men, and to which she was well accustomed, having frequently
assisted her husband, who had been one of Herr Dahn's best workmen, and
whose death had left her entirely dependent on her own exertions for the
support of herself and child; for the last two years, however, Stephan
had bravely earned his mite by taking daily care of the goats belonging
to the whole valley. He was now discussing with his mother the
possibility of his ever being able to maintain them both by following
his father's trade of making guitars and violins, when a loud knock put
the future to flight, and caused Stephan to open the door so suddenly
that a very excited old woman came tumbling into the room.

"Oh! Bridgetta, how could you lean against the door?" said Frau Reindel,
hastening to her assistance. "I hope you are not hurt, and do pray
remember, in future, that our door opens inside, and that you must step
down into the room. Sit down, neighbor," she added, placing a stool for
the old woman, who was, however, far too angry to notice it; but turning
toward Stephan, whom she unfortunately caught smiling, she pointed to
her large fur cap, that had rolled some distance across the floor,
saying: "Pick it up, boy, and don't stand grinning like that, especially
as you must know why I have come here so late in the evening." Then
snatching it from him, without heeding his apologies, she added: "Yes,
indeed, you have more cause to cry than laugh. A pretty herd-boy you
are, to come home without people's goats! sitting here as contentedly as
if you had done your day's duty! You had better be more careful or you
will certainly lose your work, if I have a voice in the village!"

Stephan and his mother stood aghast at this angry tirade, and it was
only after repeated questions, sulkily answered, that they finally
understood that her own goat was really missing. She had, as usual, gone
into the stable to milk it, and after waiting in vain till past seven
o'clock, she had come to tell Stephan he must at once seek for it among
the neighbors' goats. He was quite willing, nay, anxious to do so, being
unable to account in any way for its absence; for he could not remember
having noticed the little gray goat with the white face since the early
part of the morning. There was consequently nothing left to be done that
night but to make an immediate inquiry at every house in the village. He
did not return till past nine o'clock,--a very late hour in that
primitive spot