I am lost, and am nearly perishing from hunger and
cold. How far is it to the next village?"
"They told me it was some miles on," said the child. "But I will take
you back to the woodsman's cottage where I spent the night. The woman
is a kind-hearted person, and I am sure she will give you shelter."
"That is kind of you, little one," said the stranger, "but you will be
hindering your own journey if you do that."
"I know that my father would want me to show a kindness, even though
it did put me back some," Paulina said.
"You must have a good father, to give you such training. Why did the
Emperor send him into exile?" the stranger asked her.
"O, my father had enemies who lied to the Emperor--and there was no
chance given to my father to explain. So the Emperor sent him away to
Siberia,--and I am trying to find my way there to him."
While they walked through the forest, the stranger told Paulina about
his own little daughter who was expecting him to spend Christmas with
her. At last they reached the woodsman's hut. The woman greeted them
kindly, and while Paulina went into another room to help her prepare
the evening meal, the stranger was left warming himself by the fire,
and rocking the cradle.
Once Paulina thought she heard voices, as if the stranger were talking
to someone; but when she went back, she found him alone, still warming
his hands and rocking the cradle with his foot.
Pages:
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149