good shepherds, tell me where to find them."

The great January arose, crossed over to the Month opposite him, and
putting the wand in his hand, said: "Brother June, do thou take the
highest place."

June obeyed, and as he waved his wand over the fire the flames leaped
toward the sky. Instantly the snow melted, the earth was covered with
verdure, trees were clothed with leaves, birds began to sing, and
various flowers blossomed in the forest. It was summer. Under the bushes
masses of star-shaped flowers changed into ripening strawberries, and
instantly they covered the glade, making it look like a sea of blood.

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla," said June.

Joyfully she thanked the Months, and having filled her apron ran happily
home.

Helen and her mother wondered at seeing the strawberries, which filled
the house with their delicious fragrance.

"Wherever did you find them?" asked Helen crossly.

"Right up among the mountains. Those from under the beech trees are not
bad," answered Marouckla.

Helen gave a few to her mother and ate the rest herself. Not one did she
offer to her stepsister. Being tired of strawberries, on the third day
she took a fancy for some fresh, red apples.

"Run, Marouckla," said she, "and fetch me fresh, red apples from the
mountain."

"Apples in winter, sister? Why, the trees have neither leaves nor
fruit!"

"Idle thing, go this minute," said Helen; "unless you bring back apples
we will kill you."

As before, the stepmother seized her roughly and turned her out of the
house. The poor girl went weeping up the mountain, across the deep snow,
and on toward the fire round which were the Twelve Months. Motionless
they sat there, and on the highest stone was the great January.

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me,"
said she, drawing near.

The great January raised his head. "Why comest thou here? What does thou
seek?" asked he.

"I am come to look for red apples," replied Marouckla.

"But this is winter, and not the season for red apples," observed the
great January.

"I know," answered the girl, "but my sister and stepmother sent me to
fetch red apples from the mountain. If I return without them they will
kill me."

Thereupon the great January arose and went over to one of the elderly
Months, to whom he handed the wand saying:--

"Brother September, do thou take the highest place."

September moved to the highest stone, and waved his wan