ignant as her friend.

"I know what I'll do," said Hedwig; "we'll capture the kittens, and then
I will take them home as my present for the twins."

"That will do very well, Hedwig. You go and buy the things for your
mother, and then we will get the kittens, and you can carry them home."

Hedwig set off and bought all the things at the shops, and took the soup
to her aunt. She seemed to be very fortunate that morning, for the old
lady at the grocer's gave her some odds and ends of ribbon. These she
intended to make into a bow for her mother, but she saved two long
pieces to tie round the kittens' necks.

Then, her shopping finished, she made her way back to Anna, who lived at
a farm a little distance out of town. Carefully and slowly they made
their way through the yard. It would not do for any one to see them, for
they might be stopped.

"Come along this way," said Anna; "there they are; now, are not they
sweet little things?"

For a few seconds Hedwig was lost in admiration, but then she remembered
that she must hurry, for it was time for her to be home again.

"Now, then, Anna, you take one, and I'll take the other; hide it under
your apron."

The two children set out with their burdens, but it was not easy work
getting back again into the garden, where Hedwig had left her basket.

As they were leaving the barn, they had forgotten to shut the door, and
a curious old hen had marched in. After some chasing they got the hen
out; but in the hurry to escape from the children, the bird tumbled into
a tub full of water.

Hedwig and Anna both dropped their kittens in order to rescue the
unfortunate hen. Anna screamed at the top of her voice, "Oh, she'll
drown! she'll drown!"

Just then the farmyard gate opened, and Anna, seeing that her old aunt
was coming, called to Hedwig to run and hide.

Hedwig had only just time to get back into the barn before Aunt Ottilia
appeared, and inquired what was the matter. She got the hen out of the
water, scolded Anna, and threatened to send her indoors. After the aunt
had returned to the house, Hedwig came out of her hiding-place. The two
kittens had of course disappeared by this time, and the two girls had a
difficulty in finding them.

After hunting for half an hour they were captured once more, and carried
to the basket. Then there was another hindrance. There was not room for
both kittens. One was placed in, and Hedwig agreed to carry the other in
her arms.

"Now, Hedw