st alone."

In the wood-cutter's little hut, Olga was the first to discover Hansa's
absence.

"Ah, you naughty boys!" cried she. "You have driven my new sister
away!"--and she wept all day and would not be comforted.

Bed-time came, but brought no trace of Hansa. Poor, tender-hearted Olga
cried herself to sleep; while Olaf and Erik were really both frightened
and sorry, and whispered privately to each other, under their reindeer
blanket, that if Hansa should ever come back, they would be very good
to her.

"And I will give her my Sunday cap," said Erik, "since she cannot wear
my shoes."

Two, three, four days went by, and still Hansa came not; and father
Peder, who was the last to give up hope, said, finally:

"I fear we shall never see our little maid again."

The children gathered around him, sorrowing, while Dame Ingeborg threw
her apron over her head, and rocked to and fro in her big chair in the
chimney corner.

Just then came a gentle little tap on the door, which, as Olga sprang
toward it, softly opened, and there on the threshold stood little
Hansa, smiling at them; and--wonder of wonders!--behind her was a
little reindeer, gayly harnessed, with bright silver bells fastened to
the collar, which tinkled merrily as it tossed its pretty head. Beside
it stood a boy, somewhat taller than Olaf, balancing on his head a
great package.

"I have been far, far away to my own home," said Hansa, "and my brother
Niels has come back with me, bringing something for you."

Then Niels laid down the package, and gravely opening it, displayed to
the wondering eyes real gifts from fairy-land, it seemed.

There were the fur coat and boots, and a cap also, more beautiful than
Erik had ever dreamed of. A roll of soft, fine blue wool, for
grandmother, came next; then a beautifully embroidered dress, and
scarlet apron and jacket, for Olga; and last of all, a fat little
leather bag, which Hansa gave to father Peder, saying:

"There are many silver marks for you, and my father has promised that
it shall never more be empty, if you will give to Niels and me a home."
Then turning quickly to Olaf, she said: "And here is my own pet
reindeer 'Friska' for you."

So the children, in the gladness of their hearts, kissed the little
maid, and Olaf whispered, "Forgive me that slap, dear Hansa!"

Father Peder stood thoughtfully quiet a moment, then, turning to the
children, he said:

"See, little ones! I gave my last mark for Hansa