from the ruins grew a tree which all regarded as
holy. The then over-lord commanded them to fell it, and as they refused,
he did so himself, but was immediately struck blind.

THE CHURCH AT FELLIN.

In former days, the church of Fellin did not stand where it stands at
present, but close to the lake. It was prophesied that it should stand
till seven brothers should be present in it together. When this happened
by chance, the church began to sink. The congregation escaped, except
the seven brothers, who remained in it, but it sunk till even the
summit of the spire had disappeared. The site is now a marshy meadow,
but if any one is there near midnight on New Year's Eve, he hears
entrancing voices, and cannot move from the spot till the church clock
beneath the ground has struck the last stroke of twelve.

SECTION XII

_UNNATURAL BROTHERS_

The story of the wicked rich brother who oppresses the poor one is not
unknown in Esthonia. There is a hideous story of such a pair, relating
how when the poor brother died his widow begged grave-clothing from the
wife of the rich one. When the rich brother returned, he scolded his
wife, and rushed off, cursing and swearing, to strip the body of his
dead brother, even in his coffin, crying, "That's mine! that's mine!"
But when he would have laid the naked corpse back in the coffin, it
clung round his neck, and he was compelled to carry it about with him
for the rest of his life.

THE RICH BROTHER AND THE POOR ONE.

Once upon a time there were two brothers, one of whom had abundance, but
the other was very poor. As is the way of the world, riches do not heed
poverty, and thus it was with the two brothers. The rich one would not
give the poor one even a spoonful of soup.

One day the rich brother gave a great feast. The poor brother expected
to have been invited, but his hopes were vain.

All at once a bright idea struck him, and he went to the river and
caught three large pike. "I'll carry these to my brother," said he, "and
perhaps they will bring me a blessing."

He took the fish to his brother, and addressed him humbly, like a rich
lord. But it made no difference. His brother only said, "Many thanks,"
turned his back, and went off.

What could the poor brother do? He also turned round, and went his way,
sorrowfully reflecting, "He is my brother in name indeed, but he's worse
than an entire stranger!"

All at once he saw an old man sitting by the