nmoving quietude brooded from the grey sky to
the whispering earth. The birds had begun to bestir themselves but not
to sing. Now and again a solitary wing feathered the chill air; but for
the most part the birds huddled closer in the swinging nests, or under
the bracken, or in the tufty grass. Here a faint twitter was heard and
ceased. A little farther a drowsy voice called "cheep-cheep" and turned
again to the warmth of its wing. The very grasshoppers were silent. The
creatures who range in the night time had returned to their cells and
were setting their households in order, and those who belonged to the
day hugged their comfort for but one minute longer. Then the first level
beam stepped like a mild angel to the mountain top. The slender radiance
brightened and grew strong. The grey veil faded away. The birds leaped
from their nests. The grasshoppers awakened and were busy at a stroke.
Voice called to voice without ceasing, and, momently, a song thrilled
for a few wide seconds. But for the most part it was chatter-chatter
they went as they soared and plunged and swept, each bird eager for its
breakfast.

The Philosopher thrust his hand into his wallet and found there the last
broken remnants of his cake, and the instant his hand touched the food
he was seized by a hunger so furious that he sat down where he stopped
and prepared to eat.

The place where he sat was a raised bank under a hedge, and this place
directly fronted a clumsy wooden gate leading into a great field. When
the Philosopher had seated himself he raised his eyes and saw through
the gate a small company approaching. There were four men and three
women, and each of them carried a metal pail. The Philosopher with a
sigh returned the cake to his wallet, saying:

"All men are brothers, and it may be that these people are as hungry as
I am."

In a short time the strangers came near. The foremost of them was a huge
man who was bearded to the eyelids and who moved like a strong wind. He
opened the gate by removing a piece of wood wherewith it was jammed, and
he and his companions passed through, whereupon he closed the gate
and secured it. To this man, as being the eldest, the Philosopher
approached.

"I am about to breakfast," said he, "and if you are hungry perhaps you
would like to eat with me."

"Why not," said the man, "for the person who would refuse a kind
invitation is a dog. These are my three sons and three of my daughters,
and we are all