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palaces of the Ice Maiden,1 foamed and roared in their rapid course.

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9. When Rudy began to ascend, the ladder trembled like the web of a spider; but, as soon as he reached the fourth of the ladders, he felt more confidence, he knew that they had been fastened securely by skillful hands. The fifth ladder, which appeared to reach the nest, was supported by the sides of the rock, yet it swung to and fro, and flapped about like a slender reed, as if it had been bound by fishing lines.

10. It seemed a most dangerous undertaking to ascend it, but Rudy knew how to climb; he had learned that from the cat, and he had no fear. When, at length, he stood on the topmost step of the ladder, he found that he was still some distance below the nest, and not even able to see into it. Only by using his hands and climbing could he possibly reach it.

11. He tried the strength of the stunted trees and the thick under-wood upon which the nest rested, and of which it was formed; finding they would support his weight, he grasped them firmly, and swung himself up from the ladder till his head and breast were above the nest. Then, what an overpowering stench came from it! for in it lay the putrid remains of lambs, chamois, and birds.

12. In a corner of the eagle's nest sat the eaglet, a large and powerful bird, though still unable to fly. Rudy fixed his eyes upon it, held on by one hand with all his strength, and, with the other, threw a noose round the young eagle. The string slipped to its legs. Rudy tightened it, and thus secured the bird alive.

13. Then, throwing the sling over his shoulder, so that the creature hung a long way down behind him, he prepared to descend with the help of a rope, and his foot

1 The imaginary Queen of the Glaciers: one of the Genii of the Alps.

soon touched the highest step of the ladder. Then Rudy, remembering his early lesson in climbing, "Hold fast, and do not fear," carefully descended the ladders, and, at last, stood safely on the ground with the young, living eaglet, where he was received with loud shouts of joy and congratulations. -Hans Christian Andersen.

THE

V.—THE MOTHERLESS TURKEYS.

HE White Turkey was dead! The White Turkey was
dead!

How the news through the barn-yard went flying!
Of a mother bereft, four small turkeys were left,
And their case for assistance was crying.

2. E'en the Peacock respectfully folded his tail,
As a suitable symbol of sorrow,

And his plainer wife said, "Now the old bird is dead,
Who will tend her poor chicks on the morrow?

3. "And, when evening around them comes dreary and chill, Who above them will watchfully hover?"

"Two, each night, I will tuck 'neath my wings," said the Duck,

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Though I've eight of my own I must cover."

4. "I have so much to do! For the bugs and the worms, In the garden, 'tis tiresome pickin';

I have nothing to spare, for my own I must care,"

Said the Hen with one chicken.

5. "How I wish," said the Goose, "I could be of some use,
For my heart is with love overbrimming;

The next morning that's fine, they shall go with my nine
Little yellow-backed goslings out swimming!"

6. "I will do what I can," the old Dorking put in,
"And for help, they may call upon me, too,
Though I've ten of my own that are only half-grown,
And a great deal of trouble to see to.

7. "But those poor little things, they arc all heads and wings,

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And their bones through their feathers are stickin'!”

Very hard it may be, but, oh, don't come to me!"

Said the Hen with one chicken.

8. "Half my care, I suppose, there is nobody knows, —

I'm the most overburdened of mothers!

They must learn, little elves! how to scratch for themselves,
And not seek to depend upon others."

9. She went by with a cluck, and the Goose to the Duck
Exclaimed in surprise, “Well, I never!”

Said the Duck, "I declare, those who have the least care,
You will find, are complaining forever!

10. "And when all things appear to look threatening and drear, And when troubles your pathway are thick in,

For aid in your woe, oh, beware how you go

To a Hen with one chicken!"

MARIAN DOUGLAS.

IT

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T was an April day when Christie went to her new home. Warm rains had melted the last trace of snow, and every bank was full of pricking grass-blades, — brave little pioneers and heralds of the spring. The budding elm boughs swung in the wind; blue jays screamed among the apple-trees; and robins chirped shrilly, as if rejoicing over winter hardships, safely passed. Vernal freshness was in the air, despite its chill, and lovely hints of summer-time were everywhere.

2. These welcome sights and sounds met Christie, as

she walked down the lane, and, coming to a gate, paused there to look about her. An old-fashioned cottage stood in the midst of a garden, just awaking from its long sleep. One elm hung protectingly over the low roof; sunshine lay warmly on it, and, at every window, flowers' bright faces smiled at the passer-by, invitingly.

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3. On one side glittered a long greenhouse, and on the other stood a barn, with a sleek cow, ruminating in the yard, and an inquiring horse, poking his head out of his stall to view the world. Many comfortable gray hens were clucking and scratching about the hay-strewn floor, and a flock of doves sat cooing on the roof.

4. A quiet, friendly place it looked, for nothing marred its peace; and the hopeful, healthful spirit of the season seemed to haunt the spot. Snow-drops and crocuses were up in one secluded nook; a plump Maltese cat sat purring in the little porch, and a dignified old dog came marching down the walk to escort the stranger in.

5. With a brightening face, Christie went up the path and tapped at the quaint knocker, hoping that the face she was about to see, would be in keeping with the pleasant place. She was not disappointed, for the dearest of little Quaker ladies opened to her, and looked out with such an air of peace and good-will that the veriest ruffian, coming to molest or make afraid, would have found it impossible to mar the tranquillity of that benign old face, or disturb one fold of the soft muslin crossed upon her

breast.

6. "I come from Mr. Power, and I have a note for Mrs. Sterling," began Christie, in her gentlest tone, as her last fear vanished at sight of that mild maternal figure.

7. "I am she. Come in, friend; I am glad to see thee," said the old lady, smiling placidly as she led the way into a room, whose principal furniture seemed to be books, flowers, and sunshine.

8. The look, the tone, the gentle "thee," went straight to Christie's heart; and, while Mrs. Sterling put on her spectacles, and slowly read the note, she stroked the cat, and said to herself, "Surely, I have fallen among a set of angels; and, if I'm not mistaken, this sweet little lady is the best and dearest of all. I do hope she'll like

me!"

9. "It is quite right, my dear, and I am most glad to see thee; for we need help at this season of the year, and have had none for some weeks. Step up to the room at the head of the stairs, and lay off thy things. Then,

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