aith we profess. I have
besides several works by the same learned author, as also works by other
writers."

"I wish that I could read them," said the old man, with a sigh; "but if
I had the power I have not the time, and my eyes are somewhat dim by
lamplight. Karl there was taught to read last winter by a young man who
was stopping at my cottage, and whom I took in, having found him with a
broken leg in the forest."

"Oh, grandfather, why he taught you also to read almost as well as I
do!" said Karl. "All you have been wishing for has been a book in big
print, and perhaps if the merchant has one he will sell it to you."

"We will examine the contents of my pack when we get to your cottage, my
friend, and I daresay something will be found to suit you," observed the
traveller. "If you have made a beginning, you will soon be able to read
these books, and I am sure when once you have begun you will be eager to
go on."

CHAPTER TWO.

The gloom of evening was settling down over the wild scene of mountain,
forest, rock, and stream, when the traveller reached the woodman's hut.
"You are welcome, friend, under the roof of Nicholas Moretz," said the
old man, as he ushered his guest into his cottage.

Karl mean time unloading the asses, placed the fagots on a pile raised
on one side of the hut.

"Here you can rest for the night, and to-morrow morning, when we proceed
into the town to dispose of our fagots, you can accompany us without
risk of losing your way," the woodcutter observed, pushing open the
door.

As he did so, a young girl ran out to meet him, and throwing her arms
round his neck, received a kiss on her fair brow. She drew back with a
bashful look when she saw the stranger.

"Sweet one, you must get another bowl and platter for our guest," said
the old man. "As he has travelled far with a heavy load on his back, he
will do justice to your cookery, Mistress Meta. She and the boy, my
grandson," he added, turning to the traveller, "are my joy and comfort
in life, now that my poor daughter has been taken from me."

The traveller unstrapped his heavy pack from his shoulders, and placed
it on a bench by the side of the wall; after which Meta brought him a
bowl of fresh water and a towel, that he might wash his hands and face,
which they not a little required. While he was performing this
operation she placed the supper which she had prepared upon the table,
which, if somewhat coarse, was abundant.