punished.
My mother is coming very soon to stay here,
and she will help you to manage the child,
for there is nobody in this world that my
mother could not get along with, as you
know. Miss Rottenmeier."
"Of course, I know that, Mr. Sesemann,"
repHed the lady, but she was not very much
pleased at the prospect.
Mr. Sesemann only stayed two weeks, for
134
STRANGE DOINGS
his business called him back to Paris. He
consoled his daughter by telling her that
his mother was coming in a very few days.
Mr. Sesemann had hardly left, when the
grandmother's visit was announced for the
following day.
Clara was looking forward to this visit,
and told Heidi so much about her dear
grandmama that Heidi also began to call
her by that name, to Miss Rottenmeier's
disapproval, who thought that the child was
not entitled to this intimacy.
X
A GRANDMAMA
r ^^ -.[HE following evening great ex-
pectation reigned in the house.
Tinette had put on a new cap,
Sebastian was placing foot-
stools in front of nearly every
armchair, and Miss Rottenmeier walked with
great dignity about the house, inspecting
everything.
When the carriage at last droVe up, the
servants flew downstairs, followed by Miss
Rottenmeier in more measured step. Heidi
had been sent to her room to await further
orders, but it was not long before Tinette
opened the door and said brusquely: "Go
into the study!"
The grandmama, with her kind and lov-
ing way, immediately befriended the child
and made her feel as if she had known her
always. To the housekeeper's great mor-
tification, she called the child Heidi, remark-
136
A GRAXDMAMA
ing to Miss Rottenmeier : "If somebody's
name is Heidi, I call her so."
The housekeeper soon found that she had
to respect the grandmother's ways and opin-
ions. Mrs. Sesemann always knew what
was going on in the house the minute she
entered it. On the following afternoon Clara
was resting and the old lady had shut her
eyes for five minutes, when she got up again
and went into the dining-room. With a sus-
picion that the housekeeper was probably
asleep, she went to this lady's room, knocking
loudly on the door. After a while somebody
stirred inside, and with a bewildered face
Miss Rottenmeier appeared, staring at the
unexpected visitor.
''Rottenmeier, where is the child? How
does she pass her time.^ I want to know,"
said Mrs. Sesemann.
"She just sits in her room, not moving a
finger; she has not the slightest desire to do
something useful, and that is why she thinks
of such absurd things that one can hardly
mention them in polite society."
137
HEIDI
'I should do exactly the same thing, if I
were left alone like that. Please bring her
to my room now, I want to show her some
pretty books I have brought with me."
" That is just the trouble. What should she
do with books .^ In all this time she has not
even learned the A,B,C, for it is impossible to
instil any knowledge into this being. If Mr.
Candidate was not as patient as an angel, he
would have given up teaching her long ago."
"How strange! The child does not look
to me like one who cannot learn the A, B, C,"
said Mrs. Sesemann. "Please fetch her now;
we can look at the pictures anyway."
The housekeeper was going to say more,
but the old lady had turned already and
gone to her room. She was thinking over
what she had heard about Heidi, making up
her mind to look into the matter.
Heidi had come and was looking with won-
dering eyes at the splendid pictures in the
large books, that Grandmama was showing
her. Suddenly she screamed aloud, for there
on the picture she saw a peaceful flock graz-
138
A GRANDMAMA
ing on a green pasture. In the middle a shep-
herd was standing, leaning on his crook. The
setting sun was shedding a golden light over
everything. With glowing eyes Heidi de-
voured the scene; but suddenly she began
to sob violently.
The grandmama took her httle hand in
hers and said in the most soothing voice:
*^Come, child, you must not cry. Did this
remind you of something.^ Now stop, and
I'll tell you the story to-night. There are
lovely stories in this book, that people can
read and tell. Dry your tears now, darling,
I must ask you something. Stand up now
and look at me! Now we are merry again!"
Heidi did not stop at once, but the kind
lady gave her ample time to compose her-
seK, saying from time to time: ''Now it's all
over. Now we'll be merry again."
When the child was quiet at last, she said :
"Tell me now how your lessons are going.
WTiat have you learnt, child, tell me.?"
"Nothing," Heidi sighed; "but I knew
that I never could learn it."
139
HEIDI
)9>
"T\T)at is it that you can't leam?'
"I can't learn to read; it is too hard."
""VMiat next? Who gave you this informa-
tion?"
''Peter told me, and he tried over and over
again, but he could not do it, for it is too
hard."
"Well, what kind of boy is he? Heidi,
you must not believe what Peter tells you,
but try for yourseK. I am sure you had
your thoughts elsewhere when Mr. Candi-
date showed you the letters."
"It's no use," Heidi said with such a tone
as if she was resigned to her fate.
"I am going to tell you something, Heidi,"
said the kind lady now. "You have not
learnt to read because you have believed
what Peter said. You shall believe me now,
and I prophesy that you will learn it in a
very short time, as a great many other chil-
dren do that are like you and not like Peter.
^Mien you can read, I am going to give you
this book. You have seen the shepherd on
the green pasture, and then you'll be able
140
A GRANDMAMA
to find out all the strange things that happen
to him. Yes, you can hear the whole story,
and what he does with his sheep and his goats.
You would like to know, wouldn't you, Heidi ?"
Heidi had Ustened attentively, and said
now with sparkHng eyes: "If I could only
read already!"
"It won't be long, I can see that. Come
now and let us go to Clara." With that
they both w^ent over to the study.
Since the day of Heidi's attempted flight
a great change had come over the child.
She had realized that it would hurt her kind
friends if she tried to go home again. She
knew now that she could not leave, as her
Aunt Deta had promised, for they all, es-
pecially Clara and her father and the old
lady, would think her ungrateful. But the
burden grew heavier in her heart and she
lost her appetite, and got paler and paler.
She could not get to sleep at night from
longing to see the mountains with the flowers
and the sunshine, and only in her dreams
she would be happy. ^Tien she woke up
141
HEIDI
in the morning, she always found herself on
her high white bed, far away from home.
Burj'ing her head in her pillow, she would
often weep a long, long time.
Mrs. Sesemann had noticed the child's
unhappiness, but let a few days pass by,
hoping for a change. But the change never
came, and often Heidi's eyes were red even
in the early morning. So she called the
child to her room one day and said, with
great sympathy in her voice: "Tell me,
Heidi, what is the matter with you? What
is making you so sad?"
But as Heidi did not want to appear thank-
less, she replied sadly: "I can't tell you."
I' No? Can't you tell Clara perhaps?"
"Oh, no, I can't tell anyone," Heidi said,
looking so unhappy that the old lady's heart
•was filled with pity.
^ "I tell you something, little girl," she con-
tinued. "If you have a sorrow that you
cannot tell to anyone, you can go to Our
Father in Heaven. You can tell Him every-
thing that troubles you, and if we ask Him
A GRANDMAMA
He can help us and take our suffering away.
Do you understand me, child ? Don't you pray
every night ? Don't you thank Him for all His
gifts and ask Him to protect you from evil?"
"Oh no, I never do that," replied the child.
"Have you never prayed, Heidi? Do you
know what I mean?"
"I only prayed with my first grandmother,
but it is so long ago, that I have forgotten."
"See, Heidi, I understand now why you
are so unhappy. We all need somebody to
help us, and just think how wonderful it is,
to be able to go to the Lord, when some-
thing distresses us and causes us pain. We
can tell Him everything and ask Him to
comfort us, when nobody else can do it. He
can give us happiness and joy."
Heidi was gladdened by these tidings, and
asked: "Can we tell Him everything, every-
thing?"
"Yes, Heidi, everything."
The child, withdrawing her hand from the
grandmama, said hurriedly, "Can I go now?"
"Yes, of course," was the reply, and with
143
HEIDI
this Heidi ran to her room. Sitting down
on a stool she folded her hands and poured
out her heart to God, imploring Him to help
her and let her go home to her grandfather.
About a week later, Mr. Candidate asked
to see Mrs. Sesemann, to tell her of some-
thing unusual that had occurred. Being
called to the lady's room, he began: ''Mrs.
Sesemann, something has happened that I
never expected," and with many more words
the happy grandmama was told that Heidi
had suddenly learned to read with the ut-
most correctness, most rare with beginners.
"Many strange things happen in this
world," Mrs. Sesemann remarked, while they
went over to the study to witness Heidi's
new accomphshment. Heidi was sitting
close to Clara, reading her a story; she
seemed amazed at the strange, new world
that had opened up before her. At supper
Heidi found the large book with the beauti-
ful pictures on her plate, and looking doubt-
fully at grandmama, she saw the old lady
nod. "Now it belongs to you, Heidi," shesaid.
A GRANDJMAMA
** Forever? Also when I am going home ?'*
Heidi inquired, confused with joy.
"Certainly, forever!" the grandmama as-
sured her. ** Tomorrow we shall begin to
read it."
''But Heidi, you must not go home; no,
not for many years," Clara exclaimed, ''es-
pecially when grandmama goes away. You
must stay with me."
Heidi still looked at her book before going
to bed that night, and this book became her
dearest treasure. She would look at the
beautiful pictures and read all the stories
aloud to Clara. Grandmama would quietly
listen and explain something here and there,
making it more beautiful than before. Heidi
loved the pictures with the shepherd best
of all; they told the story of the prodigal
son, and the child would read and re-read
it till she nearly knew it all by heart. Since
Heidi had learned to read and possessed the
book, the days seemed to fly, and the time
had come near that the grandmama had
fixed for her departure.
10 1*6
XI
HEIDI GAINS IN SOME RESPECTS
AND LOSES IN OTHERS
HE grandmama sent for Heidi
every day after dinner, while
Clara was resting and Miss
Rottenmeier disappeared in-
to her room. She talked to
Heidi and amused her in various ways, show-
ing her how to make clothes for pretty
little dolls that she had brought. Uncon-
sciously Heidi had learned to sew, and made
now the sweetest dresses and coats for the
little people out of lovely materials the
grandmama would give her. Often Heidi
w^ould read to the old lady, for the oftener
she read over the stories the dearer they
became to her. The child lived everything
through with the people in the tales and
was always happy to be with them again.
146
HEIDI GAINS AND LOSES~
But she never looked really cheerful and her
eyes never sparkled merrily as before.
In the last week of Mrs. Sesemann's stay,
Heidi was called again to the old lady's
room. The child entered with her beloved
book under her arm. Mrs. Sesemann drew
Heidi close to her, and laying the book aside,
she said: "Come, child, and tell me why you
are so sad. Do you still have the same
sorrow?"
*'Yes," Heidi replied.
"Did you confide it to Our Lord?"
"Yes."
"Do you pray to Him every day that He
may make you happy again and take your
aj03iction away?"
"Oh no, I don't pray any more."
"What do I hear, Heidi? Why don't you
pray?"
"It does not help, for God has not listenedJ
I don't wonder," she added, "for if all the
people in Frankfurt pray every night. He
cannot listen to them all. I am sure He
has not heard me.'*
14T
HEIDI
"Really? Why are you so sure?"
" Because I have prayed for the same thing
many, many weeks and God has not done
what I have asked Him to."
"That is not the way, Heidi. You see,
God in heaven is a good Father to all of us,
who loiows what we need better than we
do. When something we ask for is not very
good for us. He gives us something much
better, if we confide in Him and do not lose
confidence in His love. I am sure what
you asked for was not very good for you
just now; He has heard you, for He can
hear the prayers of all the people in the
world at the same time, because He is God
Almighty and not a mortal like us. He
heard your prayers and said to Himself:
*Yes, Heidi shall get what she is praying
for in time.' Now, while God was looking
down on you to hear your prayers, you lost
confidence and went away from Him. If
God does not hear your prayers any more.
He will forget you also and let you go.
Don't you want to go back to Him, Heidi-
148
HEIDI GAINS AND LOSES
and ask His forgiveness? Pray to Him every
day, and hope in Him, that He may bring
cheer and happiness to you."
Heidi had hstened attentively; she had
unbounded confidence in the old lady, whose
words had made a deep impression on her.
Full of repentance, she said: *'I shall go at
once and ask Our Father to pardon me.
I shall never forget Him any more!"
"That's right, Heidi; I am sure He will
help you in time, if you only trust in Him,"
the grandmother consoled her. Heidi went
to her room now and prayed earnestly to
God that He would forgive her and fulfill
her wish.
The day of departure had come, but Mrs.
Sesemann arranged everything in such a
way that the children hardly realized she was
actually going. Still everything was empty
and quiet when she had gone, and the
children hardly knew how to pass their time.
Next day, Heidi came to Clara in the
afternoon and said: "Can I always, always
read to you now^ Clara .f^"
149
HEIDI
Clara assented, and Heidi began. But
she did not get very far, for the story she
was reading told of a grandmother's death.
Suddenly she cried aloud: "Oh, now grand-
mother is dead!" and wept in the most piti-
ful fashion. Whatever Heidi read always
seemed real to her, and now she thought it
wa^ her own grandmother at home. Louder
and louder she sobbed: "Now poor grand-
mother is dead and I can never see her any
more; and she never got one single roll!"
Clara attempted to explain the mistake,
but Heidi was too much upset. She pict-
ured to herseK how terrible it would be if
her dear old grandfather would die too while
she was far away. How quiet and empty
it would be in the hut, and how lonely she
would be!
Miss Rottenmeier had overheard the scene,
and approaching the sobbing child she said
impatiently: "Adelheid, now you have
screamed enough. If I hear you again giv-
ing way to yourself in such a noisy fashion,
I shall take your book away forever!"
150
HEIDI GAIXS AND LOSES
Heidi turned pale at that, for the book
was her greatest treasare. Quickly drying
her tears, she choked down her sobs. After
that Heidi never cried again; often she
could hardly repress her sobs and was obliged
to make the strangest faces to keep herself
from crying out. Clara often looked at her,
full of surprise, but Miss Rottenmeier did
not notice them and found no occasion to
carry out her threat. However, the poor
child got more cheerless every day, and
looked so thin and pale that Sebastian be-
came worried. He tried to encourage her
at table to help herself to all the good dishes,
but listlessly she would let them pass and
hardly touch them. In the evening she
would cry quietly, her heart bursting with
longing to go home.
Thus the time passed by. Heidi never
knew if it was summer or winter, for the
walls opposite never changed. They drove
out very seldom, for Clara was only able
to go a short distance. They never saw
anything else than streets, houses and busy
151
HEIDI
people; no grass, no fir-trees and no moun-
tains. Heidi struggled constantly against
her sorrow, but in vain. Autumn and win-
ter had passed, and Heidi knew that the
time was coming when Peter would go up
the Alp with his goats, where the flowers
were glistening in the sunshine and the moun-
tains were all afire. She would sit down in
a corner of her room and put both hands
before her eyes, not to see the glaring sun-
shine on the opposite wall. There she would
remain, eating her heart away with long-
ing, till Clara would call for her to come.
H
XII
THE SESEMANN HOUSE IS HAUNTED
OR several days Miss Rotten-
meier had been wandering
silently about the house. When
she went from room to room
or along the corridors, she
would often glance back as if she were afraid
that somebody was following her. If she
had to go to the upper floor, where the
gorgeous guest-rooms were, or to the lower
story, where the big ball-room was situ-
ated, she always told Tinette to come with
her. The strange thing was, that none of
the servants dared to go anywhere alone
and always found an excuse to ask each
other's company, which requests were alw^ays
granted. The cook, who had been in the
house for many years, would often shake
her head and mutter: "That I should live
to see this!"
Something strange and weird was happen-
153
HEIDI
ing in the house. Every morning, when the
servants came down-stairs, they found the
front door wide open. At first everybody
had thought that the house must have been
robbed, but nothing was missing. Every
morning it was the same, despite the double
looks that were put on the door. At last
John and Sebastian, taking courage, pre-
pared themselves to watch through a night
to see who was the ghost. Armed and pro-
vided with some strengthening liquor, they
repaired to a room down-stairs. First they
talked, but soon, getting sleepy, they leaned
silently back in their chairs. TV hen the clock
from the old church tower struck one, Sebas-
tian awoke and roused his comrade, which
was no easy matter. At last, however, John
was wide awake, and together they went out
into the hall. The same moment a strong
wind put out the light that John held in his
hand. Rushing back, he nearly upset Se-
bastian, who stood behind him, and pulhng
the butler back into the room, he locked the
door in furious haste. When the Ught was
154.
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R ^
IS
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•J
o
s
h
w
X
o
w
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CO
■2 <
s
i
THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED
lit again, Sebastian noticed that John was
deadly pale and trembhng like an aspen leaf.
Sebastian, not having seen anything, asked
anxiously: ''What is the matter? What did
you see?"
*'The door was open and a white form was
on the stairs; it went up and was gone in a
moment," gasped John. Cold shivers ran
down the butler's back. They sat without
moving till the morning came, and then,
shutting the door, they went upstairs to re-
port to the housekeeper what they had seen.
The lady, who was waiting eagerly, heard
the tale and immediately sat down to write
to Mr. Sesemann. She told him that fright
had paralyzed her fingers and that terrible
things were happening in the house. Then
followed a tale of the appearance of the
ghost. Mr. Sesemann replied that he could
not leave his business, and advised Miss
Rottenmeier to ask his mother to come to
stay with them, for Mrs. Sesemann would
easily despatch the ghost. Miss Rotten-
meier was offended with the tone of the let-
165
HEIDI
ter, which did not seem to take her account
seriously. Mrs. Sesemann also rephed that
she could not come, so the housekeeper
decided to tell the children all about it.
Clara, at the uncanny tale, immediately ex-
claimed that she would not stay alone an-
other moment and that she wished her father
to come home. The housekeeper arranged
to sleep with the frightened child, while
Heidi, who did not know what ghosts were,
was perfectly unmoved. Another letter
was despatched to Mr. Sesemann, telling
him that the excitement might have serious
effects on his daughter's dehcate constitu-
tion, and mentioning several misfortunes
that might probably happen if he did not
reheve the household from this terror.
This brought Mr. Sesemann. Going to
his daughter's room after his arrival, he was
overjoyed to see her as well as ever. Clara
was also delighted to see her father.
''WTiat new tricks has the ghost played
on you. Miss Rottenmeier.^" asked Mr. Sese-
mann with a twinkle in his eye,
166
THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED
*'It is no joke, Mr. Sesemann," replied
the lady seriously. *'I am sure you will not
laugh tomorrow. Those strange events in-
dicate that something secret and horrible
has happened in this house in days gone by."
"Is that so.'^ this is new to me," remarked
Mr. Sesemann. "But will you please not
suspect my venerable ancestors .f^ Please
call Sebastian; I want to speak to him alone."
Mr. Sesemann knew that the two were
not on good terms, so he said to the butler:
"Come here, Sebastian, and tell me hon-
estly, if you have played the ghost for Miss
Rottenmeier's pastime?"
"No, upon my word, master; you must
not think that," repUed Sebastian frankly.
"I do not hke it quite myself."
"Well, I'll show you and John what ghosts
look like by day. You ought to be ashamed
of yourselves, strong young men Uke you!
Now go at once to my old friend. Dr. Classen,
and tell him to come to me at nine o'clock
to-night. Tell him that I came from Paris
especially to consult him, and that I want
167
HEIDI
him to sit up all night with me. Do you
understand me, Sebastian?"
"Yes indeed! I shall do as you say, Mr.
Sesemann." Mr. Sesemann then went up
to Clara's room to quiet and comfort her.j
Punctually at nine o'clock the doctor ar-
rived. Though his hair was grey, his face was
still fresh, and his eyes were lively and kind.
^\lien he saw his friend, he laughed aloud
and said : *' Well, well, you look pretty healthy
for one who needs to be watched all night."
"Have patience, my old friend," repUed
Mr. Sesemann. "I am afraid the person
we have to sit up for will look worse, but
first we must catch him."
"What.f^ Then somebody is sick in this
house .^ What do you mean.^"
"Far worse, doctor, far worse. A ghost
is in the house. My house is haunted."
When the doctor laughed, Mr. Sesemann
continued: "I call that sympathy; I wish my
friend Miss Rottenmeier could hear you. She
is convinced that an old Sesemann is wander-
ing about, expiating some dreadful deed."
158
THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED
"How did she make his acquaintance?*
asked the doctor, much amused.
Mr. Sesemann then explained the circum-
stances. He said that the matter was either
a bad joke which an acquaintance of the
servants was playing in his absence, or it
was a gang of thieves, who, after intimidat-
ing the people, would surely rob his house
by and by.
With these explanations they entered the
room where the two servants had watched
before. A few bottles of wine stood on the
table and two bright candelabra shed a bril-
liant hght. Two revolvers were ready for
emergencies.
They left the door only partly open, for too
much light might drive the ghost away. Then,
sitting down comfortably, the two men
passed their time by chatting, taking a sip
'now and then.
'*The ghost seems to have spied us and
probably won't come to-day," said the doctor.
'* We must have patience. It is supposed
to come at one," replied his friend.
159
HEIDI
So they talked till one o'clock. Every-
thing was quiet, and not a sound came from
the street. Suddenly the doctor raised his
finger.
*'Sh! Sesemann, don't you hear some-
thing?"
While they both hstened, the bar was un-
fastened, the key was turned, and the door
flew open. IVIr. Sesemann seized his revol-
ver.
"You are not afraid, I hope?" said the
doctor, getting up.
"Better be cautious!" whispered Mr. Sese-
mann, seizing the candelabrum in the other
hand. The doctor followed with his revol-
ver and the light, and so they went out into
the hall.
On the threshhold stood a motionless white
form, lighted up by the moon.
"Who is there?" thundered the doctor,
approaching the figure. It turned and ut-
tered a low shriek. There stood Heidi, with
bare feet and in her white night-gown,
looking bewildered at the bright Ught and
160
THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED
the weapons. She was shaking with fear, while
the two men were looking at her in amazement.
"Sesemann, this seems to be your little
water carrier," said the doctor.
"Child, what does this mean?" asked Mr.
Sesemann. **What did you want to do?
Why have you come down here?"
Pale from fright, Heidi said: ''I do not
know."
The doctor came forward now. "Sese-
mann, this case belongs to my field. Please
go and sit down while I take her to bed."
Putting his revolver aside, he led the
trembling child up-stairs.
"Don't be afraid; just be quiet! Every-
thing is all right; don't be frightened."
When they had arrived in Heidi's room,
the doctor put the little girl to bed, cover-
ing her up carefully. Drawing a chair near
the couch, he waited till Heidi had calmed
down and had stopped trembling. Then
taking her hand in his, he said kindly: "Now
everything is all right again. Tell me where
you wanted to go?"
11 161
HEIDI
"I did not want to go anywhere," Heidi
assured him; "I did not go myself, only I
was there all of a sudden."
"Really! Tell me, what did you dream?"
"Oh, I have the same dream every night.
I always think I am with my grandfather
again and can hear the fir-trees roar. I al-
ways think how beautiful the stars must be,
and then I open the door of the hut, and oh,
it is so wonderful ! But when I wake up I am
always in Frankfurt." Heidi had to fight
the sobs that were rising in her throat.
"•Does your back or your head hurt you,
child.?"
"No, but I feel as if a big stone was press-
ing me here."
"As if you had eaten something that dis-
agreed with you?"
"Oh no, but as if I wanted to cry hard."
"So, and then you cry out, don't you?"
"Oh no, I must never do that, for Miss
Rottenmeier has forbidden it."
"Then you swallow it down? Yes? Do
you like to be here?"
162
THE HOUSE IS HAUXTED
"Oh yes," was the faint, uncertain reply.
"Where did you live with your grand-
father?"
"Up on the Alp."
"But wasn't it a little lonely there?"
"Oh no, it was so beautiful!" — But Heidi
could say no more. The recollection, the
excitement of the night and all the restrained
sorrow overpowered the child. The tears
rushed violently from her eyes and she broke
out into loud sobs.
The doctor rose, and soothing her, said:
"It won't hurt to cry; you'll go to sleep
afterward, and when you wake up everything
will come right." Then he left the room.
Joining his anxious friend down-stairs, he
said: "Sesemann, the little girl is a sleep-
walker, and has unconsciously scared your
whole household. Besides, she is so home-
sick that her little body has wasted away.
We shall have to act quickly. The only
remedy for her is to be restored to her na-
tive mountain air. This is my prescription,
and she must go tomorrow."
163
HEIDI
cc-
What, sick, a sleep-walker, and wasted
away in my house! Nobody even suspected
it! You think I should send this child back
in this condition, when she has come in good
health? No, doctor, ask everything but that.
Take her in hand and prescribe for her, but
let her get well before I send her back."
"Sesemann," the doctor replied seriously,
*' just think what you are doing. We cannot
cure her with powders and pills. The child
has not a strong constitution, and if you
keep her here, she might never get well
again. If you restore her to the bracing
mountain air to which she is accustomed,
she probably will get perfectly well again."
When Mr. Sesemann heard this he said,
"If that is your advice, we must act at once;
this is the obIj y/slj then." With these words
Mr. Sesemann took his friend's arm and
walked about with him to talk the matter over.
WTien everything was settled, the doctor took
his leave, for the morning had already come
and the sun was shining in through the dooFc
164
xin
UP THE ALP ON A SUMMER
EVENING
R. SESEMANN, going up-
stairs in great agitation,
M knocked at the housekeeper's
door. He asked her to hurry,
for preparations for a jour-
ney had to be made. Miss Rottenmeier
obeyed the summons with the greatest in-
dignation, for it was only haK-past four in
the morning. She dressed in haste, though
with great difficulty, being nervous and ex-
cited. All the other servants were sum-
moned likewise, and one and all thought that
the master of the house had been seized by
the ghost and that he was ringing for help.
When they had all come down with terrified
looks, they were most surprised to see Mr.
Sesemann fresh and cheerful, giving orders.
John was sent to get the horses ready and
Tinette was told to prepare Heidi for her de-
165
HEIDI
parture while Sebastian was commissioned to
fetch Heidi's aunt. Mr. Sesemann instructed
the housekeeper to pack a trunk in all haste "^
for Heidi.
Miss Rottenmeier experienced an extreme
disappointment, for she had hoped for an
explanation of the great mystery. But Mr.
Sesemann, evidently not in the mood to
converse further, went to his daughter's
room. Clara had been wakened bv the un-
usual noises and was Kstening eagerly. Her
father told her of what had happened and
how the doctor had ordered Heidi back to
her home, because her condition was serious
and might get worse. She might even cKmb
the roof, or be exposed to similar dangers, if
she was not cured at once.
Clara was painfully surprised and tried to
prevent her father from carrying out his
plan. He remained firm, however, promis-
ing to take her to Switzerland himself the
following summer, if she was good and sen-
sible now. So the child, resigning herseK,
begged to have Heidi's tnmk packed in her
166
ON A SUMMER EVENING
room. Mr. Sesemann encouraged her to get
together a good outfit for her httle friend.
Heidi's aunt had arrived in the meantime.
Being told to take her niece home with her,
she found no end of excuses, which plainly
showed that she did not want to do it; for
Deta well remembered the uncle's parting
words. Mr. Sesemann dismissed her and
summoned Sebastian, The butler was told
to get ready for travelling with the child.
He was to go to Basle that day and spend
the night at a good hotel which his master
named. The next day the child was to be
brought to her home.
"Listen, Sebastian," Mr. Sesemann said,
"and do exactly as I tell you. I know the
Hotel in Basle, and if you show my card
they will give you good accommodations.
Go to the child's room and barricade the
windows, so that they can only be opened
by the greatest force. When Heidi has gone
to bed, lock the door from outside, for the
child walks in her sleep and might come to
harm in the strange hotel. She might get
167
HEIDI
up and open the door; do you understnnd?"
"Oh!— Oh!— So it was she?" exclaimed
the butler.
"Yes, it was! You are a coward, and you
can tell John he is the same. Such foolish
men, to be afraid!" With that Mr. Sese-
mann went to his room to write a letter to
Heidi's grandfather.
Sebastian, feeling ashamed, said to him-
self that he ought to have resisted John and
found out alone.
Heidi was dressed in her Sunday frock
and stood waiting for further commands.
Mr. Sesemann called her now. ''Good-
morning, Mr. Sesemann," Heidi said when
she entered.
"What do you think about it, Httle one.?"
he asked her. Heidi looked up to him in
amazement.
"You don't seem to know anything about
it," laughed Mr. Sesemann. Tinette had
not even told the child, for she thought it
beneath her dignity to speak to the vulgar
Heidi.
168
ON A SUMMER EVENING
"You are going home to-day."
"Home?" Heidi repeated in a low voice.
She had to gasp, so great was her surprise.
"Wouldn't you like to hear something
about it.^" asked Mr. Sesemann smiling.
"Oh yes, I should like to," said the blush-
ing child.
"Good, good," said the kind gentleman.
"Sit down and eat a big breakfast now, for
you are going away right afterwards."
The child could not even swallow a morsel,
though she tried to eat out of obedience.
It seemed to her as if it was only a dream.
"Go to Clara, Heidi, till the carriage
comes," Mr. Sesemann said kindly.
Heidi had been wishing to go, and now
she ran to Clara's room, where a huge trunk
was standing.
"Heidi, look at the things I had packed
for you. Do you like them.^" Clara asked.
There were a great many lovely things
in it, but Heidi jumped for joy when she
discovered a little basket with twelve round
white rolls for the grandmother. The chil-
169
HEIDI
dren had forgotten that the moment for
parting had come, when the carriage was
announced. Heidi had to get all her own
treasures from her room yet. The grand-
mama's book was carefully packed, and the
red shawl that Miss Rottenmeier had pur-
posely left behind. Then putting on her
pretty hat, she left her room to say good-
bye to Clara. There was not much time
left to do so, for Mr. Sesemann was waiting
to put Heidi in the carriage. When IVIiss
Rottenmeier, who was standing on the stairs
to bid farewell to her pupil, saw the red
bundle in Heidi's hand, she seized it and
threw it on the ground. Heidi looked im-
ploringly at her kind protector, and Mr.
Sesemann, seeing how much she treasured
it, gave it back to her. The happy child at
parting thanked him for all his goodness.
She also sent a message of thanks to the
good old doctor, whom she suspected to be
the real cause of her going.
WTiile Heidi was being lifted into the car-
riage, Mr. Sesemann assured her that Clara
170
ON A SUMMER EVENING
and he would never forget her. Sebastian
followed with Heidi's basket and a large
bag with provisions. Mr. Sesemann called
out: ''Happy journey!" and the carriage
rolled away.
Only when Heidi w^as sitting in the train
did she become conscious of where she was
going. She knew now that she would really
see her grandfather and the grandmother
again, also Peter and the goats. Her only
fear was that the poor blind grandmother
might have died while she was away.
The thing she looked forward to most was
giving the soft white rolls to the grand-
mother. While she was musing over all
these things, she fell asleep. In Basle she
was roused by Sebastian, for there they were
to spend the night.
The next morning they started off again,
and it took them many hours before they
reached Mayenfeld. When Sebastian stood
on the platform of the station, he wished
he could have travelled further in the train
rather than have to climb a mountain. The
171
HEIDI
last part of the trip might be dangerous,
for everything seemed half-wild in this
country. Looking round, he discovered a
small wagon with a lean horse. A broad-
shouldered man was just loading up large
T)ags, which had come by the train. Se-
bastian, approaching the man, asked some
information concerning the least dangerous
ascent to the Alp. After a while it was set-
tled that the man should take Heidi and
her trunk to the village and see to it that
somebody would go up with her from there.
Not a word had escaped Heidi, until she
now said, "I can go up alone from the vil-
lage. I know the road." Sebastian felt re-
lieved, and calling Heidi to him, presented
her with a heavy roll of bills and a let-
ter for the grandfather. These precious
things were put at the bottom of the basket,
under the rolls, so that they could not possi-
bly get lost.
Heidi promised to be careful of them, and
was lifted up to the cart. The two old
friends shook hands and parted, and Sebas-
172
ON A SUMMER EVENING
tian, with a slightly bad conscience for hav-
ing deserted the child so soon, sat down on
the station to wait for a returning train.
The driver was no other than the village
baker, who had never seen Heidi but had
heard a great deal about her. He had
known her parents and immediately guessed
she was the child who had lived with the
Aim-Uncle. Curious to know why she
came home again, he began a conversation.
"Are you Heidi, the child who hved with
the Aim-Uncle.?"
"Yes."
"Why are you coming home again? Did
you get on badly .f^"
"Oh no; nobody could have got on better
than I did in Frankfurt."
"Then why are you coming back.?"
"Because Mr. Sesemann let me come."
"Pooh! why didn't you stay.?"
"Because I would rather be with my
grandfather on the Alp than anywhere on
earth."
"You may think differently when you get
173
HEIDI
there," muttered the baker. **It is strange
though, for she must know," he said to him-
self.
They conversed no more, and Heidi began
to tremble with excitement when she recog-
nized all the trees on the road and the lofty
peaks of the mountains. Sometimes she
felt as if she could not sit still any longer,
but had to jump down and run with all her
might. They arrived at the village at the
stroke of five. Immediately a large group
of women and children surrounded the cart,
for the trunk and the little passenger had
attracted everybody's notice. When Heidi
had been lifted down, she found herself held
and questioned on all sides. But when they
saw how frightened she was, they let her go
at last. The baker had to tell of Heidi's
arrival with the strange gentleman, and as-
sured all the people that Heidi loved her
grandfather with all her heart, let the people
say what they would about him.
Heidi, in the meantime, was running up
the path; from time to time she was obliged
174
ON A SUMMER EVENING
to stop, for her basket was heavy and she
lost her breath. Her one idea was: "If only
grandmother still sits in her corner by her
spinning wheel! — Oh, if she should have
died!" When the child caught sight of the
hut at last, her heart began to beat. The
quicker she ran, the more it beat, but at
last she tremblingly opened the door. She
ran into the middle of the room, unable to
utter one tone, she was so out of breath.
*'0h God," it sounded from one corner,
"our Heidi used to come in like that. Oh,
if I just could have her again with me before
I die. Who has come?"
"Here I am! grandmother, here I am!"
shouted the child, throwing herself on her
knees before the old woman. She seized her
hands and arms and snuggling up to her did
not for joy utter one more word. The grand-
mother had been so surprised that she could
only silently caress the child's curly hair
over and over again. "Yes, yes," she said
at last, "this is Heidi's hair, and her be-
loved voice. Oh my God, I thank Thee
176
HEIDI
for this happiness." Out of her blind eyes
big tears of joy fell down on Heidi's hand.
"Is it really you, Heidi .'^ Have you really
come again .^"
"Yes, yes, grandmother," the child re-
plied. "You must not cry, for I have come
and will never leave you any more. Now
you won't have to eat hard black bread any
more for a httle while. Look what I have
brought you."
Heidi put one roll after another into the
grandmother's lap.
"Ah, child, what a blessing you bring to
me!" the old woman cried. "But you are
my greatest blessing yourself, Heidi!" Then,
caressing the child's hair and flushed cheeks,
she entreated: "Just say one more word,
that I may hear your voice."
While Heidi was talking, Peter's mother
arrived, and exclaimed in her amazement:
"Surely, this is Heidi. But how can that be.'^"
The child rose to shake hands with Bri-
gida, who could not get over Heidi's splen-
did frock and hat.
176
ON A SUMMER EVENING
"You can have my hat, I don't want it
any more; I have my old one still," Heidi
said, pulling out her old crushed straw hat.
Heidi had remembered her grandfather's
words to Deta about her feather hat; that
was why she had kept her old hat so carefully.
Brigida at last accepted the gift after a
great many remonstrances. Suddenly Heidi
took off her pretty dress and tied her old
shawl about her. Taking the grandmother's
hand, she said: ''Good-bye, I must go
home to grandfather now, but I shall come
again tomorrow. Good-night, grandmother."
'' Oh, please come again to-morrow, Heidi,"
implored the old woman, while she held her fast.
*'\Miy did you take your pretty dress off.?"
asked Brigida.
"I'd rather go to grandfather that way,
or else he might not know me any more,
the way you did."
Brigida accompanied the child outside
and said mysteriously: "He would have
known you in your frock; you ought to
have kept it on. Please be careful, child,
12 177
HEIDI
for Peter tells us that the uncle never says
a word to anyone and always seems so an-
gry." But Heidi was unconcerned, and say-
ing good-night, climbed up the path with
the basket on her arm. The evening sun
was shining down on the grass before her.
Every few minutes Heidi stood still to look
at the mountains behind her. Suddenly she
looked back and beheld such glory as she
had not even seen in her most vivid dream.
The rocky peaks were flaming in the bril-
Hant light, the snow-fields glowed and rosy
clouds were floating overhead. The grass
was like an expanse of gold, and below her
the valley swam in golden mist. The child
stood still, and in her joy and transport
tears ran down her cheeks. She folded her
hands, and looking up to heaven, thanked
the Lord that He had brought her home
again. She thanked Him for restoring her
to her beloved mountains, — in her happi-
ness she could hardly find words to pray.
Only when the glow had subsided, was Heidi
able to follow the path again.
178
ON A SUMMER EVENING
She climbed so fast that she could soon
discover, first the tree-tops, then the roof,
finally the hut. Now she could see her
grandfather sitting on his bench, smoking
a pipe. Above the cottage the fir-trees
gently swayed and rustled in the evening
breeze. At last she had reached the hut,
and throwing herself in her grandfather's
arms, she hugged him and held him tight.
She could say nothing but "Grandfather!
grandfather! grandfather!" in her agitation.
The old man said nothing either, but his
eyes were moist, and loosening Heidi's arms
at last, he sat her on his knee. When he
had looked at. her a while, he said: ''So you
have come home again, Heidi .^ Why.? You
certainly do not look very cityfied! Did
they send you away.^^"
**0h no, you must not think that, grand-
father. They all were so good to me; Clara
Mr. Sesemann and grandmama. But grand-
father, sometimes I felt as if I could not
bear it any longer to be away from you!
I thought I should choke; I could not tell
179
HEIDI
any one, for that would have been ungrate-
ful. Suddenly, one morning Mr. Sesemann
called me very early, I think it was the doe-
tor's fault and— but I think it is probably
written in this letter;" with that Heidi
brought the letter and the bank-roll from
her basket, putting them on her grand-
father's lap.
"This belongs to you," he said, laying the
roll beside him. Having read the letter, he
put it in his pocket.
*' Do you think you can still drink milk with
me, Heidi?" he asked, while he stepped into
the cottage. "Take your money with you,
you can buy a bed for it and clothes for
many years."
"I don't need it at all, grandfather," Heidi
assured him; "I have a bed and Clara has
given me so many dresses that I shan't need
any more all my hfe."
"Take it and put it in the cupboard, for
you will need it some day."
Heidi obeyed, and danced around the hut
in her dehght to see all the beloved things
180
ON A SUMMER EVENING
again. Running up to the loft, she exclaimed
in great disappointment: "Oh grandfather,
my bed is gone"
"It will come again," the grandfather
called up from below; "how could I know that
you were coming back? Get your milk now !"
Heidi, coming down, took her old seat.
She seized her bowl and emptied it eagerly,
as if it was the most wonderful thing she
had ever tasted. "Grandfather, our milk
is the best in all the world."
Suddenly Heidi, hearing a shrill whistle,
rushed outside, as Peter and all his goats came
racing down. Heidi greeted the boy, who
stopped, rooted to the spot, staring at her.
Then she ran into the midst of her beloved
friends, who had not forgotten her either.
Schwanli and Barh bleated for joy, and all
her other favorites pressed near to her. Heidi
was beside herself with joy, and caressed Uttle
Snowhopper and patted Thistlefincli, till she
felt herself pushed to and fro among them.
"Peter, why don't you come down and say
good-night to me?" Heidi called to the boy.
181
HEIDI
«-
Have you come again?" he exclaimed
at last. Then he took Heidi's proffered hand
and asked her, as if she had been always there :
"Are you coming up with me to-morrow?'*
"No, to-morrow I must go to grandmother,
but perhaps the day after."
Peter had a hard time with his goats that
day, for they would not follow him. Over
and over again they came back to Heidi,
till she entered the shed with Barli and
Schwanli and shut the door.
When Heidi went up to her loft to sleep,
she found a fresh, fragrant bed waiting for
her; and she slept better that night than
she had for many, many months, for her
great and burning longing had been satisfied.
About ten times that night the grandfather
rose from his couch to listen to Heidi's quiet
breathing. The window was filled up with
hay, for from now on the moon v/as not
allowed to shine on Heidi any more. But
Heidi slept quietly, for she had seen the
flaming mountains and had heard the fir-
trees roar.
183
XIV
ON SUNDAY WHEN THE CHURCH
BELLS RING
^^-^-3EIDI was standing under the
I — I I swaying fir-trees, waiting for
mffm
her grandfather to join her.
He had promised to bring up
if^SSiP^ her trunk from the village
while she went in to visit the grandmother.
The child was longing to see the blind woman
again and to hear how she had liked the rolls.
It was Saturday, and the grandfather had
been cleaning the cottage. Soon he was
ready to start. When they had descended
and Heidi entered Peter's hut, the grand-
mother called lovingly to her: '*Have you
come again, child .^"
She took hold of Heidi's hand and held
it tight. Grandmother then told the Httle
visitor how good the rolls had tasted, and
how much stronger she felt already. Bri-
gida related further that the grandmother
183
HEIDI
had only eaten a single roll, being so afraid
to finish them too soon. Heidi had listened
attentively, and said now: "Grandmother,
I know what I shall do. I am going to
write to Clara and she'll surely send me a
whole lot more."
But Brigida remarked: "That is meant
well, but they get hard so soon. If I only
had a few extra pennies, I could buy some
from our baker. He makes them too, but
I am hardly able to pay for the black bread. "
Heidi's face suddenly shone. "Oh, grand-
mother, I have an awful lot of money," she
cried. "Now I know what I'll do with it.
Every day you must have a fresh roll and
two on Sundays. Peter can bring them up
from the village."
"No, no, child," the grandmother im-
plored. "That must not be. You must
give it to grandfather and he'll tell you what
to do with it."
But Heidi did not listen but jumped gaily
about the little room, calling over and over
again: "Now grandmother can have a rail
184,
WHEN CHURCH BELLS RING
every day. She'll get well and strong, and,"
she called with fresh delight, *' maybe your
eyes will see again, too, when you are strong
and well."
The grandmother remained silent, not to
mar the happiness of the child. Seeing the
old hymn-book on the shelf, Heidi said:
*' Grandmother, shall I read you a song
from your book »ow.^ I can read quite
nicely!" she added after a pause.
"Oh yes, I wish you would, child. Can
you really read.?"
Heidi, climbing on a chair, took dov/n the
dusty book from a shelf. After she had
carefully wiped it off, she sat down on a
stool.
"What shall I read, grandmother.?"
"Whatever you want to," was the reply.
Turning the pages, Heidi found a song about
the sun, and decided to read that aloud.
More and more eagerly she read, while the
grandmother, with folded arms, sat in her
chair. An expression of indescribable happi-
ness shone in her countenance, though tears
185
HEIDI
were rolling down her cheeks. When Heidi
had repeated the end of the song a number
of times, the old woman exclaimed: "Oh,
Heidi, everything seems bright to me again
and my heart is light. Thank you, child,
you have done me so much good."
Heidi looked enraptured at the grand-
mother's face, which had changed from an
old, sorrowful expression to a joyous one.
She seemed to look up gratefully, as if
she could already behold the lovely, celes-
tial gardens told of in the hymn.
. Soon the grandfather knocked on the win-
dow, for it was time to go. Heidi followed
quickly, assuring the grandmother that she
would visit her every day now; on the days
she went up to the pasture with Peter, she
would return in the early afternoon, for she
did not want to miss the chance to make
the grandmother's heart joyful and Hght.
Brigida urged Heidi to take her dress along,
and with it on her arm the child joined the
old man and immediately told him what
had happened.
186
WHEN CHURCH BELLS RING
On hearing of her plan to purchase rolls
for the grandmother every day, the grand-
father reluctantly consented.
At this the child gave a bound, shouting:
"Oh grandfather, now grandmother won't
ever have to eat hard, black bread any more.
Oh, everything is so wonderful now ! If God
Our Father had done immediately what I
prayed for, I should have come home at
once and could not have brought half as
many rolls to grandmother. I should not
have been able to read either. Grandmama
told me that God would make everything
much better than I could ever dream. I
shall always pray from now on, the way
grandmama taught me. When God does
not give me something I pray for, I shall
always remember how everything has worked
out for the best this time. We'll pray every
day, grandfather, won't we, for otherwise
God might forget us."
"And if somebody should forget to do
it?" murmured the old man.
<<
Oh, he'll get on badly, for God will for-
18T
HEIDI
get him, too. If he is unhappy and wretched,
people don't pity him, for they will say: *he
went away from God, and now the Lord,
who alone can help him, has no pity on
aim .
"Is that true, Heidi? Who told you so?"
**Grandmama explained it all to me."
After a pause the grandfather said: "Yes,
but if it has happened, then there is no
help; nobody can come back to the Lord,
when God has once forgotten him."
"But grandfather, everybody can come
back to Him; grandmama told me that, and
besides there is the beautiful story in my
book. Oh, grandfather, you don't know it
yet, and I shall read it to you as soon as we
get home."
The grandfather had brought a big bas-
ket with him, in which he carried half the
contents of Heidi's trunk; it had been too
large to be conveyed up the steep ascent.
Arriving at the hut and setting down his
load, he had to sit beside Heidi, who was
ready to begin the tale. With great anima-
188
WHEN CHUKCH BELLS RING
tion Heidi read the story of the prodigal
son, who was happy at home with his father's
cows and sheep. The picture showed him
leaning on his staff, watching the sunset.
"Suddenly he wanted to have his own in-
heritance, and be able to be his own mas-
ter. Demanding the money from his father,
he went away and squandered all. When
he had nothing in the world left, he had
to go as servant to a peasant, who did not
own fine cattle like his father, but only
swine; his clothes were rags, and for food
he only got the husks on which the pigs
were fed. Often he would think what a
good home he had left, and when he remem-
bered how good his father had been to him
and his own ungratefulness, he would cry
from repentance and longing. Then he said
to himself: 'I shall go to my father and
ask his forgiveness.' When he approached
his former home, his father came out to
meet him — "
"What do you think will happen now.^^"
Heidi asked. "You think that the father
189
HEIDI
is angry and will say: 'Didn't I tell you?'
But just listen: 'And his father saw him
and had compassion and ran and fell on
his neck. And the son said: Father, I have
sinned against Heaven and in Thy sight,
and am no more worthy to be called Thy
son. But the father said to his servants:
Bring forth the best robe and' put it on
him; and put a ring on his hand and shoes
on his feet; and bring hither the fatted calf
and kill it; and let us eat and be merry:
For this my son was dead and is alive again;
he was lost, and is found.' And they began
to be merry."
"Isn't it a beautiful story, grandfather?"
asked Heidi, when he sat silently beside her.
"Yes, Heidi, it is," said the grandfather,
but so seriously that Heidi quietly looked
at the pictures. "Look how happy he is,"
she said, pointing to it.
A few hours later, when Heidi was sleep-
ing soundly, the old man chmbed up the
ladder. Placing a little lamp beside the
sleeping child, he watched her a long, long
190
WHEN CHURCH BELLS RING
time. Her little hands were folded and her
rosy face looked confident and peaceful.
The old man now folded his hands and said
in a low voice, while big tears rolled down
his cheeks: "Father, I have sinned against
Heaven and Thee, and am no more worthy
to be Thy son!"
The next morning found the uncle stand-
ing before the door, looking about him over
valley and mountain. A few early bells
sounded from below and the birds sang
their morning anthems.
Re-entering the house, he called: "Heidi,
get up! The sun is shining! Put on a
pretty dress, for we are going to church!"
That was a new call, and Heidi obeyed
quickly. When the child came downstairs
in her smart little frock, she opened her
eyes wide. "Oh, grandfather!" she ex-
claimed, "I have never seen you in your
Sunday coat with the silver buttons. Oh,
how fine you look!"
The old man, turning to the child, said
with a smile: "You look nice, too; come
191
HEIDI
now!" With Heidi's hand in his they wan-
dered down together. The nearer they came
to the \411age, the louder and richer the
bells resounded. "Oh grandfather, do you
hear it? It seems hke a big, high feast,"
said Heidi.
WTien they entered the church, all the
people were singing. Though they sat down
on the last bench behind, the people had
noticed their presence and whispered it
from ear to ear. Wlien the pastor began
to preach, his words were a loud thanks-
gi\'ing that moved all his hearers. After
the ser\'ice the old man and the child
walked to the parsonage. The clerg^^man
had opened the door and received them with
friendly words. "I have come to ask your
forgiveness for my harsh words," said the
uncle. '*T want to follow your ad\'ice to
spend the winter here among you. If the
people look at me askance, I can't expect
anv better. I am sure, ^Ir. Pastor, vou
will not do so.''
The pastor's friendly eyes sparkled, and
i9i
WHEN CHURCH BELLS RIXG
with many a kind word he coDimended the
uncle for this change, and putting his band
on Heidi's curly hair, ushered them out.
Thus the people, who had been all talking
together about this great event, could see
that their clerg^'man shook hands with the
old man. The door of the parsonage was
hardly shut, when the whole assembly came
forward with outstretched hands and
friendly greetings. Great seemed to be
their joy at the old man's resohition; sciwe
of the people even accompanied him on his
homeward way. TMien they had parted at
last, the uncle looked after them v^ith his
face shining as with an inward light. Heidi
looked up to him and said: ''Grandfather,
you have never looked so beautiful!'''
''Do you think so, child.^" he said with a
smile. "You see, Heidi, I am more happ3'
than I deserve; to be at peace with Gc-d
and men makes one's heart feel light. God
has been good to me, to send you back."
"^Mien they arrived at Peter's hut, the
grandfather opened the door and entered.
13 193
HEIDI
"How do you do, grandmother," he called
out. "I think we must start to mend again,
before the fall wind comes."
"Oh my God, the uncle!" exclaimed the
grandmother in joyous surprise. "How
happy I am to be able to thank you for
what you have done, uncle! Thank you,
God bless you for it."
With trembling joy the grandmother
shook hands with her old friend. "There
is something else I want to say to you,
uncle," she continued. "If I have ever
hurt you in any way, do not punish me.
Do not let Heidi go away again before I
die. I cannot tell you what Heidi means
to me!" So saying, she held the clinging
child to her.
"No danger of that, grandmother, I hope
we shall all stay together now for many
years to come."
Brigida now showed Heidi's feather hat
to the old man and asked him to take it
back. But the uncle asked her to keep it,
since Heidi had given it to her.
194
WHEN CHURCH BELLS RING
"What blessings this child has brought
from Frankfurt," Brigida said. ^'I often
wondered if I should not send our httle
Peter too. What do you think, uncle.?"
The uncle's eyes sparkled with fun, when
he replied: "I am sure it would not hurt
Peter; nevertheless I should wait for a j5t-
ting occasion before I sent him."
The next moment Peter himself arrived
in great haste. He had a letter for Heidi,
which had been given to him in the village.
What an event, a letter for Heidi! They
all sat down at the table while the child
read it aloud. The letter was from Clara
Sesemann, who wrote that everything had
got so dull since Heidi left. She said that
she could not stand it very long, and there-
fore her father had promised to take her to
Ragatz this coming fall. She announced
that Grandmama was coming too, for she
wanted to see Heidi and her grandfather.
Grandmama, having heard about the rolls,
was sending some coffee, too, so that the
grandmother would not have to eat them
195
HEIDI
dry. Grandmama also insisted on being
taken to the grandmother herself when she
came on her visit.
Great was the delight caused by this news,
and what with all the questions and plans
that followed, the grandfather himself for-
got how late it was. This happy day, which
had united them all, caused the old woman
to say at parting: " The most beaut'ful
thing of all, though, is to be able to shake
hands again with an old friend, as in days
gone by; it is a great comfort to find again,
what we have treasured. I hope you'll come
soon again, uncle. I am counting on the
child for tomorrow."
This promise was given. While Heidi and
her grandfather were on their homeward
path, the peaceful sound of evening bells
accompanied them. At last they reached
the cottage, which geemed to glow in the
evening light.
Pari II
Heidi Makes Use of Her Experience
XV
PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
HE kind doctor who had sent
Heidi home to her beloved
mountains was approaching
the Sesemann residence on
a sunny day in September.
Everything about him was bright and cheer-
ful, but the doctor did not even raise his
eyes from the pavement to the blue sky
above» His face was sad and his hair had
turned very gray since spring. A few
months ago the doctor had lost his only
daughter, who had lived with him since his
wife's early death. The blooming girl had
been his only joy, and since she had gone
from him the ever-cheerful doctor was
bowed down with grief.
When Sebastian opened the door to the
physician he bowed very low, for the doc-
tor made friends wherever he went.
"I am glad you have come doctor," Mr.
Sesemann called to his friend as he entered.
199
HEIDI
'^Please let us talk over this trip to Switzer-
land again. Do you still gire the same
advice, now that Clara is so much better?"
"AVhat must I think of you, Sesemann?"
replied the doctor, sitting down. "I wish
your mother was here. Everything is clear
to her and things go smoothly then. This
is the third time to-day that you have
called me, and always for the same thing!"
"It is true, it must make you impatient,"
said Mr. Sesemann. Laying his hand on
his friend's shoulder, he continued: "I can-
not say how hard it is for me to refuse Clara
this trip. Haven't I promised it to her and
hasn't she looked forward to it for months?
She has borne all her suffering so patiently,
just because she had hoped to be able to
visit her little friend on the Alp. I hate to
rob her of this pleasure. The poor child has
so many trials and so little change."
"But, Sesemann, you must do it,** was
the doctor's answer. When his friend re-
mained silent, he continued: "Just think
what a hard summer Clara has had I She
200
PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
never was more ill and we could not attempt
this journey without risking the worst eon-
sequences. Remember, we are in Septem-
ber now, and though the weather may still
be fine on the Alp, it is sure to be very cool.
The days are getting short, and she could
only spend a few hours up there, if she had
to return for the night. It would take sev-
eral hours to have her carried up from
Ragatz. You see yourself how impossible it
is 1 I shall come in with you, though, to talk
to Clara, and you'll find her sensible. I'll tell
you of my plan for next May. First she can
go to Ragatz to take the baths. When it gets
warm on the mountain, she can be carried up
from time to time. She'll be stronger then and
much more able to enjoy those excursions
than she is now. If we hope for an improve-
ment in her condition, we must be extremely
cautious and careful, remember that!"
Mr. Sesemann, who had been listening
with the utmost submission, now said anxi-
ously: ''Doctor, please tell me honestly if
you still have hope left for any change?
HEIDI
With shrugging shoulders the doctor re-
plied; "Not very much. But think of me,
Sesemann! Have you not a child, who
loves you and always welcomes you? You
don't have to come back to a lonely house
and sit down alone at your table. Your
child is well taken care of, and if she has
many privations, she also has many advan-
tages. Sesemann, you do not need to be
j)itied! Just think of my lonely home!"
Mr. Sesemann had gotten up and was walk-
ing round the room, as he always did when
something occupied his thoughts. Suddenly
he stood before his friend and said: "Doctor,
I have an idea. I cannot see you sad any
longer. You must get away. You shall un-
dertake this trip and visit Heidi in our stead."
The doctor had been surprised by this
proposal and tried to object. But Mr. Sese-
mann was so full of his new project that he
pulled his friend with him into his daughter's
room, not leaving him time for any remon-
strances. Clara loved the doctor, who had
always tried to cheer her up on his visits
202
PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
by bright and funny tales. She was sorry
for the change that had come over him and
would have given much to see him happy
again. When he had shaken hands with her,
both men pulled up their chairs to Clara's bed-
side. Mr. Sesemann began to speak of their
journey and how sorry he was to give it up.
Then he quickly began to talk of his nev/ plan.
Clara's eyes had filled with tears. But she
knew that her father did not like to see her
cry, and besides she was sure that her papa
would only forbid her this pleasure because
it was absolutely necessary to do so.
So she bravely fought her tears, and caress-
ing the doctor's hand, said:
"Oh please, doctor, do go to Heidi; then
you can tell me all about her, and can de-
scribe her grandfather to me, and Peter, with
his goats, — I seem to know them all so well.
Then you can take all the things to her that
I had planned to take myself. Oh, please
doctor, go, and then I'll be good and take as
much cod-liver oil as ever you want me to."
Who can tell if this promise decided the
203
HEIDI
doctor? At any rate he answered with a
smile: "Then I surely must go, Clara, for you
will get fat and strong, as we both want to see
you. Have you settled yet when I must go?'*
"Oh, you had better go tomorrow morn-
ing, doctor," Clara urged.
"She is right," the father assented; *'the
sun is shining and you must not lose any
more glorious days on the Alp."
The doctor had to laugh. "Why don't
you chide me for being here still? I shall
go as quickly as I can, Sesemann."
Clara gave many messages to him for
Heidi. She also told him to be sure to ob-
serve everything closely, so that he would
be able to tell her all about it when he came
back. The things for Heidi were to be sent
to him later, for Miss Rottenmeier, who
had to pack them, was out on one of her
lengthy wanderings about town.
The doctor promised to comply with all
Clara's wishes and to start the following day.
Clara rang for the maid and said to her,
when she arrived: "Please, Tinette, pack a
204
PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY
lot of fresh, soft coffee-cake in this box."
A box had been ready for this purpose
many days. When the maid was leaving the
room she murmured : "That's a silly bother !"
Sebastian, who had happened to over-
hear some remarks, asked the physician
when he was leaving to take his regards to
the little Miss, as he called Heidi.
With a promise to deliver this message
the doctor was just hastening out, when he
encountered an obstacle. Miss Rotten-
meier, who had been obliged to return from
her walk on account of the strong wind,
was just coming in. She wore a large cape,
which the wind was blowing about her hke
two full sails. Both had retreated pohtely
to give way to each other. Suddenly the
wind seemed to carry the housekeeper
straight towards the doctor, who had barely
time to avoid her. This Kttle incident,
which had ruffled Miss Rottenmeier's tem-
per very much, gave the doctor occasion to
soothe her, as she liked to be soothed by
this man, whom she respected more than
206
HEIDI
anybody in the world. Telling her of his
intended visit, he entreated her to pack the
things for Heidi as only she knew how.
Clara had expected some resistance from
Miss Rottenmeier about the packing of her
presents. What was her surprise when this
lady showed herself most obliging, and im-
mediately, on being told, brought together
all the articles! First came a heavy coat
for Heidi, with a hood, which Clara meant
her to use on visits to the grandmother in
the winter. Then came a thick warm shawl
and a large box with coffee-cake for the grand-
mother. An enormous sausage for Peter's
mother followed, and a little sack of tobacco
for the grandfather. At last a lot of mys-
terious little parcels and boxes were packed,
things that Clara had gathered together for
Heidi. When the tidy pack lay ready on
the ground, Clara's heart filled with pleasure
at the thought of her little friend's delight.
Sebastian now entered, and putting the
pack on his shoulder, carried it to the doc-
tor's house without delay.
206
XVI
A GUEST ON THE ALP
HE early dawn was tingeing
the mountains and a fresh
morning-breeze rocked the
old fir-trees to and fro.
Heidi opened her eyes, for
the rustling of the wind had awakened her.
These sounds always thrilled her heart, and
now they drew her out of bed. Rising hur-
riedly, she soon was neatly dressed and
combed.
Coming down the little ladder and find-
ing the grandfather's bed empty, she ran
outside. The old man was looking up at
the sky to see what the weather was going
to be like that day. Rosy clouds were pass-
ing overhead, but gradually the sky grew
more blue and deep, and soon a golden
light passed over the heights, for the sun
was rising in all his glory.
207
HEIDI
**0h, how lovely! Good-moming, grand-
father," Heidi exclaimed.
"Are your eyes bright already?" the
grandfather retorted, holding out his hand.
Heidi then ran over to her beloved fir-
trees and danced about, while the wind was
howling in the branches.
After the old man had washed and milked
the goats, he brought them out of the shed.
When Heidi saw her friends again, she
caressed them tenderly, and they in their
turn nearly crushed her between them. Some-
times when BarH got too w41d, Heidi would
say: "But Barli, you push me like the Big
Turk," and that was enough to quiet the goat.
Soon Peter arrived with the whole herd,
the jolly Thistlefinch ahead of all the others.
Heidi, being soon in the mist of them, was
pushed about among them. Peter was anx-
ious to say a word to the Uttle girl, so he
gave a shrill whistle, urging the goats to
cHmb ahead. When he was near her he
said reproachfully: "You really might come
with me to-day!"
208
A GUEST ON THE ALP
**No, I can't, Peter," said Heidi. *'They
might come from Frankfurt any time. I
must be home when they come."
"How often you have said that," grum-
bled the boy.
*'But I mean it," rephed Heidi. ''Do
you really think I want to be away when
they come from Frankfurt? Do you really
think that, Peter?"
''They could come to uncle," Peter
growled.
Then the grandfather's strong voice was
heard: "\^Tiy doesn't the army go forward?
Is it the field-marshal's fault, or the fault
of the troop?"
Peter immediately turned about and led
his goats up the mountain without more
ado.
Since Heidi had come home again to her
grandfather she did many things that had
never occurred to her before. For instance,
she would make her bed every morning, and
run about the hut, tidying and dusting.
With an old rag she would rub the chairs
14 200
HEIDI
and table till they all shone, and the grand-
father would exclaim: '*It is always Sunday
with us now; Heidi has not been away in
vam.
On this day after breakfast, when Heidi
began her seK-imposed task, it took her
longer than usual, for the weather was too
glorious to stay within. Over and over
again a bright sunbeam would tempt the
busy child outside. How could she stay
indoors, when the glistening sunshine was
pouring down and all the mountains seemed
to glow? She had to sit down on the dry,
hard ground and look down into the valley
and all about her. Then, suddenly remem-
bering her little duties, she would hasten
back. It was not long, though, till the
roaring fir-trees tempted her again. The
grandfather had been busy in his little shop,
merely glancing over at the child from time
to time. Suddenly he heard her call: "Oh
grandfather, come!"
He was frightened and came out quickly
He saw her running down the hill crying:
210
A GUEST ON THE ALP
"They are coming, they are coming. Oh,
the doctor is coming first."
WTien Heidi at last reached her old friend,
he held out his hand, which Heidi imme-
diately seized. In the full joy of her heart,
she exclaimed: *'How do you do, doctor?
And I thank you a thousand times!"
"How are you, Heidi? But what are you
thanking me for already?" the doctor asked,
with a smile.
*' Because you let me come home again,"
the child explained.
The gentleman's face lit up like sunshine.
He had certainly not counted on such a
reception on the Alp. On the contrary!
Not even noticing all the beauty around him,
he had climbed up sadly, for he was sure
that Heidi probably would not know him
any more. He thought that he would be
far from welcome, being obliged to cause
her a great disappointment. Instead, he
beheld Heidi's bright eyes looking up at,
him in gratefulness and love. She was still
holding his arm, when he said: '*Come now,
211
HEIDI
Heidi, and take me to your grandfather
for I want to see where you Hve."
Like a kind father he had taken her hand,
but Heidi stood still and looked down the
mountain-side.
"But where are Clara and grandmama?"
she asked.
"Child, I must tell you something now
which will grieve you as much as it grieves
me," replied the doctor. "I had to come
alone, for Clara has been very ill and could
not travel. Of course grandmama has not
come either; but the spring will soon be
here, and when the days get long and w^nn,
they will surely visit you."
Heidi was perfectly amazed; she could
not understand how all those things that
she had pictured to herself so clearly would
not happen after all. She was standing per-
fectly motionless, confused by the blow.
It was some time before Heidi remem-
bered that, after all, she had come down to
meet the doctor. Looking up at her friend,
she was struck by his sad and cheerless face.
219
A GUEST ON THE ALP
How changed he wa^ since she had seen
him! She did not hke to see people un-
happy, least of all the good, kind doctor.
He must be sad because Clara and grand-
mama had not come, and to console him
she said: *'0h, it won't last long till spring
comes again; then they will come for sure;
they'll be able to stay much longer then,
and that will please Clara. Now we'll go
to grandfather.
Hand in hand she climbed up with her
old friend. All the way she tried to cheer
him up by telling him again and again of
the coming summer days. After they had
reached the cottage, she called out to her
grandfather quite happily:
"They are not here yet, but it won't be
very long before they are coming!"
The grandfather warmly welcomed his
guest, who did not seem at all a stranger,
for had not Heidi told him many things
about the doctor? They all three sat down
on the bench before the door, and the doc-
tor told of the object of his visit. He whis-
213
HEIDI
pered to the child that something was com-
ing up the mountain very soon which would
bring her more pleasure than his visit.
What could it be?
The uncle advised the doctor to spend the
splendid days of autumn on the Alp, if pos-
sible, and to take a little room in the village
instead of in Ragatz; then he could easily
walk up every day to the hut, and from
there the uncle could take him all around
the mountains. This plan was accepted.
The sun was in its zenith and the wind
had ceased. Only a soft dehcious breeze
fanned the cheeks of all.
The uncle now got up and went into the
hut, returning soon with a table and their
dinner.
"Go in, Heidi, and set the table here.
I hope you will excuse our simple meal,"
he said, turning to his guest.
"I shall gladly accept this delightful in-
vitation; I am sure that dinner will taste
good up here," said the guest, looking down
over the sun-bathed valley.
214
A GUEST ON THE ALP
Heidi was running to and fro, for it gave
her great joy to be able to wait on her kind
protector. Soon the uncle appeared with
the steaming milk, the toasted cheese, and
the finely-sliced, rosy meat that had been
dried in the pure air. The doctor enjoyed
his dinner better than any he had ever
tasted.
*'Yes, we must send Clara up here. How
she could gather strength!" he said; "If she
would have an appetite like mine to-day,
she couldn't help getting nice and fat."
At this moment a man could be seen
walking up with a large sack on his shoulders.
Arriving on top, he threw down his load,
breathing in the pure, fresh air.
Opening the cover, the doctor said: *'This
has come for you from Frankfurt, Heidi.
Come and look what is in it."
Heidi timidly watched the heap, and only
when the gentleman opened the box with
the cakes for the grandmother she said joy-
fully: "Oh, now grandmother can eat this
lovely cake." She was taking the box and
HEIDI
the beautiful shawl on her arm and was go-
ing to race down to deliver the gifts, when
the men persuaded her to stay and unpack
the rest. What was her delight at finding
the tobacco and all the other things. The
men had been talking together, when the
child suddenly planted herself in front of
them and said: "These things have not
given me as much pleasure as the dear
doctor's coming." Both men smiled.
When it was near sunset, the doctor rose
to start on his way down. The grandfather,
carrj'^ing the box, the shawl and the sausage,
and the guest holding the httle girl by the
hand, they wandered down the mountain-
side. When they reached Peter's hut, Heidi
was told to go inside and wait for her grand-
father there. At parting she asked: "Would
you like to come with me up to the pasture
to-morrow, doctor?"
"With pleasure. Good-bye, Heidi," was
the reply. The grandfather had deposited
all the presents before the door, and it took
Heidi long to carry in the huge box and the
21Q
A GUEST ON THE ALP
sausage. The shawl she put on the grand*
mother's knee.
Brigida had silently watched the proceed-
ings, and could not open her eyes wide
enough when she saw the enormous sausage.
Never in her Hfe had she seen the like, and
now she really possessed it and could cut
it herself.
"Oh grandmother, don't the cakes please
you awfully? Just look how soft they are I"
the child exclaimed. T\Tiat was her amaze-
ment when she saw the grandmother more
pleased with the shawl, which would keep
her warm in winter.
"Grandmother, Clara has sent you that,"
Heidi said.
"Oh, what kind good people they are to
think of a poor old woman like me! I
never thought I should ever own such a
splendid WTap."
At this moment Peter came stumbling in.
"The uncle is coming up behind me, and
Heidi must — " that was as far as he got,
for his eyes had fastened on the sausage.
217
HEIDI
Heidi, however, had already said good-bye,
for she knew what he had meant. Though
her uncle never went by the hut any more
without stepping in, she knew it was too
late to-day. ''Heidi, come, you must get
your sleep,'' he called through the open
door. Bidding them all good-night, he
took Heidi by the hand and under the glis-
tening stars they wandered home to their
peaceful cottage.
XVII
RETALIATION
''^ ^ ■ ' ARLY the next morning the^
doctor climbed up the moun-
tain in company with Peter
and his goats. The friendly
gentleman made several at-
tempts to start a conversation with the boy,
but as answer to his questions he got
nothing more than monosyllables. When they
arrived on top, they found Heidi already
waiting, fresh and rosy as the early dawn.
*'Are you coming?" asked Peter as usual.
"Of course I shall, if the doctor comes
with us," replied the child.
The grandfather, coming out of the hut,
greeted the newcomer with great respect.
Then he went up to Peter, and hung on his
shoulder the sack, which seemed to contain
more than usual that day.
When they had started on their way.
HEIDI
fleidi kept urging forward the goats, which
were crowding about her. When at last
she was walking peacefully by the doctor's
side, she began to relate to him many things
about the goats and all their strange pranks,^
and about the flowers, rocks and birds they
saw. When they arrived at their destina-
tion, time seemed to have flown. Peter all
the time was sending many an angry glance
at the unconscious doctor, who never even
noticed it.
Heidi now took the doctor to her favor-
ite spot. From there they could hear the
peaceful-sounding bells of the grazing cat-
tle below. The sky was deep blue, and
above their heads the eagle was circhng
with outstretched wings. Everything was
luminous and bright about them, but the
doctor had been silent. Suddenly looking
up, he beheld Heidi's radiant eyes.
"Heidi, it is beautiful up here," he said.
"But how can anybody with a heavy heart
enjoy the beauty.'^ Tell me!"
"Oh," exclaimed Heidi, "one never has
RETALIATION
a sad heart here. One only gets unhappy
in Frankfurt."
A faint smile passed over the doctor's
face. Then he began: "But if somebody
has brought his sorrow away with him,
how would you comfort him?"
"God in Heaven alone can help him."
"That is true, child," remarked the doc-
tor. "But what can we do when God Him-
self has sent us the affliction?"
After meditating a moment, Heidi re-
plied: "One must wait patiently, for God
knows how to turn the saddest things to
something happy in the end. God will show
us what He has meant to do for us. But
He will only do so if we pray to Him pa-
tiently."
"I hope you will always keep this beau-
tiful behef, Heidi," said the doctor. Then
looking up at the mighty cliffs above, he
continued: "Think how sad it would make
us not to be able to see all these beautiful
things. Wouldn't that make us doubly sad?
Can you understand me, child?"
221
HEIDI
A great pain shot through Heidi's breast.
She had to think of the poor grandmother.
Her bhndness was always a great sorrow to
the child, and she had been struck with it
anew. Seriously she replied:
*'0h yes, I can understand it. But then
we can read grandmother's songs; they
make us happy and bright again."
"^^ch songs, Heidi.^"
"Oh, those of the sun, and of the beau-
tiful garden, and then the last verses of the
long one. Grandmother loves them so that
I always have to read them over three
times," said Heidi.
"I wish you would say them to me,
child, for I should like to hear them," said
the doctor.
Heidi, folding her hands, began the con-
soling verses. She stopped suddenly, how-
ever, for the doctor did not seem to listen.
He was sitting motionless, holding his hand
before his eyes. Thinking that he had fallen
asleep, she remained silent. But the verses
had recalled his childhood days; he seemed
RETALIATION
to hear his mother and see her loving eyes,
for when he was a little boy she had sung
this song to him. A long time he sat there,
till he discovered that Heidi was watching
him.
"Heidi, your song was lovely," he said
with a more joyful voice. *'We must come
here another day and then you can recite
it to me again."
During all this time Peter had been boil-
ing with anger. Now that Heidi had come
again to the pasture with him, she did
nothing but talk to the old gentleman. It
made him very cross that he was not even
able to get near her. Standing a little dis-
tance behind Heidi's friend, he shook his
fist at him, and soon afterwards both fists,
finally raising them up to the sky, as Heidi
and the doctor remained together.
When the sun stood in its zenith and
Peter knew that it was noon, he called over
to them with all his might: "Time to eat."
When Heidi was getting up to fetch their
dinner, the doctor just asked for a glass of
HEIDI
milk, which was all he wanted. The child
also decided to make the milk her sole
repast, running over to Peter and inform-
ing him of their resolution.
When the boy found that the whole con-
tents of the bag was his, he hurried with
his task as never in his life before. But he
felt guilty on account of his former anger
at the kind gentleman. To show his re-
pentance he held his hands up flat to the
sky, indicating by his action that his fists
did not mean anything any more. Only
after that did he start with his feast.
Heidi and the doctor had wandered about
the pasture till the gentleman had found
it time to go. He wanted Heidi to remain
where she was, but she insisted on accom-
panying him. All the way down she showed
him many places where the pretty mountain
flowers grew, all of whose names she could
tell him. When they parted at last, Heidi
waved to him. From time to time he
turned about, and seeing the child still
standing there, he had to think of his own
324,
RETALIATION
little daughter who used to wave to him
like that when he went away from home.
The weather was warm and sunny that
month. Every morning the doctor came
up to the Alp, spending his day very often
with the old man. Many a climb they had
together that took them far up, to the bare
cliffs near the eagle's haunt. The uncle
would show his guest all the herbs that
grew on hidden places and were strengthen-
ing and healing. He could tell many strange
things of the beasts that lived in holes in
rock or earth, or in the high tops of trees.
In the evening they would part, and the
doctor would exclaim: "My dear friend, I
never leave you without having learned
something."
But most of his days he spent with Heidi.
Then the two would sit together on the
child's favorite spot, and Peter, quite sub-
dued, behind them. Heidi had to recite
the verses, as she had done the first day,
and entertain him with all the things she
knew.
16 396
HEIDI
At last the beautiful month of Septem-
ber was over. One morning the doctor
came up with a sadder face than usual. The
time had come for him to go back to Frank-
furt, and great was the uncle's sadness at
that news. Heidi herself could hardly real-
ize that her loving friend, whom she had
been seeing every day, was really leaving.
The doctor himself was loath to go, for the
Alp had become as a home to him. But
it was necessary for him to go, and shaking
hands with the grandfather, he said good-
bye, Heidi going along with him a little way.
Hand in hand they wandered down, till
the doctor stood still. Then caressing
Heidi's curly hair, he said: "Now I must
go, Heidi! I wish I could take you along
with me to Frankfurt,- then I could keep you."
At those words, all the rows and rows
of houses and streets. Miss Rottenmeier
and Tinette rose before Heidi's eyes. Hes-
itating a little, she said: "I should like it
better if you would come to see us again."
"I beheve that will be better. Now fare-
226
RETALIATION
well!" said the freindly gentleman. When
they shook hands his eyes filled with tears.
Turning quickly he hurried off.
Heidi, standing on the same spot, looked
after him. What kind eyes he had! But
they had been full of tears. All of a sudden
she began to cry bitterly, and ran after her
friend, calling with all her might, but inter-
rupted by her sobs :
*'0h doctor, doctor!"
Looking round he stood still and waited
till the child had reached him. Her tears
came rolling down her cheeks while she
sobbed: "I'll come with you to Frankfurt
and I'll stay as long as ever you want me
to. But first I must see grandfather."
**No, no, dear child," he said affection-
ately, "not at once. You must remain
here, — I don't want you to get ill again.
But if I should get sick and lonely and ask
you to come to me, would you come and
stay with me? Can I go away and think
that somebody in this world still cares for
me and loves me.'^"
HEIDI
"Yes, I shall come to you the same day,
for I really love you as much as grand-
father," Heidi assured him, crying all the
time.
Shaking hands again, they parted. Heidi
stayed on the same spot, waving her hand
and looking after her departing friend till
he seemed no bigger than a little dot. Then
he looked back a last time at Heidi and the
sunny Alp, muttering to himself: ''It is
beautiful up there. Body and soul get
strengthened in that place and life seems
worth Uving again."
XVIII
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
^ "^ i|HE snow lay so deep around
the Aim-hut that the win-
dows seemed to stand level
with the ground and the
house-door had entirely dis-
appeared. Round Peter's hut it was the
same. When the boy went out to shovel
the snow, he had to creep through the win-
dow; then he would sink deep into the soft
snow and kick with arms and legs to get
free. Taking a broom, the boy would have
to clear away the snow from the door to
prevent its faUing into the hut.
The uncle had kept his word; when the
first snow had fallen, he had moved down
to the village with Heidi and his goats.
Near the church and the parish house lay
an old ruin that once had been a spacious
building. A brave soldier had hved there
in days gone by; he had fought in the Span-
HEIDI
ish war, and coining back with many riches,
had built himself a splendid house. But
having lived too long in the noisy world to
I be able to stand the monotonous life in the
Uttle town, he soon went away, never to come
back. After his death, many years later,
though the house was already beginning to
decay, a distant relation of his took posses-
sion of it. The new proprietor did not want
to build it up again, so poor people moved
in. They had to pay little rent for the
house, which was gradually crumbhng and
falling to pieces. Years ago, when the uncle
had come to the village with Tobias, he had
lived there. Most of the time it had been
empty, for the winter lasted long, and cold
winds would blow through the chinks in the
walls. When poor people lived there, their
candles would be blown out and they would
shiver with cold in the dark. But the uncle,
had known how to help himself. In the
fall, as soon as he had resolved to hve in
the village, he came down frequently, fitting
up the place as best he could.
S30
WIXTER IN THE VILLAGE
On approaching the house from the back,
one entered an open room, where nearly all
the walls lay in ruins. On one side the re-
mains of a chapel could be seen, now covered
with the thickest ivy. A large hall came
next, with a beautiful stone floor and grass
growing in the crevices. Most of the walls
were gone and part of the ceiling also. If
a few thick pillars had not been left support-
ing the rest, it would undoubtedly have
tumbled down. The uncle had made a
wooden partition here for the goats, and
covered the floor with straw. Several cor-
ridors, most of them half decayed, led
finally to a chamber with a heavy iron door.
This room was still in good condition and
had dark wood panelling on the four firm
walls. In one corner was an enormous
stove, which nearly reached up to the ceil-
ing. On the white tiles were painted blue
pictures of old towers surrounded by high
trees, and of hunters with their hounds.
There also was a scene with a quiet lake,
where, under shady oak-trees, a fisherman
231
HEIDI
was sitting. Around the stove a bench was
placed. Heidi loved to sit there, and as
soon as she had entered their new abode,
she began to examine the pictures. Arriv-
ing at the end of the bench, she discovered
a bed, which was placed between the wall
and the stove. "Oh grandfather, I have
found my bed-room," exclaimed the httle
girl. "Oh, how fine it is! Where are yon
going to sleep?"
"Your bed must be near the stove, to
keep you warm," said the old man. "Now
come and look at mine,"
With that the grandfather led her into
his bed-room. From there a door led into
the hugest kitchen Heidi had ever seen.
With a great deal of trouble the grandfather
had fitted up this place. Many boards were
nailed across the walls and the door had
been fastened with heavy wu-es, for beyond,
the building lay in ruins. Thick under-
brush was growing there, sheltering thou-
sands of insects and hzards. Heidi was de-
lighted with her new home, and when Peter
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
arrived next day, she did not rest till he had
-seen every nook and corner of the curious
dwelling-place.
Heidi slept very well in her chimney cor-
ner, but it took her many days to get accus-
tomed to it. When she woke up in the
morning and could not hear the fir-trees
roar, she would wonder where she was. Was
the snow too heavy on the branches? Was
she away from home.^^ But as soon as she
heard her grandfather's voice outside, she
remembered everything and would jump
merrily out of bed.
After four days had gone by, Heidi said
to her grandfather: "I must go to grand-
mother now, she has been alone so many
days."
But the grandfather shook his head and
said: *'You can't go yet, child. The
snow is fathoms deep up there and is still
falling. Peter can hardly get through. A
little girl like you would be snowed up and
lost in no time. Wait a while till it freezes
and then you can walk on top of the crust.'^
SS3
HEIDI
Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy
now that the days flew by. Every morning
and afternoon she went to school, eagerly
learning whatever was taught her. She
hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did not
come very often. The mild teacher would
only say from time to time: ''It seems to
me, Peter is not here again! School would
do him good, but I guess there is too much
snow for him to get through." But when
Heidi came home towards evening, Peter
generally paid her a visit.
After a few days the sun came out for a
short time at noon, and the next morning
the whole Alp glistened and shone hke crys-
tal. When Peter was jumping as usual into
the snow that morning, he fell against some-
thing hard, and before he could stop him-
self he flew a little way down the mountain.
When he had gained his feet at last, he
stamped upon the ground with all his might.
It really was frozen as hard as stone. Peter
could hardly beheve it, and quickly running
up and swallowing his milk, and putting
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
his bread in his pocket, he announced: ''I
must go to school to-day!"
"Yes, go and learn nicely," answered his
J mother.
' Then, sitting down on his sled, the boy
coasted down the mountain like a shot.
Not being able to stop his course when he
reached the village, he coasted down further
and further, till he arrived in the plain,
where the sled stopped of itself. It was al-
ready late for school, so the boy took his
time and only arrived in the village when
Heidi came home for dinner.
"We've got it!" announced the boy, on
entering.
"What, general?" asked the uncle.
"The snow," Peter replied.
"Oh, now I can go up to grandmother!"
Heidi rejoiced. "But Peter, why didn't
you come to school.^ You could coast down
to-day," she continued reproachfully.
"I went too far on my sled and then it
was too late," Peter replied.
"I call that deserting!" said the uncle.
235
HEIDI
*' People who do that must have their ears
pulled; do you hear?"
The boy was frightened, for there was no
one in the world whom he respected more
than the uncle.
"A general like you ought to be doubly
ashamed to do so," the uncle went on.
"TVTiat would you do with the goats if they
did not obey you any more?"
"Beat them," was the reply.
"If you knew of a boy that was behaving
like a disobedient goat and had to get
spanked, what would you say?"
"Serves him right."
"So now you know it, goat-general: if you
miss school again, when you ought to be there,
you can come to me and get your due."
Now at last Peter understood what the
uncle had meant. More kindly, the old man
then turned to Peter and said, "Come to
the table now and eat with us. Then you
can go up with Heidi, and when you bring
her back at night, you can get your supper
here."
2S6
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
This unexpected change delighted Peter.
Not losing any time, he soon disposed of
his full plate. Heidi, who had given the
boy most of her dinner, was already putting
on Clara's new coat. Then together they
climbed up, Heidi chatting all the time.
But Peter did not say a single word. He
was preoccupied and had not even hstened
to Heidi's tales. Before they entered the
hut, the boy said stubbornly: "I think
I had rather go to school than get a beating
from the uncle." Heidi promptly confirmed
him in his resolution.
When they went into the room, Peter's
mother was alone at the table mending.
The grandmother was nowhere to be seen.
Brigida now told Heidi that the grandmother
was obhged to stay in bed on those cold
days, as she did not feel very strong. That
was something new for Heidi. Quickly run-
ning to the old woman's chamber, she found
her lying in a narrow bed, wrapped up in
her grey shawl and thin blanket.
Thank Heaven!" the grandmother ex-
HEIDI
claimed when she heard her darling's step.
All autumn and winter long a secret fear
had been gnawing at her heart, that Heidi
would be sent for by the strange gentleman
of whom Peter had told her so much. Heidi
had approached the bed, asking anxiously:
"Are you very sick, grandmother?"
"No, no, child," the old woman reassured
her, "the frost has just gone into my limbs
a little."
"Are you going to be well again as soon
as the warm weather comes?" inquired Heidi.
"Yes, yes, and if God wills, even sooner.
I w^ant to go back to my spinning-wheel
and I nearly tried it to-day. I'll get up
to-morrow, though," the grandmother said
confidently, for she had noticed how
frightened Heidi was.
The last speech made the child feel more
happy. Then, looking wonderingly at the
grandmother, she said: "In Frankfurt peo-
ple put on a shawl when they go out. Why
are you putting it on in bed, grandmother?"
"I put it on to keep me warm, Heidi. I
238
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
am glad to have it, for my blanket is very
thin."
"But, grandmother, your bed is slanting
down at your head, where it ought to be
high. No bed ought to be like that."
"I know, child, I can feel it well." So
saying, the old woman tried to change her
position on the pillow that lay under her
like a thin board. "My pillow never was
very thick, and sleeping on it all these years
has made it flat."
"Oh dear, if I had only asked Clara to
give me the bed I had in Frankfurt!" Heidi
lamented. "It had three big pillows on it;
I could hardly sleep because I kept sliding
down from them all the time. Could you
sleep with them, grandmother?"
"Of course, because that would keep me
warm. I could breathe so much easier, too,"
said the grandmother, trying to find a higher
place to lie on. "But I must not talk about
it any more, for I have to be thankful for
many things. I get the lovely roll every
day and have this beautiful warm shawl.
239
HEIDI
I also have you, my child! Heidi, wouldn't
you like to read me something to-day?"
Heidi immediately fetched the book and
read one song after another. The grand-
mother in the meantime was lying with
folded hands; her face, which had been so
sad a short time ago, was lit up with a
happy smile.
Suddenly Heidi stopped.
"Are you well again, grandmother?" she
asked.
"I feel very much better, Heidi. Please
finish the song, will you?"
The child obeyed, and when she came to
the last words.
When mine eyes grow dim and sad.
Let Thy love more brightly bum.
That my soul, a wanderer glad,
Safely homeward may return.
" Safely homeward may return!" she ex-
claimed: "Oh, grandmother, I know what
it is hke to come home." After a while
she said: "It is getting dark, grandmother,
240
WINTER IN THE VILLAGE
I must go home now. I am glad that you
feel better again."
The grandmother, holding the child's hand
in hers, said: ''Yes, I am happy again,
though I have to stay in bed. Nobody
knows how hard it is to lie here alone, day
after day. I do not hear a word from any-
body and cannot see a ray of sunhght. I
have very sad thoughts sometimes, and often
I feel as if I could not bear it any longer.
But when I can hear those blessed songs
that you have read to me, it makes me feel
as if a light was shining into my heart, giv-
ing me the purest joy."
Shaking hands, the child now said good-
night, and pulling Peter w4th her, ran out-
side. The brilliant moon was shining down
on the white snow, light as day. The two
children were already flying down the Alp,
like birds soaring through the air.
After Heidi had gone to bed that night,
she lay awake a little while, thinking over
everything the grandmother had said, es-
pecially about the joy the songs had given
16 241
HEIDI
her. If only poor grandmother could hear
those comforting words every day! Heidi
knew that it might be a week or two again
before she could repeat her visit. The child
became very sad when she thought how un~
comfortable and lonely the old woman would
be. Was there no way for help? Suddenly
Heidi had an idea, and it thrilled her so
that she felt as if she could not wait till
morning came to put her plan in execution.
But in her excitement she had forgotten her
evening prayer, so sitting up in bed, she
prayed fervently to God. Then, falling back
into the fragrant hay, she soon slept peace-
fully and soundly still the bright morning
came.
XIX
WINTER STILL CONTINUES
fflfSHiETER arrived punctually at
school next day. He had
brought his lunch with him
in a bag, for all the children
that came from far away ate
in school, while the others went home. In
the evening Peter as usual paid his visit to
Heidi.
The minute he opened the door she ran
up to him, saying: "Peter, I have to tell
you something."
''Say it," he replied.
"You must learn to read now," said the
child.
"I have done it already."
"Yes, yes, Peter, but I don't mean it
that way," Heidi eagerly proceeded; "you
must learn so that you really know how
afterwards."
243
HEIDI
"I can't," Peter remarked.
"Nobody believes you about that any
more, and I won't either," Heidi said reso-
lutely. "When I was in Frankfurt, grand-
mama told me that it wasn't true and that
I shouldn't believe you."
Peter's astonishment was great.
"I'll teach you, for I know how; when
you have learnt it, you must read one or
two songs to grandmother every day."
"I shan't!" grumbled the boy.
This obstinate refusal made Heidi very
angry. With flaming eyes she planted her-
self before the boy and said: "I'll tell you
what will happen, if you don't want to
learn. Your mother has often said that
she'll send you to Frankfurt. Clara showed
me the terrible, large boys' school there,
where you'll have to go. You must stay
there till you are a man, Peter ! You mustn't
think that there is only one teacher there,
and such a kind one as we have here. No,
indeed ! There are whole rows of them, and
when they are out walking they have high
244
WINTER STILL CONTINUES
black hats on their heads. I saw them my-
self, when I was out driving!"
Cold shivers ran down Peter's back.
"Yes, you'll have to go there, and when
they find out that you can't read or event
spell, they'll laugh at you!"
"I'll do it," said Peter, half angry and
half frightened.
"Oh, I am glad. Let us start right away!"
said Heidi joyfully, pulling Peter over to
the table. Among the things that Clara
had sent, Heidi had found a little book with
the A,B,C and some rhymes. She had
chosen this for the lessons. Peter, having
to spell the first rhyme, found great diffi-
culty, so Heidi said, "I'll read it to you,
and then you'll be able to do it better. Lis-
ten:
"If A, B, C you do not know.
Before the school board you must go."
"I v/on't go." said Peter stubbornly.
"^Vhere?"
"Before the court."
245
HEIDI
"Hurry up and learn the three letters,
then you won't have to!"
Peter, beginning again, repeated the three
letters till Heidi said:
"Now you know them."
Having observed the good result of the
first rhyme, she began to read again:
D, E, F you then must read.
Or of misfortune take good heed !
Who over L and M doth stumble.
Must pay a penance and feel humble.
There's trouble coming; if you knew.
You'd quickly learn N, O, P, Q.
If still you halt on R, S, T,
You'll suffer for it speedily.
Heidi, stopping, looked at Peter, who was
so frightened by all these threats and mys-
terious horrors that he sat as still as a mouse.
Heidi's tender heart was touched, and she
said comfortingly: "Don't be afraid, Peter;
if you come to me every day, you'll soon
learn all the letters and then those things
246
WINTER STILL CONTINUES
won't happen. But come every day, even
when it snows. Promise!*'
Peter did so, and departed. Obeying
Heidi's instructions, he came daily to her
for his lesson.
Sometimes the grandfather would sit in
the room, smoking his pipe; often the cor-
ners of his mouth would twitch as if he
could hardly keep from laughing.
He generally invited Peter to stay to sup-
per afterwards, which liberally rewarded
the boy for all his great exertions.
Thus the days passed by. In all this
time Peter had really made some progress,
though the rhymes still gave him difficulty.
When they had come to U, Heidi read:
Whoever mixes U and V,
Will go where he won't want to be !
and further.
If V/ you still ignore,
Look at the rod beside the door.
Often Peter would growl and object to
those measures, but nevertheless he kept on
learning, and soon had but three letters left.
247
HEIDI
The next few days the following rhymes,
with their threats, made Peter more eager
than ever.
If you the letter X forget
For you no supper will be set.
If you still hesitate with Y,
For shame you'll run away and cry.
When Heidi read the last,
And he who makes his Z with blots.
Must journey to the Hottentots,
Peter sneered: "Nobody even knows where
they are!"
"I am sure grandfather does," Heidi re-
torted, jumping up. "Just wait one minute
and I shall ask him. He is over with the
parson," and with that she had opened the
door.
. "Wait!" shrieked Peter in great alarm,
for he saw himself already transported to
those dreadful people. "What is the mat-
ter with you.?^" said Heidi, standing still.
"Nothing, but stay here. I'll learn," he
248
WINTER STILL CONTINUES
blubbered. But Heidi, wanting to know
something about the Hottentots herself,
could only be kept back by piteous screams
from Peter. So at last they settled down
again, and before it was time to go, Peter
knew the last letter, and had even begun
to read syllables. From this day on he pro-
gressed more quickly.
It was three weeks since Heidi had paid
her last visit to the grandmother, for much
snow had fallen since. One evening, Peter,
coming home, said triumphantly:
"I can do it!"
"What is it you can do, Peter .^" asked
his mother, eagerly.
"Read."
"What, is it possible.^ Did you hear it,
grandmother.'*" exclaimed Brigida.
The grandmother also was curious to
learn how this had happened.
"I must read a song now; Heidi told me*
to," Peter continued. To the women's
amazement, Peter began. After every verse
his mother would exclaim, "Who would
HEIDI
have ever thought it!" while the grand-
mother remained silent.
One day later, when it happened that it
was Peter's turn to read in school, the
teacher said:
"Peter, must I pass you by again, as
usual? Or do you want to try — I shall not
say to read, but to stammer through a line?"
Peter began and read three lines without
stopping.
In dumb astonishment, the teacher, put-
ting down his book, looked at the boy.
"What miracle has happened to you?"
he exclaimed. "For a long time I tried to
teach you with all my patience, and you
were not even able to grasp the letters, but
now that I had given you up as hopeless,
you have not only learnt how to spell, but
even to read. How did this happen, Peter?"
"It was Heidi," the boy replied.
In great amazement, the teacher looked
at the little girl. Then the kind man con-
tinued :
"I have noticed a great change in you,
250
Frizma Natural Color Photoplay Mads* Evans as Heidt
HEIDI AND THE ALMS-UNCLE
WINTER STILL CONTINUES
Peter. You used to stay away from school,
sometimes more tham a week, and lately
you have not even missed a day. Who has
brought about this change?"
"The uncle."
Every evening now Peter on his return
home read one song to his grandmother,
but never more. To the frequent praises
of B rigid a, the old woman once replied: "I
am glad he has learnt something, but never-
theless I am longing for the spring to come.
Then Heidi can visit me, for when she reads,
the verses sound so different. I cannot al-
ways follow Peter, and the songs don't
thrill me the way they do when Heidi says
them!"
And no wonder! For Peter would often
leave out long and difficult words, — what
did three or four words matter! So it hap-
pened sometimes that there were hardly
any nouns left in the hymns that Peter read.
XX
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
AY had come. Warm sun-
shine was bathing the whole
Alp in glorious hght, and
having melted the last snow,
had brought the first spring
flowers to the surface. A merry spring wind
was blowing, drying up the damp places in
the shadow. High above in the azure heaven
the eagle floated peacefully.
Heidi and her grandfather were back on
the Alp. The child was so happy to be
home again that she jumped about among
the beloved objects. Here she discovered
a new spring bud, and there she watched
the gay Httle gnats and beetles that were
swarming in the sun.
The grandfather was busy in his little
shop, and a sound of hammering and saw-
ing could be heard. Heidi had to go and
see what the grandfather was making. There
252
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
before the door stood a neat new chair,
while the old man was busy making a sec-
ond.
"Oh, I know what they are for," said
Heidi gaily. "You are making them for
Clara and grandmama. Oh, but we need
a third — or do you think that Miss Rotten-
meier won't come, perhaps?"
"I really don't know," said grandfather:
"but it is safer to have a chair for her, if she
should come."
Heidi, thoughtfully looking at the back-
less chairs, remarked: "Grandfather, I don't
think she would sit down on those."
"Then we must invite her to sit down on
the beautiful green lounge of grass," quietly
answered the old man.
While Heidi was still wondering what the
grandfather had meant, Peter arrived, whis-
tling and calling. As usual, Heidi was soon
surrounded by the goats, who also seemed
happy to be back on the Alp. Peter,
angrily pushing the goats aside, marched up
to Heidi, thrusting a letter into her hand.
253
HEIDI
«
Did you get a letter for me on the past-
ure?" Heidi said, astonished.
"No."
"Where did it come from?"
"From my bag."
The letter had been given to Peter the
previous evening; putting it in his lunch -bag,
the boy had forgotten it there till he opened
the bag for his dinner. Heidi immediately
recognized Clara's handwriting, and bounding
over to her grandfather, exclaimed: "A letter
has come from Clara. Wouldn't you hke
me to read it to you, grandfather?"
Heidi immediately read to her two lis-
teners, as follows :-
Dra.r HEmi: —
We are aU packed up and shall travel in two
or three days. Papa is leaving, too, but not with
us, for he has to go to Paris first. The dear
doctor visits us now every day, and as soon as
he opens the door, he calls, *Away to the Alp!'
for he can hardly wait for us to go. If you only
knew how he enjoyed being with you last fall !
He came nearly every day this winter to tell us
264,
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
all about you and the grandfather and the moun-
tains and the flowers he saw. He said that it
was so quiet in the pure, delicious air, away from
towns and streets, that everybody has to get
well there. He is much better himself since his
visit, and seems younger and happier. Oh, how
I look forward to it all ! The doctor's advice is,
that I shall go to Ragatz first for about six
weeks, then I can go to live in the village, and
from there I shall come to see you every fine
day. Grandmama, who is coming with me, is
looking forward to the trip too. But just think,
IVIiss Rottenmeier does not want to go. When
grandmama urges her, she always declines
politely. I think Sebastian must have given her
such a terrible description of the high rocks and
fearful abysses, that she is afraid. I think he
told her that it was not safe for anybody, and
that only goats could climb such dreadful heights.
She used to be so eager to go to Switzerland, but
now neither Tinette nor she wants to take the
risk. I can hardly wait to see you again !
Good-bye, dear Heidi, with much love from
grandmama,
I am your true friend,
35S
HEIDI
When Peter heard this, he swung his rod
to right and left. Furiously driving the
goats before him, he bounded down the hill.
Heidi visited the grandmother next day,
for she had to tell her the good news. Sit-
ting up in her comer, the old woman was
spinning as usual. Her face looked sad, for
Peter had already announced the near visit
of Heidi's friends, and she dreaded the result.
After having poured out her full heart,
Heidi looked at the old woman. "WTiat is
it, grandmother.'^" said the child. "Are you
not glad?"
"Oh yes, Heidi, I am glad, because you
are happy."
"But, grandmother, you seem so anxious.
Do you still think Miss Rottenmeier is com-
mg?
"Oh no, it is nothing. Give me your
hand, for I want to be sure that you are
still here. I suppose it will be for the best,
even if I shall not live to see the day!"
"Oh, but then I would not care about
this coming," said the child.
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
The grandmother had hardly slept all
night for thinking of Clara's coming. Would
they take Heidi away from her, now that
she was well and strong? But for the sake
of the child she resolved to be brave.
"Heidi," she said, "please read me the
song that begins with 'God will see to it.'"
Heidi immediately did as she was told;
she knew nearly all the grandmother's favor-
ite hymns by now and always found them
quickly.
"That does me good, child," the old woman
said. Already the expression of her face
seemed happier and less troubled. "Please
read it a few times over, child," she en-
treated.
Thus evening came, and when Heidi wan-
dered homewards, one twinkling star after
another appeared in the sky. Heidi stood
still every few minutes, looking up to the
firmament in wonder. When she arrived
home, her grandfather also was looking up
to the stars, murmuring to himself: "What
a wonderful month! — one day clearer than
17 257
HEIDI
the other. The herbs will be fine and strong
this year."
The blossom month had passed, and June,
with the long, long days, had come. Quanti-
ties of flowers were blooming everjnvhere,
filling the air with perfume. The month was
nearing its end, when one morning Heidi
came running out of the hut, where she had
aheady completed her duties. Suddenly she
screamed so loud that the grandfather hur-
riedly came out to see what had happened.
"Grandfather! Come here! Look, look!"
A strange procession was winding up the
Aim. First marched two men, carrying an
open sedan chair with a young girl in it,
wrapped up in many shawls. Then came
a stately lady on horseback, who, talking
with a young guide beside her, looked eagerly
right and left. Then an empty rolling-chair,
carried by a young fellow, was followed by
a porter who had so many covers, shawls
and furs piled up on his basket that they
towered high above his head.
"They are coming! they are coming!"
25S
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
cried Heidi in her joy, and soon the party
had arrived at the top. Great was the hap-
piness of the children at seeing each other
again. When grandmama had descended
from her horse, she tenderly greeted Heidi
first, and then turned to the uncle, who
had approached the group. The two met
hke two old friends, they had heard so much
about each other.
After the first words were exchanged, the
grandmother exclaimed: "My dear uncle,
what a wonderful residence you have. Who
would have ever thought it! Kings could
envy you here! Oh, how well my Heidi is
looking, just like a little rose!" she con-
tinued, drawing the child closely to her sido
and patting her cheeks. "WTiat glory every-
where! Clara, what do you say to it all.'^''
Clara, looking about her rapturously,
cried: "Oh, how wonderful, how glorious!
I have never dreamt it could be as beau-
tiful as that. Oh grandmama, I wish I
could stay here!'*
The uncle had busied himself in the mean«
259
HEIDI
time with getting Clara's rolling-chair for her.
Then, going up to the girl, he gently lifted her
into her seat. Putting some covers over her
knees, he tucked her feet in warmly. It
seemed as if the grandfather had done noth-
ing else all his life than nurse lame people.
"My dear uncle," said the grandmama,
surprised, *' please tell me where you learned
that, for I shall send all the nurses I know
here immediately.'"
The uncle smiled faintly, while he replied:
"It comes more from care than study."
His face became sad. Before his eyes had
risen bygone times. For that was the way
he used to care for his poor wounded captain,
whom he had found in Sicily after a violent
battle. He alone had been allowed to nurse
him till his death, and now he would take
just as good care of poor, lame Clara.
When Clara had looked a long time at the
cloudless sky above and all the rocky crags,
she said longingly. "I wish I could walk
round the hut to the fir-trees. If I only could
see all the things you told me so much about I
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
Heidi pushed with all her might, and be-
hold! the chair rolled easily over the dry-
grass. When they had come into the little
grove, Clara could not see her fill of those
splendid trees that must have stood there
so many, many years. Although the people
had changed and vanished, they had re-
mained the same, ever looking down into
the valley.
When they passed the empty goat-shed,
Clara said pitifully: "Oh grandmama, if I
could only wait up here for Schwanli and
Barli ! I am afraid I shan't see Peter and his
goats, if we have to go away so soon again."
"Dear child, enjoy now what you can,"
said the grandmama, who had followed.
"Oh, what wonderful flowers!" exclaimed
Clara again; "whole bushes of exquisite,
red blossoms. Oh, if I could only pick some
of those bluebells!"
Heidi, immediately gathering a large
bunch, put them in Clara's lap.
"Clara, this is really nothing in compari-
son with the many flowers in the pasture.
261
HEIDI
You must come up once and see them.
There are so many that the ground seems
golden with them. If you ever sit down
among them, you will feel as if you could
never get up any more, it is so beautiful."
"Oh, grandmama, do you think I can
ever go up there?" Clara asked with a wild
longing in her eyes. "If I could only walk
with you, Heidi, and climb round every-
where!"
"I'll push you!" Heidi said for comfort^j
To show how easy it was, she pushed the
chair at such a rate that it would have tum-
bled dowli the mountain, if the grandfather
had not stopped it at the last moment.
It was time for dinner now. The table
was spread near the bench, and soon every-
body sat down. The grandmother was so
overcome by the view and the dehcious
wind that fanned her cheek that she re-
marked: "What a wondroois place this is! I
have never seen its hke ! But what do I see?"
she continued. "I think you are actually
eating your second piece of cheese, Clara?
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
"Oh grandmama, it tastes better than all
the things we get in Ragatz," repHed the
child, eagerly eating the savory dish.
*' Don't stop, our mountain wind helps
along where the cooking is faulty!" con-l
tentedly said the old man.
During the meal the uncle and the grand-
mama had soon got into a lively conver-
sation. They seemed to agree on many
things, and understood each other Kke old
friends. A little later the grandmama looked
over to the west.
"We must soon start, Clara, for the sun
is already low; our guides will be here
shortly."
Clara's face had become sad, and she en-
treated: "Oh, please let us stay here an-
other hour or so. We haven't even seen
the hut yet. I wish the day were twice as
long."
The grandmama assented to Clara's wish
to go inside. When the rolling-chair was
foimd too broad for the door, the uncle
quietly lifted Clara in his strong arms and
263
HEIDI
carried her in. Grandmama was eageriy
looking about her, glad to see everything
so neat. Then going up the Httle ladder
to the hay-loft, she discovered Heidi's bed.
"Is that your bed, Heidi.? What a dehcious
perfume! It must be a healthy place to
sleep," she said, looking out through the
window. The grandfather, with Clara, was
coming up, too, with Heidi following.
Clara was perfectly entranced. "What
a lovely place to sleep! Oh, Heidi, you can
look right up to the sky from your bed
WTiat a good smell! You can hear the fir-
trees roar here, can't you.? Oh, I never saw
a more dehghtful bed-room!"
The uncle, looking at the old lady, said
now: "I have an idea that it would give
Clara new strength to stay up here with us
a httle while. Of course, I only mean if
you did not object. You have brought so
many wraps that we can easily make a soft
bed for Clara here. My dear lady, you can
easily leave the care to me. I'll undertake
it gladly "
264
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
The children screamed for joy, and grand-
mama's face was beaming.
"What a fine man you are!" she burst
out. **I was just thinking myself that a
stay here would strengthen the child, but
then I thought of the care and trouble for
you. And now you have offered to do it, as
if it was nothing at all. How can I thank
you enough, uncle?"
After shaking hands many times, the two
prepared Clara's bed, which, thanks to the
old lady's precautions, was soon so soft that
the hay could not be felt through at all.
The uncle had carried his new patient
back to her rolling-chair, and there they
found her sitting, with Heidi beside her.
They were eagerly talking of their plans for
the coming weeks. When they were told
that Clara might stay for a month or so,
their faces beamed more than ever.
The guide, with the horse, and the car-
riers of the chair, now appeared, but the
last two were not needed any more and
could be sent away.
26S
HEIDI
When the grandmother got ready to leave,
Clara called gaily to her: "Oh grandmama,
it won't be long, for you must often come
and see us."
While the uncle was leading the horse
down the steep incline, the grandmama told
him that she would go back to Ragatz, for
the Dorfli was too lonely for her. She also
promised to come back from time to time.
Before the grandfather had returned, Peter
came racing down to the hut v/ith all his
goats. Seeing Heidi, they ran up to her in
haste, and so Clara made the acquaintance
of Schwanh and Barli and all the others.
Peter, however, kept away, only sending
furious looks at the two girls. TVTien they
bade him good-night, he only ran away,
beating the air with his stick.
The end of the joyous day had come.
The two children were both lying in their bedso
"Oh, Heidi!" Clara exclaimed, "I can see
so many ghttering stars, and I feel as if we
were driving in a high carriage straight into
the sky."
26Q
NEWS FROM DISTANT FRIENDS
"Ye?; and do you know why the stars
twinkle so merrily?" inquired Heidi.
"No, but tell me."
"Because they know that God in heaven
looks after us mortals and we never need
to fear. See, they twinkle and show us how
to be merry, too. But Clara, we must not
forget to pray to God and ask Him to think
of us and keep us safe."
Sittmg up in bed, they then said their
evening prayer. As soon as Heidi lay down,
she fell asleep. But Clara could not sleep
quite yet, it was too wonderful to see the
stars from her bed.
In truth she had never seen them before,
because in Frankfurt all the blinds were al-
ways down long before the stars came out,
and at night she had never been outside
the house. She could hardly keep her eyes
shut, and had to open them again and again
to watch the twmkling, glistening stars, till
her eyes closed at last and she saw two big,
ghttering stars in her dream.
XXI
OF FURTHER EVENTS
ON THE ALP
1 r^ iP-^ ^^^ ^^^ i^^^ rising, and the
I , Aim-Uncle was watching how
mountain and dale awoke to
the new day, and the clouds
above grew brighter.
Next, the old man turned to go back into
the hut, and softly chmbed the ladder. Clara,
having just a moment ago opened her eyes,
looked about her in amazement. Bright sun-
beams danced on her bed. Where was she.^^
But soon she discovered her sleeping friend,
and heard the grandfather's cheery voice:
"How did you sleep .^ Not tired?"
Clara, feehng fresh and rested, said that
she had never slept better in all her life.
Heidi was soon awake, too, and lost no time
in coming down to join Clara, who was al-
ready sitting in the sun.
268
OF FURTHER EVENTS
A cool morning breeze fanned their
cheeks, and the spicy fragrance from the
fir-trees filled their lungs with every breath.
Clara had never experienced such well-being
in all her life. She had never breathed such
pure, cool morning air and never felt such
warm, delicious sunshine on her feet and
hands. It surpassed all her expectations.
**0h, Heidi, I wish I could always stay
up here with you!" she said.
"Now you can see that everything is as
beautiful as I told you," Heidi rephed tri-
umphantly. "Up on the Alp with grand-
father is the loveHest spot in all the world."
The grandfather was just coming out of
the shed with two full bowls of steaming,
snow-white milk. Handing one to each of
the children, he said to Clara: "This will
do you good, httle girl. It comes from
Schwanli and will give you strength. To
your health! Just drink it!" he said en-
couragingly, for Clara had hesitated a httle.
But when she saw that Heidi's bowl was
nearly empty already, she also drank with-
269
HEIDI
out even stopping. Oh, how good it was!
It tasted like cinnamon and sugar."
"We'll take two tomorrow," said the
grandfather.
After their breakfast, Peter arrived. While
the goats were rushing up to Heidi, bleating
loudly, the grandfather took the boy aside.
"Just listen, and do what I tell you," he
said. "From now on you must let Schwanli
go wherever she likes. She knows where to
get the richest herbs, and you must follow
her, even if she should go higher up than
usual. It won't do you any harm to climb
a little more, and will do all the others
good. I want the goats to give me splendid
milk, remember. What are you looking at
so furiously?"
Peter was silent, and without more ado
started off, still angrily looking back now
and then. As Heidi had followed a little
way, Peter called to her: "You must come
along, Heidi, Schwanli has to be followed
everywhere."
^^No, but I can't," Heidi called back: "I
OF FURTHER EVENTS
won't be able to come as long as Clara is
with me. Grandfather has promised, though,
to let us come up with you once."
With those words Heidi returned to Clara,
while the goatherd was hurrying onward,
angrily shaking his fists.
The children had promised to write a let-
ter to grandmama every day, so they im-
mediately started on their task. Heidi
brought out her own little three-legged
stool, her school-books and her papers,
and with these on Clara's lap they began
to write. Clara stopped after nearly every
sentence, for she had to look around. Oh, how
peaceful it was with the little gnats dancing in
the sun and the rustling of the trees! From
time to time they could hear the shouting
of a shepherd re-echoed from many rocks.
The morning had passed, they knew not
how, and dinner was ready. They again
ate outside, for Clara had to be in the open
air all day, if possible. The afternoon was
spent in the cool shadow of the fir-trees.
Clara had many things to relate of Frankfurt
271
HEIDI
and all the people that Heidi knew. It was
not long before Peter arrived with his flock,
but without even answering the girls' f riendljT-
greeting, he disappeared with a grim scowl.
While Schwanli was being milked in the
shed, Clara said:
"Oh, Heidi, I feel as if I could not wait
for my milk. Isn't it funny? All my life I
have only eaten because I had to. Every-
;thing always tasted to me like cod-hver oil,
and I have often wished that I should never
have to eat. And now I am so hungry!"
"Oh yes, I know," Heidi replied. She
had to think of the days in Frankfurt when
her food seemed to stick in her throat.
When at last the full bowls were brought
by the old man, Clara, seizing hers, eagerly
drank the contents in one draught and even
finished before Heidi.
"Please, may I have a little more?'' she
asked, holding out the bowl.
Nodding, much pleased, the grandfather
soon refilled it. This time he also brought
with him a sUce of bread and butter for the
273
OF fuhther events
children. He had gone to Maiensass that
afternoon to get the butter, and his trouble
was well rewarded: they enjoyed it as if it
had been the rarest dish.
This evening Clara fell asleep the moment
she lay down. Two or three days passed
in this pleasant way. The next brought a
surprise. Two strong porters came up the
Alp, each carrying on his back a fresh, white
bed. They also brought a letter from grand-
mama, in which she thanked the children
for their faithful writing, and told them that
the beds were meant for them. When they
went to sleep that night, they found their
new beds in exactly the same position as
their former ones had been.
Clara's rapture in her new life grew greater
every day, and she could not write enough
of the grandfather's kindly care and of Heidi's
entertaining stories. She told her grandmama
that her first thought in the morning always
was: ** Thank God, I am still in the Aim-hut."
Grandmama was highly pleased at those;,
reports, and put her projected visit oflF a little
18 273
HEIDI
while, for she had found the ride pretty tiring.
The grandfather took excellent care of
his little patient, and no day passed on
which he did not climb around to find the
most savory herbs for Schwanli. The little
goat thrived so that everybody could see
it in the way her eyes were flashing.
It was the third week of Clara's stay.
Every morning after the grandfather had
carried her down, he said to her: "Would
my Clara try to stand a little.^" Clara al-
ways sighed, "Oh, it hurts me so!" but
though she would cling to him, he made her
stand a little longer every day.
This summer was the finest that had been
for years. Day after day the sun shone on a
cloudless sky, and at night it would pour its
purple, rosy light down on the rocks and snow-
fields till everything seemed to glow like fire.
Heidi had told Clara over and over again
of all the flowers on the pasture, of the
masses of golden roses and the blue-flowers
that covered the ground. She had just been
telling it again, when a longing seized her,
274
OF FURTHER EVENTS
and jumping up she ran over to her grand-
father, who was busy carving in the shop.
^'Oh, grandfather," she cried from afar,
"won't you come with us to the pasture to-
morrow? Oh, it's so beautiful up there now/'
"AU right, I wiU," he rephed; "but tell
Clara that she must do something to please
me; she must try to stand longer this even-
ing for me."
Heidi merrily came running with her mes-
sage. Of course, Clara promised, for was it
not her greatest wish to go up with Heidi
to the pasture! When Peter returned this
evening, he heard of the plan for the mor-
row. But for answer Peter only growled,
nearly hitting poor Thistlefinch in his anger.
The children had just resolved to stay
awake all night to talk about the coming
day, when their conversation suddenly
ceased and they were both peacefully slum-
bering. In her dreams Clara saw before her a
field that was thickly strewn with hght-blue
flowers, while Heidi heard the eagle scream
to her from above, "Come, come, come!"
975
xxn
SOMETHING UNEXPECTED
HAPPENS
HE next day da^vned cloud-
less and fair. The grand-
father was still with the chil-
dren, when Peter came climb-
ing up; his goats kept at a
good distance from him, to evade the rod.
which was striking right and left. The
truth was that the boy was terribly em-
bittered and angry by the changes that had
come. When he passed the hut in the morn-
ing, Heidi was always busy with the strange
child, and in the evening it was the same.
All summer long Heidi had not been up with
him a single tune; it was too much! And
to-day she was coming at last, but again
in company with this hateful stranger.
It was then that Peter noticed the rolling-
diair standing near the hut. After care^
SOMETHING HAPPENS
fully glancing about him, he rushed at
the hated object and pushed it down the
incHne. The chair fairly fiew away and had
soon disappeared.
Peter's conscience smote him now, and
he raced up the Alp, not daring to pause
till he had reached a blackberry bush. There
he could hide, when the uncle might appear.
Looking down, he watched his fallen enemy
tumbling downwards, downwards.
Sometimes it was thrown high up into
the air, to crash down again the next mo-
ment harder than ever. Pieces were falling
from it right and left, and were blown about.
Now the stranger would have to travel home
and Heidi would be his again! But Peter
had forgotten that a bad deed always brings
a punishment.
Heidi just now came out of the hut. The
grandfather, with Clara, followed. Heidi at
first stood still, and then, running right and
left, she returned to the old man.
"What does this mean.^^ Have you rolled
the chair away Heidi .f^" he asked.
HEIDI
**I am just looking for it everywhere,
grandfather. You said it was beside the
shop door," said the child, still hunting for
the missing object. A strong wind was
blowing, which at this moment violently
closed the shop-door.
"Grandfather, the wind has done it," ex-
claimed Heidi eagerly. "Oh dear! if it has
rolled all the way down to the village, it
will be too late to go to-day. It will take
us a long time to fetch it."
"If it has rolled down there, we shall
never get it any more, for it will be smashed
to pieces," said the old man, looking down
and measuring the distance from the corner
of the hut.
"I don't see how it happened," he re-
marked.
"What a shame! now I'll never be able
to go up to the pasture," lamented Clara.
"I am afraid I'll have to go home now.
What a pity, what a pity!"
"You can find a way for her to stay,
grandfather, can't you.^^"
278
SOMETHING HAPPENS
"We'll go up to the pasture to-day, as we
have planned. Then we shall see what fur-
ther happens."
The children were delighted, and the
grandfather lost no time in getting ready.
First he fetched a pile of covers, and seat-
ing Clara on a sunny spot on the dry ground,
he got their breakfast.
"I wonder why Peter is so late to-day,"
he said, leading his goats out of the shed.
Then, lifting Clara up on one strong arm,
he carried the covers on the other.
^'Now, march!" he cried. "The goats
come with us."
That suited Heidi, and with one arm
round Schwanli and the other round Barli,
she wandered up. Her little companions
were so pleased at having her with them
again that they nearly crushed her with af-
fection.
What was their astonishment when, ar-
riving on top, they saw Peter already lying
on the ground, with his peaceful flock about
him.
S79
HEIDI
"What did you mean by going by us like
that? I'll teach you!" called the uncle to
him.
Peter was frightened, for he knew the voice.
"Nobody was up yet," the boy retorted.
"Have you seen the chair?" asked the
uncle again.
"Which?" Peter growled.
The uncle said no more. Unfolding the
covers, he put Clara down on the dry grass.
Then, when he had been assured of Clara's
comfort, he got ready to go home. The
three were to stay there till his return in the
evening. When dinner time had come, Heidi
was to prepare the meal and see that Clara
got Schwann's milk.
The sky was a deep blue, and the snow on
the peaks was glistening. The eagle was
floating above the rocky crags. The chil-
dren felt wonderfully happy. Now and then
one of the goats would come and lie down
near them. Tender little Sno whopper came
oftener than any and would rub her head
against their shoulders.
280
SOMETHING HAPPENS
They had been sitting quietly for a few
hours, drinking in the beauty about them,
when Heidi suddenly began to long for the
spot where so many flowers grew. In the
evening it would be too late to see them, for
they always shut their little eyes by then.
''Oh, Clara," she said hesitatingly, *' would
you be angry if I went away from you a
minute and left you alone? I want to see
the flowers; But wait! — " Jumping away,
she brought Clara some bunches of fragrant
herbs and put them in her lap. Soon after
she returned with little Snowhopper.
'*So, now you don't need to be alone,"
said Heidi. When Clara had assured her
that it would give her pleasure to be left
alone with the goats, Heidi started on her
walk. Clara slowly handed one leaf after
another to the little creature; it became
more and more confiding, and cuddling close
to the child, ate the herbs out of her hand.'
It was easy to see how happy it was to be
away from the boisterous big goats, which
often aimoyed it. Clara felt a sensation of
281
HEIDI
contentment such as she had never before
experienced. She loved to sit there on the
mountain-side with the confiding httle goat
by her. A great desire rose in her heart that
hour. She longed to be her own master
and be able to help others instead of being
helped by them. Many other thoughts and
ideas rushed through her mind. How would
it be to live up here in continual sunshine .'^
The world seemed so joyous and wonderful
all of a sudden. Premonitions of future
undreamt-of happiness made her heart beat.
Suddenly she threw both arms about the
little goat and said: '*0h, little Snowhopper
how beautiful it is up here! If I could
always stay with you!"
Heidi in the meantime had reached the
spot, where, as she had expected, the whole
ground was covered with yellow rock-roses.
Near together in patches the blue-bells
were nodding gently in the breeze. But all
the perfume that filled the air came from
the modest little brown flowers that hid
their heads between the golden flower-cups.
282
SOMETHING HAPPENS
Heidi stood enraptured, drawing in the per-
fumed air.
Suddenly she turned and ran back to
Clara, shouting to her from far: "Oh, you
must come, Clara, it is so lovely there. In
the evening it won't be so fine any more.
Don't you think I could carry you?"
"But Heidi," Clara said, "of course you
can't; you are much smaller than I am. Oh,
I wish I could walk!"
Heidi meditated a little. Peter was still
lying on the ground. He had been staring
down for hours, unable to believe what he
saw before him. He had destroyed the chair
to get rid of the stranger, and there she was
again, sitting right beside his playmate.
Heidi now called to him to come down,
but as reply he only grumbled: "Shan't
come."
"But you must; come quickly, for I want
you to help me. Quickly!" urged the child.
"Don't want to," sounded the reply.
Heidi hurried up the mountain now and
shouted angrily to the boy: "Peter, if you
HEIDI
don't come this minute, I shall do some-
thing that you won't like."
Those words scared Peter, for his con-
science was not clear. His deed had rejoiced
him till this moment, when Heidi seemed
to talk as if she knew it all. What if the
grandfather should hear about it! Trem-
bhng with fear, Peter obeyed.
"I shall only come if you promise not to
do what you said," insisted the boy.
"No, no, I won't. Don't be afraid," said
Heidi compassionately: "Just come along;
it isn't so hard."
Peter, on approaching Clara, was told to
help raise the lame child from the ground
on one side, while Heidi helped on the other.
This went easily enough, but difficulties
soon followed. Clara was not able to stand
alone, and how could they get any further.^
"You must take me round the neck,"
said Heidi, who had seen what poor guides
they made.
The boy, who had never offered his arm
to anybody in his life, had to be shown how
284,
SOMETHING HAPPENS
first, before further efforts could be made.
But it was too hard. Clara tried to set her
feet forward, but got discouraged.
"Press your feet on the ground more and
I am sure it will hurt you less," suggested
Heidi.
"Do you think so?" said Clara, timidly.
But, obeying, she ventured a firmer step
and soon another, uttering a little cry as she
went.
"Oh, it really has hurt me less," she said
joyfully.
"Try it again," Heidi urged her. Clara
did, and took another step, and then another,
and another still. Suddenly she cried aloud:
"Oh, Heidi, I can do it. Oh, I really can.
Just look! I can take steps, one after
another."
Heidi rapturously exclaimed: "Oh, Clara,
can you really? Can you walk? Oh, can
you take steps now? Oh, if only grand-
father would come! Now you can walk,
Clara, now you can walk," she kept on say-
ing joyfully.
S86
HEIDI
Clara held on tight to the children, but
with every new step she became more firm
''Now you can come up here every
day," cried Heidi. "Now we can walk
wherever we want to and you don't have to
be pushed in a chair any more. Now you'll
be able to walk all your hfe. Oh, what joy!"
Clara's greatest wish, to be able to be
well like other people, had been fulfilled at
last. It was not very far to the flowering
field. Soon they reached it and sat down
among the wealth of bloom. It was the
first time that Clara had ever rested on the
dry, warm earth. x\ll about them the flowers
nodded and exhaled their perfume. It was
a scene of exquisite beauty.
The two children could hardly grasp this
happiness that had come to them. It filled
their hearts brimming full and made them
silent. Peter also lay motionless, for he had
gone to sleep.
Thus the hours flew, and the day was
long past noon. Suddenly all the goats ar-
rived, for they had been seeking the chil-
£86
SOMETHING HAPPEXS
dren. They did not like to graze in the
flowers, and were glad when Peter awoke
with their loud bleating. The poor boy was
mightily bewildered, for he had dreamt that
the rolling-chair with the red cushions stood
again before his eyes. On awaking, he had
still seen the golden nails; but soon he dis-
covered that they were nothing but flowers.
Remembering his deed, he obeyed Heidi's
instructions mllingly.
TVTien they came back to their former
place, Heidi lost no time in setting out the
dinner. The bag was very full to-day, and
Heidi hurried to fulfill her promise to Peter,
who with bad conscience had understood
her threat differently. She made three heaps
of the good things, and when Clara and she
were through, there was still a lot left for
the boy. It was too bad that all this treat
did not give him the usual satisfaction, for
something seemed to stick in his throat.
Soon after their belated dinner, the grand-
father was seen climbing up the Alp. Heidi
ran to meet him, confusedly telling him of
287
HEIDI
the great event. The old man's face shone
at this news. Going over to Clara, he said:
" So you have risked it? Now we have won."
Then picking her up, he put one arm
around her waist, and the other one he
stretched out as support, and with his help
she marched more firmly than ever. Heidi
jumped and bounded gaily by their side.
In all this excitement the grandfather did
not lose his judgment, and before long lifted
Clara on his arm to carry her home. He
knew that too much exertion would be dan-
gerous, and rest was needed for the tired
girl.
Peter, arriving in the village late that
day, saw a large disputing crowd. They
were all standing about an interesting ob-
ject, and everybody pushed and fought for
a chance to get nearest. It was no other
than the chair.
"I saw it when they carried it up," Peter
heard the baker say. "I bet it w^as worth*
at least five hundred francs. I should just
like to know how it has happened."
288
SOMETHING HAPPENS
«ii
The wind might have blown it down,"
remarked Barbara, who was staring open-
mouthed at the beautiful velvet cushions.
*'The uncle said so himself."
"It is a good thing if nobody else has
done it," continued the baker. "When the
gentleman from Frankfurt hears what has
happened, he'll surely find out all about it,
and I should pity the culprit. I am glad I
haven't been up on the Aim for so long,
else they might suspect me, as they would
anybody who happened to be up there at
the time."
Many more opinions were uttered, but
Peter had heard enough. He quietly slipped
away and went home. What if they should
find out he had done it.'^ A policeman
might arrive any time now and they might
take him away to prison. Peter's hair stood
up on end at this alarming thought.
He was so troubled when he came home
that he did not answer any questions and
even refused his dish of potatoes. Hur-
riedly creeping into bed, be groaned.
19 289
HEIDI
*'I am sure Peter has eaten sorrel again,
and that makes him groan so," said his
mother.
"You must give him a httle more bread
in the morning, Brigida. Take a piece of
mine," said the compassionate grandmother.
WTien Clara and Heidi were lying in their
beds that night, glancing up at the shining
stars, Heidi remarked: "Didn't you think
to-day, Clara, that it is fortunate God
does not always give us what we pray for
fervently, because He knows of something
better?"
"What do you mean, Heidi?" asked Clara.
"You see, when I was in Frankfurt I
prayed and prayed to come home again,
and when I couldn't, I thought He had for-
gotten me. But if I had gone away so soon
you would never have come here and would
never have got well."
Clara, becoming thoughtful, said: "But,
Heidi, then we could not pray for anything
any more, because we would feel that He
always knows of something better."
390
SOMETHING HAPPENS
*'But, Clara, we must pray to God every
day to show we don't forget that all gifts
come from Him. Grandmama has told me
that God forgets us if we forget Him. But
if some wish remains unfulfilled we must
show our confidence in Him, for he knows
best."
"How did you ever think of that.^" asked
Clara.
"Grandmama told me, but I know that
it is so. We must thank God to-day that
He has made you able to walk, Clara."
"I am glad that you have reminded me,
Heidi, for I have nearly forgotten it in my
excitement."
The children both prayed and sent their
thanks up to heaven for the restoration of
the invalid.
Next morning a letter was written to
grandmama, inviting her to come up to the
Alp within a week's time, for the children
had planned to take her by surprise. Clara
hoped then lo be able to walk alone, with
Heidi for her guide.
291
HEIDI
The following days were happier still for
Clara. Every morning she awoke wuth her
heart singing over and over again, "Now I
am well ! Now I can walk like other people !"
She progressed, and took longer walks
every day. Her appetite grew amazingly,
and the grandfather had to make larger
slices of the bread and butter that, to his
delight, disappeared so rapidly. He had to
fill bowl after bowl of the foaming milk for
the hungry children. In that way they
reached the end of the week that was to
bring the grandmama.
XXIII
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
DAY before her visit the
grandmama had sent a let-
ter to announce her coming.
Peter brought it up with him
next morning. The grand-
father was already before the hut with the
children and his merry goats. His face
looked proud, as he contemplated the rosy
faces of the girls and the shining hair of his
two goats.
Peter, approaching, neared the uncle
slowly. As soon as he had delivered the let-
ter, he sprang back shyly, looking about him
as if he was afraid. Then with a leap he
started off.
"'I should like to know why Peter be-
haves like the Big Turk when he is afraid
of the rod," said Heidi, watching his strange
behavior.
j»3
HEIDI
** Maybe Peter fears a rod that he de-
serves," said the old man.
All the way Peter was tormented with
fear. He could not help thinking of the
policeman who was coming from Frankfurt
to fetch him to prison.
It was a busy morning for Heidi, who put
the hut in order for the expected visitor.
The time went by quickly, and soon every-
thing was ready to welcome the good grand-
mama.
The grandfather also returned from a
walk, on which he had gathered a glorious
bunch of deep-blue gentians. The children,
who were sitting on the bench, exclaimed
for joy when they saw the glowing flowers.
Heidi, getting up from time to time to
spy down the path, suddenly discovered
grandmama, sitting on a white horse and
accompanied by two men. One of them car-
ried plenty of wraps, for without those the
lady did not dare to. pay such a visit.
The party came nearer and nearer, and
soon reached the top.
294,
F.AJITING TO MEET AGAIN
"What do I see? Clara, what is this?
Why are you not sitting in your chair?
How is this possible?" cried the grandmama
in alarm, dismounting hastily. Before she
had quite reached the children she threw
her arms up in great excitement:
"Clara, is that really you? You have
red, round cheeks, my child! I hardly know
you any more!" Grandmama was going to
rush at her grandchild, when Heidi slipped
from the bench, and Clara, taking her arm,
they quietly took a little walk. The grand-
mama was rooted to the spot from fear.
What was this? Upright and firm, Clara
walked beside her friend. When they came
back their rosy faces beamed. Rushing
toward the children, the grandmother hugged
them o^ er and over again.
Looking over to the bench, she beheld the
uncle, who sat there smiling. Taking Clara's
arm in hers, she walked over to him, con-
tinually venting her delight. T\Tien she
reached the old man, she took both his
hands in hers and said :
295
HEIDI
**My dear, dear uncle! What have we to
thank you for! This is your work, your
care and nursing — "
"But our Lord's sunshine and mountain
air," interrupted the uncle, smiling.
Then Clara called, "Yes, and also
Schwanli's good, dehcious milk. Grand-
mama, you ought to see how much goat-
milk I can drink now; oh, it is so good!"
"Indeed I can see that from your cheeks,"
said the grandmama, smiling. "No, I hardly
recognize you any more. You have become
broad and round! I never dreamt that you
could get so stout and tall! Oh, Clara, is it
really true? I cannot look at you enough.
But now I must telegraph your father to
come. I shan't tell him anything about you,
for it will be the greatest joy of all his life.
My dear uncle, how are we going to manage
it? Have you sent the men away?"
"I have, but I can easily send the goat-
herd."
So they decided that Peter should take
the message. The uncle immediately whis-
896
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN^
tied so loud that it resounded from all sides.
Soon Peter arrived, white with fear, for he
thought his doom had come. But he only-
received a paper that was to be carried to
the post-office of the village.
Relieved for the moment, Peter set out.
I
Now all the happy friends sat down round
the table, and grandmama was told how the
miracle had happened. Often the talk was
interrupted by exclamations of surprise from
grandmama, who still beheved it was all a
dream. How could this be her pale, weak
little Clara .^^ The children were in a con-
stant state of joy, to see how their surprise
had worked.
Meanwhile Mr. Sesemann, having fin-
ished his business in Paris, was also prepar-
ing a surprise. Without writing his mother
he traveled to Ragatz on a sunny summer
morning. He had arrived on this very day,
some hours after his mother's departure,
and now, taking a carriage, he drove to
Mayenfeld.
The long ascent to the Alp from there
391:
HEIDI
seemed very weary and far to the traveller.
TNTien would he reach the goat-herd's hut?
There were many little roads branching off
in several directions, and sometimes Mr.
Sesemann doubted if he had taken the right
path. But not a soul was near, and no
sound could be heard except the rustUng
of the wind and the hum of little insects.
A merry little bird was singing on a larch-
tree, but nothing more.
Standing still and cooling his brow, he saw a
boy running down the hill at topmost speed.
Mr. Sesemann called to him, but with no
success, for the boy kept at a shy distance.
"Now, my boy, can't you tell me if I am
on the right path to the hut where Heidi
lives and the people from Frankfurt are
staying.^"
A dull sound of terror was the only reply.
Peter shot off and rushed head over heels
down the mountain-side, turning wild somer-
saults on his perilous way. His course
resembled the course his enemy had taken
some days ago.
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
"What a funny, bashful mountaineer!"
Mr. Sesemann remarked to himself, think-
ing that the appearance of a stranger had
upset this simple son of the Alps. After
watching the downward course of the boy
a little while, he soon proceeded on his way.
In spite of the greatest effort, Peter could
not stop himself, and kept rolling on. But
his fright and terror were still more terrible
than his bumps and blows. This stranger
was the policeman, that was a certain fact!
At last, being thrown against a bush, he
clutched it wildly.
"Good, here's another one!" a voice near
Peter said. "I wonder who is going to be
pushed down tomorrow, looking like a half-
open potato-bag.^" The village baker was
making fun of him. For a little rest after
his weary work, he had quietly watched
the boy.
Peter regained his feet and slunk away.
How did the baker know the chair had been
pushed.^ He longed to go home to bed and
hide, for there alone he felt safe. But he
^9
HEIDI
had to go up to the goats, and the uncle
had clearly told him to come back as quickly
as he could. Groaning, he limped away up
to the Alp. How could he run now, with
his fear and all his poor, sore limbs?
Mr. Sesemann had reached the hut soon
after meeting Peter, and felt reassured.
CHmbing further, with renewed courage, he
at last saw his goal before him, but not
without long and weary exertion. He saw
the Aim-hut above him, and the swaying
fir-trees. Mr. Sesemann eagerly hurried to
encounter his beloved child. They had seen
him long ago from the hut, and a treat was
prepared for him that he never suspected.
As he made the last steps, he saw two
forms coming towards him. A tall girl,
with hght hair and rosy face, was leaning
on Heidi, whose dark eyes sparkled with
keen dehght. Mr. Sesemann stopped short,
staring at this vision. Suddenly big tears
rushed from his eyes, for this shape be-
fore him recalled sweet memories. Clara's
mother had looked exactly hke this fair
300
PARTIISTG TO MEET AGAIN
maiden, Mr. Sesemann at this moment did
not know if he was awake or dreaming.
"Papa, don't you know me any more?"
Clara called with beaming eyes. "Have I
changed so much?"
Mr. Sesemann rushed up to her, folding
her in his arms. "Yes, you have changed.
How is it possible? Is it really true? Is it
really you, Clara?" asked the over-joyed
father, embracing her again and again, and
then gazing at her, as she stood tall and
firm by his side.
His mother joined them now, for she
wanted to see the happiness of her son.
"What do you say to this, my son? Isn't
our surprise finer than yours?" she greeted
him. "But come over to our benefactor
now, — I mean the uncle."
"Yes, indeed, I also must greet our Uttle
Heidi," said the gentleman, shaking Heidi's
hand. "Well? Always fresh and happy on
the mountain? I guess I don't need to ask,
for no Alpine rose can look more blooming.
Ah, child, what joy this is to me!"
301
HEIDI
With beaming eyes the child looked at
the kind gentleman who had always been
so good to her. Her heart throbbed in sym-
pathy with his joy. While the two men,
who had at last approached each other, were
conversing, grandmama walked over to the
grove. There, under the fir-trees, another
surprise awaited her. A beautiful bunch of
wondrously blue gentians stood as if they
had grown there.
"How exquisite, how wonderful! What
a sight!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands.
"Heidi, come here! Have you brought me
those? Oh, they are beautiful!"
The children had joined her, Heidi assur-
ing her that it was another person's deed.
"Oh grandmama, up on the pasture it
looks just like that," Clara remarked. "Just
guess who brought you the flowers.'^"
At that moment a rustle was heard, and
they saw Peter, who was trying to sneak
up behind the trees to avoid the hut. Im-
mediately the old lady called to him, for
she thought that Peter himself had picked
302
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
the flowers for her. He must be creeping
away out of sheer modesty, the kind lady
thought. To give him his reward, she called:
"Come here, my boy! don't be afraid."
Petrified with fear, Peter stood still. WTiat
had gone before had robbed him of his courage.
He thought now that all was over with him
With his hair standing up on end and his pale
face distorted by anguish, he approached.
"Come straight to me, boy," the old lady
encouraged him. "Now tell me, boy, if
you have done that."
In his anxiety, Peter did not see the grand-
mama's finger that pointed to the flowers.
He only saw the uncle standing near the
hut, looking at him penetratingly, and be-
side him the policeman, the greatest horror
for him in the world. Trembling in every
limb, Peter answered, "Yes!"
"Well, but what are you so frightened
about?"
"Because — because it is broken and can
never be mended again," Peter said, his
knees tottering under himo
303
HEIDI
The grandmama now walked over to the
hut: *'My dear uncle," she asked kindly,
"is this poor lad out of his mind?"
"Not at all," was the reply; "only th«
boy was the wind which blew away the
wheel-chair. He is expecting the punish-
ment he well deserves."
Grandmama was very much surprised,
for she vowed that Peter looked far from
wicked. Why should he have destroyed the
chair .f^ The uncle told her that he had no-
ticed many signs of anger in the boy since
Clara's advent on the Alp. He assured her
that he had suspected the boy from the
beginning.
"My dear uncle," the old lady said with
animation, "we must not punish him fur-
ther. We must be just. It was very hard
on him when Clara robbed him of Heidi,
who is and was his greatest treasure. Wlien
he had to sit alone day after day, it roused
him to a passion which drove him to this
wicked deed. It was rather fooHsh, but we
all get so when we get angry."
304
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
The lady walked over to the boy again,
who was still quivering with fear.
Sitting down on the bench, she began:
"Come, Peter, I'll tell you something.
Stop trembling and listen. You pushed the
chair down, to destroy it. You knew very
well that it was wicked and deserved pun-
ishment. You tried very hard to conceal
it, did you not? But if somebody thinks
that nobody knows about a wicked deed,
he is wTong; God always knows it. As soon
as He finds that a man is trying to conceal
an evil he has done, He wakens a little
watchman in his heart, who keeps on prick-
ing the person with a thorn till all his rest
is gone. He keeps on calling to the evil-
doer: 'Now you'll be found out! Now
your punishment is near!' — His joy has
flown, for fear and terror take its place.
Have you not just had such an experience,
Peter.?"
Peter nodded, all contrite. He a rtainly
had experienced this.
"You have made a mistake," the grand'
20 305
HEIDI
aiama continued, ''by thinking that you
would hurt Clara by destroying her chair.
It has so happened that what you have
done has been the greatest good for her.
She would probably never have tried to
walk, if her chair had been there. If she
should stay here, she might even go up to
the pasture every single day. Do you see,
Peter .^ God can turn a misdeed to the good
of the injured person and bring trouble on the
offender. Have you understood me, Peter.'*,
Remember the little watchman w^hen you long
to do a wicked deed again. Will you do that.^"
**Yes, I shall," Peter replied, still fearing
the policeman, who had not left yet.
"So now that matter is all settled," said
the old lady in conclusion. "Now tell me
if you have a wish, my boy, for I am going
to give you something by which to remember
your friends from Frankfurt. What is it.^
What would you like to have.'^"
Peter, lifting his head, stared at the grand-
mama with round, astonished eyes. He was
confused by this sudden change of prospect,
306
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
Being again urged to utter a wish, he saw
at last that he was saved from the power
of the terrible man. He felt as if the most
crushing load had fallen off him. He knew
now that it was better to confess at once,'
when something had gone wrong, so he said:
"I have also lost the paper."
Reflecting a while, the grandmama under-
stood and said: "That is right. x\lways con-
fess what is wrong, then it can be settled.
And now, what would you like to have?"
So Peter could choose everything in the
world he wished. His brain got dizzy. He
saw before him all the wonderful things in
the fair in Mayenfeld. He had often stood
there for hours, looking at the pretty red
whistles and the Httle knives; unfortunately
Peter had never possessed more than half
what those objects cost.
He stood thinking, not able to decide,
when a bright thought struck him.
"Ten pennies," said Peter with decision.
"That certainly is not too much," the
old lady said w^ith a smile, taking out of her
307
HEIDI
pocket a big, round thaler, on top of which
she laid twenty pennies. "Now I'll explain
this to you. Here you have as many times
ten pennies as there are weeks in the year.
You'll be able to spend one every Sunday
through the year."
"All my life.^" Peter asked quite innocently.
The grandmama began to laugh so heart-
ily at this that the two men came over to
join her.
Laughingly she said: "You shall have it
my boy; I will put it in my will and then
you will do the same, my son. Listen!
Peter the goatherd shall have a ten-penny
piece weekly as long as he Uves."
Mr. Sesemann nodded.
Peter, looking at his gift, said solemnly;
"God be thanked!" Jumping and bound-
ing, he ran away. His heart was so light
that he felt he could fly.
A little later the whole party sat round
the table holding a merry feast. After din-
ner, Clara, who was lively as never before,
said to her father:
308
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
"Oh, Papa, if you only knew all the
things grandfather did for me. It would
take many days to tell you; I shall never
forget them all my life. Oh, if we could
please him only half as much as what he
did for me."
"It is my greatest wish, too, dear child,"
said her father; "I have been trying to
think of something all the time. We have
to show our gratitude in some way."
Accordingly Mr. Sesemann walked over
to the old man, and began: "My dear
friend, may I say one word to you. I am
sure you believe me w^hen I tell you that
I have not known any real joy for years.
What was my wealth to me when I could
not cure my child and make her happy!
With the help of the Lord you have made
her well. You have given her a new life.
Please tell me how to show my gratitude
to you. I know I shall never be able to re-
pay you, but what is in my power I shall do.
Have you any request to make.^^ Please let
me know."
309
HEIDI
The uncle had listened quietly and had
looked at the happy father.
"Mr. Sesemann, you can be sure that I
also am repaid by the great joy I experience
at the recovery of Clara," said the uncle
firmly. "I thank you for your kind offer,
Mr. Sesemann. As long as I live I have
enough for me and the child. But I have
one wish. If this could be fulfilled, my hfe
would be free of care."
"Speak, my dear friend," urged Clara's
father.
"I am old," continued the uncle, "and
shall not hve many years. When I die I
cannot leave Heidi anything. The child has
no relations except one, who even might try
to take advantage of her if she could. If
you would give me the assurance, Mr. Sese-
mann, that Heidi will never be obliged to
go into the world and earn her bread, you
would amply repay me for what I was able
to do for you and Clara."
"My dear friend, there is no question of
that," began Mr. Sesemann; "the child ba-
sic
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
longs to us! I promise at once that we
shall look after her so that there will not
be any need of her ever earning her bread.
We all know that she is not fashioned for
a life among strangers. Nevertheless, she
has made some true friends, and one of them
will be here very shortly. Dr. Classen is
just now completing his last business in
Frankfurt. He intends to take your advice
and live here. He has never felt so happy
as with you and Heidi. The child will have
two protectors near her, and I hope with
God's will, that they may be spared a long,
long time."
"And may it be God's will!" added the
grandmama, who with Heidi had joined
them, shaking the uncle tenderly by the
hand. Putting her arms around the child,
she said: "Heidi, I want to know if you
also have a wish.^^"
"Yes indeed, I have," said Heidi, pleased.
"Tell me what it is, child!"
"I should like to have my bed from
Frankfurt with the three high pillows and
311
HEIDI
the thick, warm cover. Then grandmother
will be able to keep warm and won't have
to wear her shawl in bed. Oh, I'll be so
happy when she won't have to lie with her
head lower than her heels, hardly able to
breathe!"
Heidi had said all this in one breath, she
was so eager.
"Oh dear, I had nearly forgotten what
I meant to do. I am so glad you have re-
minded me, Heidi. If God sends ns hap-
piness we must think of those who have
many privations. I shall telegraph imme-
diately for the bed, and if Miss Rottenmeier
sends it off at once, it can be here in two
days. I hope the poor blind grandmother
will sleep better when it comes."
Heidi, in her happiness, could hardly wait
to bring the old woman the good news.
'Soon it was resolved that everybody should
visit the grandmother, who had been left
alone so long. Before starting, however,
Mr. Sesemann revealed his plans. He pro-
posed to travel through Switzerland with
312
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
his mother and Clara. He would spend the
night in the village, so as to fetch Clara
from the Aim next morning for the journey.
From there they would go first to Ragatz
and then further. The telegram was to be
mailed that night.
Clara's feelings were divided, for she was
sorry to leave the Alp, but the prospect of
the trip delighted her.
When everything was settled, they all
went down, the uncle carrying Clara, who
could not have risked the lengthy walk.
All the way down Heidi told the old lady
of her friends in the hut; the cold they had
to bear in winter and the little food they
had.
Brigida was just hanging up Peter's shirt
to dry, when the whole company arrived.
Rushing into the house, she called to her
mother: "Now they are all going away.
Uncle is going, too, carrying the lame
child."
*'0h, must it really be?" sighed the grand-
mother. *'Have you seen whether they
313
HEIDI
took Heidi away? Oh, if she only could
give me her hand once more! Oh, I long
to hear her voice once more!"
The same moment the door was flung
bpen and Heidi held her tight.
''Grandmother, just think. My bed with
the three pillows and the thick cover is com-
ing from Frankfurt. Grandmama has said
that it will be here in two days."
Heidi thought that grandmother would be
beside herself with joy, but the old woman,
smihng sadly, said:
"Oh, what a good lady she must be! I
know I ought to be glad she is taking you
with her, Heidi, but I don't think I shall
survive it long."
"But nobody has said so," the grand-
mama, who had overheard those words, said
kindly. Pressing the old woman's hand,
she continued: "It is out of the question.
Heidi will stay with you and make you
happy. To see Heidi again, we will come
up every year to the Aim, for we have many
reasons to thank the Lord there."
S14
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
Immediately the face of the grandmother
lighted up, and she cried tears of joy.
"Oh, what wonderful things God is doing
for me!" said the grandmother, deeply
touched. "How good people are to trouble
themselves about such a poor old woman
as I. Nothing in this world strengthens the
belief in a good Father in Heaven more than
this mercy and kindness showTi to a poor,
useless Uttle woman, like me."
"My dear grandmother," said Mrs. Sescv
mann, "before God in Heaven we are al)
equally miserable and poor; w^oe to us, if
He should forget us! — ^But now we must
say good-bye; next year we shall come to
see you just as soon as we come up the
Alp. We shall never forget you!" With
that, Mrs. Sesemann shook her hand. It
was some time before she was allowed to
leave, however, because the grandmother
thanked her over and over again, and in-
voked all Heaven's blessings on her and
her house.
Mr. Sesemann and his mother went on
315
HEIDI
down, while Clara was carried up to spend
her last night in the hut.
Next morning, Clara shed hot tears at
parting from the beloved place, where such
gladness had been hers. Heidi consoled her'
with plans for the coming summer, that
was to be even more happy than this one
had been. Mr. Sesemann then arrived, and
a few last parting words were exchanged.
Clara, half crying, suddenly said:
"Please give my love to Peter and the
goats, Heidi! Please greet Schwanli es-
pecially from me, for she has helped a great
deal in making me well. What could I
give her?"
"You can send her salt, Clara. You
know how fond she is of that," advised lit-
tle Heidi.
"Oh, I will surely do that," Clara as-
sented. "I'll send her a hundred pounds
of salt as a remembrance from me."
It was time to go now, and Clara was
able to ride proudly beside her father.
Standing on the edge of the slopes Heidi
316
PARTING TO MEET AGAIN
waved her hand, her eyes following Clara
till she had disappeared.
The bed has arrived. Grandmother sleeps
so well every night now, that before long
she will be stronger than ever. Grand-
mama has not forgotten the cold winter on
the Alp and has sent a great many warm
covers and shawls to the goatherd's hut.
Grandmother can wrap herself up now and
will not have to sit shivering in a corner.
In the village a large building is in prog-
ress. The doctor has arrived and is living
at present in his old quarters. He has taken
the uncle's advice and has bought the old
ruins that sheltered Heidi and her grand-
father the winter before. He is rebuilding
for himself the portion with the fine apart-
ment already mentioned. The other side
is being prepared for Heidi and her grand-
father. The doctor knows that his friend
is an independent man and likes to have
his own dwelling. Barli and Schwanli, of
course, are not forgotten; they will spend
317
HEIDI
the winter in a good solid stable that is
being built for them.
The doctor and the Alm-TJncle become
better friends every day. When they over-
look the progress of the building, they gen-
erally come to speak of Heidi. They both
look forward to the time when they will be
able to move into the house with their
merry charge. They have agreed to share
together the pleasure and responsibility that
Heidi brings them. The uncle's heart is
filled with gratitude too deep for any words
when the doctor tells him that he will make
ample provision for the child. Now her
grandfather's heart is free of care, for if he
is called away, another father will take
care of Heidi and love her in his stead.
At the moment when our story closes,
Heidi and Peter are sitting in grandmother's
hut. The httle girl has so many interest-
ing things to relate and Peter is trying so
hard not to miss anything, that in their
eagerness they are not aware that they are
near the happy grandmother's chair. All
318
PAKTIiS^G TO MEET AGAIN
summer long they have hardly met, and very
many wonderful things have happened.
They are all glad at being together again,
and it is hard to tell who is the happiest of
the group. I think Brigida's face is more
radiant than any, for Heidi has just told her
the story of the perpetual ten-penny piece.
Finally the grandmother says: "Heidi, please
read me a song of thanksgiving and praise.
I feel that I must praise and thank the
Lord for the blessings He has brought to
us all!"
The End.
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