hat Hansel became really disagreeable, and
remarked--in a muttering fashion, so that no one could be sure of
understanding him--that they might be on the right road to find the
truth, but that if they did not find food in greater abundance before
long, he, for his part, should take some other direction.

There were moments when Everychild was tempted to turn back; but he
could not doubt that if they all persevered they would come to a
glorious end to their adventure sooner or later, and perhaps very soon.

Unfortunately, they made so much noise as they journeyed that such
travelers as might have been on the road, and who might by good chance
have offered them food, turned aside and hid from them, fearing, no
doubt, that they were the Forty Thieves, or some other equally
rapacious band.

Only one incident occurred to break the monotony of the evening hour.
They came upon two adorable little children whom they found clinging
together and weeping freely.

One of these they recognized immediately as Little Boy Blue; and as
they had never known of his having to bear any very grievous
misfortune, they suspected that his tears might be of the sort that are
easily dried. Yet it developed that Little Boy Blue had not wept until
he had borne up a long time with great fortitude.

The band paused and Everychild asked, "Why are you weeping, Little Boy
Blue?"

The reply came between broken sobs. "I could bear it no longer," said
Little Boy Blue. "I was required to watch the cows and the sheep from
early morn till dark, and often I must needs arise at night to run
forth to the fold when there was an alarm of wolves. Day after day my
head grew heavier from want of sleep, until at last I could keep my
eyes open no longer. I stole under the haystack to snatch a few extra
winks, and when I was discovered my shame and disgrace were heralded
forth to all the world." And again the poor child sobbed without
restraint.

"And this dear little girl with you," asked Cinderella, who had been
walking side by side with Everychild, "who is she?"

Little Boy Blue checked his grief long enough to stare at Cinderella
incredulously. "Is it possible that there is anywhere a person who
does not recognize Little Bo-Peep?" he asked.

"So it is!" exclaimed Cinderella. And bending tenderly above the form
of Little Bo-Peep she asked, "And why do you weep so bitterly, Little
Bo-Peep?"

The child could scarcely speak, so spent was she with we