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diff --git a/43637-8.txt b/43637-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0827bf6..0000000 --- a/43637-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3516 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Our Little Roumanian Cousin, by Clara Vostrovsky Winlow - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Our Little Roumanian Cousin - -Author: Clara Vostrovsky Winlow - -Release Date: September 4, 2013 [EBook #43637] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR LITTLE ROUMANIAN COUSIN *** - - - - -Produced by Emmy, Beth Baran, Google Print and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - - - - -[Transcriber's Note: Bold text is surrounded by =equal signs= and -italic text is surrounded by _underscores_.] - - - - -Our Little Roumanian Cousin - - - - -THE - -Little Cousin Series - -(TRADE MARK) - - -Each volume illustrated with six or more full page plates in tint. -Cloth, 12mo, with decorative cover per volume, 60 cents - - -LIST OF TITLES - -BY MARY HAZELTON WADE, MARY F. NIXON-ROULET, BLANCHE MCMANUS, CLARA V. -WINLOW, FLORENCE E. MENDEL AND OTHERS - - - =Our little African Cousin= - =Our Little Alaskan Cousin= - =Our Little Arabian Cousin= - =Our Little Argentine Cousin= - =Our Little Armenian Cousin= - =Our Little Australian Cousin= - =Our Little Austrian Cousin= - =Our Little Belgian Cousin= - =Our Little Bohemian Cousin= - =Our Little Boer Cousin= - =Our Little Brazilian Cousin= - =Our Little Bulgarian Cousin= - =Our Little Canadian Cousin= - =Our Little Chinese Cousin= - =Our Little Cossack Cousin= - =Our Little Cuban Cousin= - =Our Little Danish Cousin= - =Our Little Dutch Cousin= - =Our Little Egyptian Cousin= - =Our Little English Cousin= - =Our Little Eskimo Cousin= - =Our Little French Cousin= - =Our Little German Cousin= - =Our Little Grecian Cousin= - =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin= - =Our Little Hindu Cousin= - =Our Little Hungarian Cousin= - =Our Little Indian Cousin= - =Our Little Irish Cousin= - =Our Little Italian Cousin= - =Our Little Japanese Cousin= - =Our Little Jewish Cousin= - =Our Little Korean Cousin= - =Our Little Malayan (Brown) Cousin= - =Our Little Mexican Cousin= - =Our Little Norwegian Cousin= - =Our Little Panama Cousin= - =Our Little Persian Cousin= - =Our Little Philippine Cousin= - =Our Little Polish Cousin= - =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin= - =Our Little Portuguese Cousin= - =Our Little Roumanian Cousin= - =Our Little Russian Cousin= - =Our Little Scotch Cousin= - =Our Little Servian Cousin= - =Our Little Siamese Cousin= - =Our Little Spanish Cousin= - =Our Little Swedish Cousin= - =Our Little Swiss Cousin= - =Our Little Turkish Cousin= - - THE PAGE COMPANY - 53 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. - -[Illustration: "OFFERED HIM HIS HAND." (_See page 23_)] - - - - -Our Little Roumanian Cousin - - -By Clara Vostrovsky Winlow - -Author of "Our Little Bohemian Cousin," "Our Little Bulgarian Cousin," -etc. - -_Illustrated by_ Charles E. Meister - -[Illustration] - - Boston - The Page Company - MDCCCCXVII - - - - - _Copyright 1917, by_ - THE PAGE COMPANY - - _All rights reserved_ - - First Impression, July, 1917 - - - - -PREFACE - - -In Southern Europe are a number of comparatively small countries -known as the Balkan States, which remind one very much of quarrelsome -children whose troubles have to be straightened out by older brothers -and sisters. Many years ago there were more independent and partially -independent states than now. Two of these little principalities called -Walachia and Moldavia found that they could better protect themselves -from their neighbors if they stood together. So they combined under one -government, and the present country of Roumania was formed in 1857. - -In its native form the name of this country was "Romania," representing -the claim of the inhabitants to descent from the Roman legions -that colonized the country. These colonists, who called themselves -"Romani," or "Rumeni," came from the Carpathian lands and the present -Transylvania in the early Middle Ages. - -When once started, Roumania grew quite strong as a state. The people -wanted to learn, and improve their condition, and there is no better -example of this than their farming, for this country has become one of -the greatest grain exporting countries in Europe. This was done, for -one thing, by giving up their old-fashioned wooden plows, which just -scratched the surface of the ground, and using modern steel plows from -other countries which turned the ground over, just as our plows do. - -The Roumanian men and women are strong and sturdy, and the men are -noted for their bravery and hardiness. So, among the Roumanian -children, we find hardy, manly little boys and cheerful, if -serious-minded, little girls. However, they like to play, just as do -all of our little foreign cousins. This little book tells about their -everyday games and pastimes, how they live, and how they dress. - -The brave fathers and brothers of our little Roumanian cousins took -their places in the battle line to defend their homes in the great war -that is now being fought in Europe. No one knows what the outcome of -this terrible struggle will be. Will Roumania be destroyed, or will she -emerge a greater and more powerful country, standing for liberty and -justice? Time only will tell. - - - - -Contents - - - CHAPTER PAGE - PREFACE v - I. THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES 1 - II. JONITZA GETS INTERESTED 7 - III. THE TRIP TO THE COUNTRY 13 - IV. THE JOURNEY'S END 22 - V. GETTING ACQUAINTED 26 - VI. AN EXCURSION 33 - VII. ST. GEORGE'S DAY 38 - VIII. THE CASTLE OF STEPHEN THE GREAT 47 - IX. A SPINNING BEE 52 - X. NEW PLANS 59 - XI. IN THE CARPATHIANS 62 - XII. IN THE CARPATHIANS (CONTINUED) 70 - XIII. LEAVING THE MOUNTAINS 77 - XIV. THE CAPITAL OF ROUMANIA 86 - XV. THE NATIONAL DANCE 92 - XVI. AT THE MARKET 99 - XVII. GOOD-BY 105 - - - - -List of Illustrations - - - PAGE - "OFFERED HIM HIS HAND." (_See page 23_) _Frontispiece_ - "'WE STOOD AS IF PARALYZED'" 45 - "IT WAS ONLY MARITZA" 51 - "THERE . . . LAY TWO LONG SHINY SNAKES" 72 - "'WILL YOU NOT LET ME TAKE YOU HOME IN THE CAR?'" 100 - "SOMETHING CAREFULLY COVERED WITH A SHEET WAS - CARRIED MYSTERIOUSLY INTO JONITZA'S ROOM" 109 - - - - -Our Little Roumanian Cousin - - - - -CHAPTER I - -THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES - - -Jonitza lay sprawled out on the warm carpet in the living-room near a -big brick stove that reached almost to the ceiling. Beside him were his -playthings and two picture books with fancy covers, but he kicked his -slippered feet discontentedly at them, until his mother, seated at the -other end of the room, arose, put down her sewing, and with a scarcely -audible sigh, picked them up and laid them on the table. - -Jonitza paid no attention. Ever since he had been seriously ill the -month before, he had grown accustomed to having people wait on him. He -now turned on his back and began tracing in the air with his finger the -pretty stenciled patterns that covered the walls. Tiring of that, he -started beating a monotonous tattoo with one foot, until his mother, -with the faintest shade of impatience, said: "I think you'd better get -up. You've been lying on the floor for a whole hour doing nothing." - -Jonitza arose languidly, stretched himself, and walking over to one of -the big double windows, plumped himself down into a deep arm chair in -front of it. - -Jonitza's home was a very comfortable one-story house in the city -of Galatz, one of the leading ports on the Danube River, near the -border line between Moldavia and Wallachia, the two provinces which -with Dobrudja, make up the kingdom of Roumania. It was in one of the -best residence districts, at one end of a high earth cliff. Somewhat -below this cliff extended the flat level of the Lower Town, made up -principally of mills and business houses, immense warehouses for grain, -much of which is exported from Roumania, and wharves stretching out to -the river. - -The little boy could not see much of this, but far below, in between -the scattered apricot-trees and lilac bushes in the garden, he could -just get a glimpse of an interesting procession of rude carts to which -bullocks or buffaloes were harnessed, toiling slowly upward on a wide -road. He had become so interested in the struggles of one cart that -looked as if it were loaded with the enormous reeds that are used for -fuel by the poorer people of Galatz that he did not hear the bell -ring and so was quite unprepared to have a hand suddenly laid on his -shoulder and to look up into the smiling face of the family Doctor. - -Jonitza had a guilty feeling without knowing why and tried his best to -scowl and look away. It wasn't easy though. - -"Why aren't you out-of-doors?" the Doctor asked in a surprised tone. - -It was Jonitza's turn to be surprised. "Why," he stammered, "it's--too -cold," here he shivered, "I--I--I am not well enough." - -"What nonsense!" the Doctor said. "The air is delightful. I've been -traveling around half the day in it. And, even granting that you're not -well--why, fresh air is the only thing that will make you well." - -Jonitza suppressed a yawn and looked listlessly about him. The -Doctor shrugged his shoulders as he said: "I see I must leave a new -prescription for you." Saying this, he tore a leaf from his note-book, -hastily wrote something on it, folded it, and handed it to Jonitza's -mother who stood near by, with: "Please treat what is written here -seriously, Mrs. Popescu. I shall have more to say regarding it to your -husband. Now I must hurry away." - -But Mrs. Popescu barred the entrance. - -"Not until you have had some coffee," she said. At the same moment, -a maid entered with a tray on which were coffee and sweets, the -refreshments usually handed to visitors in Roumania. The Doctor took a -taste of the coffee and one of the sweetmeats and laughingly remarked -as he left: "It's only fresh air that keeps _me_ from breaking down -under the régime to which _I_ am subjected." - -It was only after the door had closed behind him that Mrs. Popescu -unfolded the paper that he had given her. As she glanced over it she -gave an exclamation that caused her son to look up inquiringly. - -"Come here," she said to him, and, when he approached, she put her arms -around him. "The Doctor asked this to be taken seriously, and he has -ordered--" - -Jonitza's eyes grew round with something like terror, as he fixed them -on her. - -"It's nothing bad. Do look natural," his mother hastily continued. "He -has simply ordered me--to take you to spend a month on a farm near some -springs in the foot-hills!" - - - - -CHAPTER II - -JONITZA GETS INTERESTED - - -Evidently the Doctor did see Jonitza's father, for before the week was -ended it had been definitely decided that as soon as the weather was a -little warmer Mrs. Popescu would leave with her son for a month's stay -in the country. Jonitza had been a trifle interested at first, then he -had grumbled, and, finally, he had resumed the languid air that was so -peculiarly trying to those about him. - -There was one thing in particular that he rebelled against even in his -languid state and that was the fact that every afternoon he was now -bundled up and ordered out-of-doors for an hour. - -"I don't want to go," he would say every time; and every time his -mother would kiss him and answer sweetly, "It is for your own good. We -must do what the Doctor orders." - -Then he would go out into the garden with its lilac and acacia bushes -that were just beginning to show leaf buds and walk slowly up and -down or stand first on one foot and then on the other as if unable to -decide what to do. But one day things went differently. Whether it was -due to the air having a genuine spring flavor for the first time that -year, or to the fact that it was a holiday and he had been left at home -with a couple of servants, or to the fact that the departure for the -foot-hills had been definitely set for the first day of the following -week, or to some other entirely different cause, in any case there was -quite an alert look about the boy and even something of a sparkle in -his eyes. - -Maritza, the maid, noticed it and remarked to the cook: "Master Jonitza -looks quite spry to-day. If he were well, I'd warrant he would get into -some mischief." Then she forgot all about him. - -A group of boys that Jonitza knew slightly passed by and one seeing him -called out: "Come on with us. We're going to the marsh." To his own -surprise, Jonitza called back, "All right," and joined them. - -When they reached a marshy plain bordering on the Danube some of the -boys left them, and Jonitza found himself alone with two boys, both -younger than himself. All three were tired from the walk, and finding -the stump of an old tree, sat down on it and amused themselves counting -the ducks that they saw. Suddenly something that his tutor had told -him occurred to Jonitza. "Do you know," he said, "that there are more -varieties of ducks on the Danube than in most parts of the world? Let's -see how many different ones we can make out." - -The little boys did not take kindly to the suggestion. "I am hungry," -one of them said; "let's go home." - -So back the three began to trudge, now and then throwing a stone into -the air, or, when they could, into the water. - -Jonitza felt more tired than he cared to confess to the two youngsters -and inwardly planned to lie down as soon as he came within doors. "I'll -be home in less than fifteen minutes, now!" he suddenly exclaimed, -thinking aloud. - -"How can you and see me dance?" said a voice behind him so unexpectedly -that Jonitza jumped. Turning, he saw a laughing peasant all decorated -with tiny bells. - -"Oh, jolly!" the other boys shouted. "There's going to be a dance! Come -on!" - -Those little bells must have said "Come on" too, for Jonitza found -himself trying to keep up with the peasant's rapid strides. - -Down in the Lower Town, before one of the old domed churches, they -found a crowd gathered. Although there was nothing unusual about such -a gathering, one could see from the faces that something unusual was -expected. - -It was not a silent expectation, however. Everywhere people were -talking and laughing and a few young men were even singing. As soon as -the peasant with bells appeared, a shout arose. At the same instant a -troop of other peasants, all attired in their gay embroidered national -costumes, with bells at their girdles and on their sleeves, came in a -body into the square, and taking their places began to dance and shout -and sing and stamp their feet. Some one said this was the Pyrrhic -Dance that was sacred in ancient mythology, and that had come to the -Roumanians from their Roman forefathers; a dance to prevent Saturn -from hearing the voice of his infant son Jupiter, lest he devour him. -Whether this explained it or not there was no doubt of the audience -liking it, for at its conclusion all clapped their hands and burst -into boisterous exclamations of delight. Jonitza, feeling some of the -excitement, clapped too, and no longer conscious of any tired feeling -waited until almost every one had gone before he made his way slowly -home. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE TRIP TO THE COUNTRY - - -On Tuesday of the following week Jonitza, his mother, and the maid -Maritza, after a short trip on the train, were being driven over the -vast level and wonderfully fertile plains of Roumania, that stretched -before them like a great green sea. There were already signs that the -short spring that Roumania has would soon change into summer. Wild -flowers were to be seen here and there and birds twittered and flew -about. - -The way lay among thatched farm-houses whose gleaming walls showed that -they had been freshly whitewashed at Easter. Now and then a peasant -seated in a rude wagon, drawn by beautiful, creamy, short-legged oxen -with wide-spreading horns, saluted them gravely. - -At a little elevation in the road they passed a group of dug-outs -called _bordei_, with turf-covered roofs and shapeless clay chimneys. -The windows in these _bordei_ were merely irregular holes in the mud -walls. At the door leading down into one of these primitive houses -stood an attractive looking woman, with a bright yellow kerchief over -her head, and another around her neck. She was busily spinning while -she crooned a lullaby to a baby who lay blinking its eyes in an oval -wooden box swinging from the branches of a tree near by. - -Not far from these _bordei_ was a cemetery filled with crosses of the -oddest possible shapes. It really seemed as if the people had tried to -find a new design for each new grave. - -They passed wayside crosses also, before some of which peasants were -kneeling in prayer. - -But, despite these interesting things, there was something tiring in -the long journey over the monotonously level plains, and Jonitza grew -more and more restless. His pretty mother noticed it and drawing him to -her she began to tell him the most interesting stories. First of all -about Trajan, the great Roman Emperor, who came to their country so -many centuries ago and conquered the people who then inhabited it. She -described to him the great column in Rome commemorating his victory, -and told him how proud every Roumanian was that he was descended from -the soldiers that the Emperor left to guard the new possessions. - -"Is that why we call the thunder Trajan's voice?" asked Jonitza. - -"Perhaps," his mother answered. "We certainly love to call things by -his name." - -"The Milky Way is Trajan's Road, isn't it?" again inquired Jonitza. - -His mother nodded. - -"The boys call the ditch by the lumber mill Trajan's Moat," Jonitza -continued. - -His mother smiled. "Roumania is full of Trajan's moats; it would be -hard to find a village that hasn't one. There are many interesting -stories," continued his mother, "connected with our history. You know, -from your tutor, that the section of Roumania in which we live is -called Moldavia. Would you like to hear the old legend as to how it got -its name?" - -"Please tell it to me," her son answered eagerly, his eyes sparkling -with interest. - -"Once upon a time," began his mother, "a Prince called Bogdan lived in -this part of the world. Now, Bogdan had a dog whom he valued above all -the other dogs that he owned. - -"One day, while out hunting, this dog, whose name was Molda, caught -sight of a buffalo and chased it to the very brink of a river. When -the terrified buffalo waded into the water the dog in his excitement -followed, was caught in the current and drowned. - -"When his followers saw how deeply affected by the dog's death Bogdan -was, they pursued the buffalo, killed it, and taking its head back with -them, nailed it over the entrance to the Palace. - -"But this did not lessen the Prince's grief. Whenever possible he would -go to the river's banks to mourn. The people, seeing him there, would -repeat the story, so that after a while the river became associated -with the name of the dog and was spoken of as the Moldava. Gradually -the name, slightly modified, was applied also to all of the surrounding -country." - -"Please tell me more stories about Moldavia," begged Jonitza, when his -mother had been silent for some time. - -"Listen then to the story of Movila," again began his mother, glad to -see that the restless look had left her son's face. "This is a story -of King Stephen who was great in mind but very small in body. Once in -a battle with Hungarians his horse was killed under him. As the horse -fell, the King was caught by one of his heralds, a man as large as -Stephen was small. After assisting him to his feet, the herald offered -Stephen his own horse. The King looked up at the big animal with a -frown, but the herald, kneeling before him, placed Stephen's foot on -his shoulder and exclaimed: 'Oh, Prince, allow me to serve you as a -mole-hill.' - -"'Mole-hill,' returned Stephen, getting on the horse, 'I will make a -mountain of you.' - -"Then Fortune favored Stephen and soon the victory was his. No sooner -was he back in camp than he sent for the herald. When the latter came, -he found Stephen surrounded by his court. 'Herald,' said Stephen, 'thou -hast served me as a mole-hill. In return I give thee the name of Movila -(little mountain). Thou shalt have no other. Thou gavest me thy horse -in my need. In return, I give thee five full domains over which thou -shalt rule.'" - -The carriage here stopped before a tiny tavern in a little vineyard -surrounded town. They were disappointed in finding that they could get -nothing for lunch except raw onions with salt and _mamaliga_, the cold -corn meal mush that is eaten everywhere throughout peasant Roumania. At -first Mrs. Popescu thought they would eat from their own well-filled -lunch basket, but when Maritza remarked that _mamaliga_ was really very -good, she changed her mind. Then, as they seated themselves before a -table on the vine-covered veranda, she asked Maritza to tell them how -the _mamaliga_ is prepared. - -"The water must be hot," said the maid, "before the meal is stirred -into it. You continue stirring until it is almost done, then you can -add a little grated cheese. At our house, when it is well cooked, we -put it into a cloth and tie it up." - -Here some dried fish which the owner of the tavern had perhaps not -intended to serve at first, were laid on the table. - -"These fish have a nice flavor," remarked Mrs. Popescu. - -"I know how they also are prepared," said Maritza, "for my brother has -helped get them ready." - -"Suppose you tell us about it, Maritza," said Mrs. Popescu, evidently -not wishing the party to hurry. - -"Very well, ma'am," consented the maid. "First, a kind of basket work -of osiers is built up. This is covered with walnut leaves in which the -fish are wrapped. The building is then filled with smoke for several -days, or until the fish look yellow and smell good. They are then taken -down, made into bundles and surrounded by pine-tree branches, which add -a new flavor to them that most people like." - -Here the tavern-keeper again appeared with a bottle of the damson plum -brandy for which Roumania is famous. But Mrs. Popescu shook her head. -"Not this time," she said smiling. - -From this little town the journey was a steady climb upward amid oak, -beech and lime-trees. There were more crosses along the roadside. In -one spot there was a large group of them, all brightly painted and -roofed over. - -It was not until late in the afternoon that they came in sight of the -village near which the farm lay where they were to stay for a while. -Full of expectations of a good supper, they drove past it and on to a -pleasant and prosperous looking dwelling. In the front of the broad -veranda an interesting group stood waiting to welcome them. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE JOURNEY'S END - - -The medium-sized, vigorous-looking man who formed one of the group on -the veranda, hurried forward to meet them. He was dark with long black -wavy hair. He wore white woolen trousers, a sort of big sleeved tunic -or shirt of coarse but very clean linen, well belted in at the waist -by a broad scarlet woolen scarf. Over this was a sleeveless sheepskin -jacket, the wool inside, the outside gayly embroidered. On his feet -were goatskin sandals. - -His wife was slender and quite fair. Like her husband, she was -evidently wearing a holiday dress. This was a white gown covered -with red and black embroidery, a brightly colored apron, and several -necklaces of colored beads and coins. A gay kerchief, fringed with a -row of spangles, was set well back on her light brown hair. She also -advanced to meet the newcomers. - -A bright-eyed boy of about twelve and a very pretty girl about four -years younger were left standing and staring by the doorway. After -greetings had been exchanged and all had descended from the carriage, -the farmer said something to his son who immediately went up to Jonitza -and offered him his hand. At the same time he proposed showing him the -grounds while supper was being placed on the table. - -Jonitza at once accepted the offer. He was anxious to see what was -outside, and, besides, his legs felt so stiff from the long ride that -he longed to exercise them. - -Neither of the boys spoke at first, although they glanced shyly at each -other now and then. At a corner of the house the ice was broken in an -unexpected fashion. They walked right into a flock of geese who set up -a "Honk! Honk!" and made a peck at Jonitza who happened to disturb them -most. - -Taken by surprise, Jonitza jumped awkwardly to one side. Nicolaia, -his companion, could not restrain a laugh. The next minute, evidently -fearing that he had hurt his new acquaintance's feelings, he put his -hand on his shoulder in a friendly way and suggested a visit to the -pigs. - -"Katinka," he called to his sister, who was shyly following them, "go -get something to take to the pigs." - -Katinka turned obediently and ran into the house. She soon reappeared, -carefully holding a pan. - -The pigs proved worth visiting. They were of the wild boar species with -an upright row of funny hard bristles on their backs. They were so full -of play, too, that Jonitza was genuinely sorry to hear the call to -supper. - -"It's just splendid here!" he whispered to his mother as he saw her for -an instant alone before entering the big kitchen which served also as -dining-room. - -Jonitza now noticed that although the farmer and his son had kept their -hats on in the house, they were careful to remove them before sitting -down to the meal. - -This meal was quite an elaborate one. There was fishroe and olives, -mutton and cheese, and rye bread about two inches thick and pierced all -over with a fork. This was broken, not cut. There was also a kind of -_mamaliga_ cooked in milk and called _balmosch_. This was placed on the -table on a big wooden platter, cut with a string, and eaten with layers -of cheese. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -GETTING ACQUAINTED - - -Jonitza and his mother were out early next morning after a breakfast of -bacon and _mamaliga_. - -The farm-house at which they were staying looked attractive in its -cleanliness. It had been recently whitewashed and the doors and window -frames painted a bright blue. It was built entirely of timber. The roof -consisted of thin strips of wood laid closely row upon row. Near the -house were some fruit-trees and lilac bushes and a small flower garden -in which basil and gilliflowers, so often mentioned in Roumanian folk -songs, were conspicuous. - -Inside, the big living-room had a comfortable, homey air. The walls -were partially covered with hand-woven tapestries. In one corner was -a huge Dutch looking stove, while opposite, under an ikon, stood the -primitive loom that is still to be seen in all Roumanian farm-houses. -Besides the table on which the meals were served, there were some -plain three-legged chairs, a large chest, a smaller table on which the -basket of Easter eggs still stood, and a sort of couch which served -Nicolaia as a bed at night. Its corn husk mattress had a pretty cover -with an embroidered ruffle over it in the daytime. The straw pillows -then changed their clothes for more fancy ones and were placed evenly -against the wall. - -Jonitza was anxious to show his mother the sportive pigs and he lost -no time in marching her to them. When she had expressed sufficient -admiration, they wandered to the well with its long sweep to which a -rock was attached, and crossed themselves before the brightly painted -crosses that were on each side of it. Katinka came out with a pitcher -while they stood there, and knelt in prayer before the crosses before -drawing up the water. - -"Where is Nicolaia?" they asked her. She pointed to the cow-shed where -they found him hard at work. - -He smiled at them in greeting. - -"This is my job," he said, "until I take the sheep to pasture in the -mountains, for my mother is to let me do so this year." - -Jonitza watched his robust companion with some envy as he went -cheerfully about what he had to do. Nicolaia did it all easily and -quickly; at the same time he did not neglect to make an occasional -pleasant remark, and he did this with the courtesy that seems natural -to the Roumanian peasant. Among other things he told them the names of -some of the beautiful cream-colored oxen that his father owned. They -were very high-sounding ones. There were Antony and Cćsar, Cassius and -Brutus, Augustus, and, of course, Trajan, the finest-looking creature -of all. - -Then, almost without warning, the weather changed, a heavy rain setting -in. This caused all, except the father who was absent, to gather in the -big living-room. Here Katinka, in a matter-of-fact way, took out some -embroidery on linen, which at the age of eight she was already getting -ready for her bridal trousseau. Later she showed Mrs. Popescu a rug -that she was beginning to weave as a covering for her bed. - -In the meantime, Mrs. Popescu and Maritza also took out some -embroidery, the peasant mother sat down at the loom, and Nicolaia -brought out a bit of wood-carving. This, he said, was now being taught -in the village school. Jonitza alone had no work. He stood for a while -by the window watching the rain splash against it and the wind shake -the trees as if it meant to uproot them. It was not long, however, -before he wandered to where Nicolaia sat and watched him work. - -Mrs. Popescu looked over at her idle son several times. A sudden -inspiration made her say: "You seem to carve very nicely, Nicolaia. How -would you like to be Jonitza's teacher and earn a little money of your -own?" - -"Will you?" asked Jonitza dropping on the floor beside Nicolaia. The -peasant boy looked up with a pleased smile. "If you think I know -enough," he answered modestly, "I'll be glad to teach you." - -Here his mother could not keep from remarking with a proud air: "The -school teacher takes an interest in Nicolaia. He has advised him to -attend the Government School of Fruit Culture which is in the next -village from ours. He says he would learn other things besides taking -care of fruit-trees there. But that isn't possible, for he's promised -as an apprentice to his uncle in Bukurest. Well, he'll learn a great -deal there, too." - -"Oh, mother," exclaimed Nicolaia when his mother had left the loom and -taken up some knitting, "while we are working won't you sing some songs -as you do when we're alone?" - -His mother's fair face flushed as she looked shyly at Mrs. Popescu. "I -must get things ready for the mid-day meal," she said rising. - -As soon as her back was turned, Mrs. Popescu nodded to good-natured -Maritza who understood and began to sing a song about a _heiduk_, the -traditional hero of the Roumanian peasantry, a person as fascinating as -our own Robin Hood. The song told how handsome he was, how winning his -ways, how fearless his manner towards tyrants, how kind to the poor and -unfortunate. - -Nicolaia's mother was back in her place before the maid finished. "That -was very nice, dear," she remarked. "And now I can't do less than sing -a song, too. It'll be about a woman, the bravest shepherdess that ever -was seen." - -This was evidently a favorite with the children, for they joined in an -odd refrain that occurred every once in a while. - -She had scarcely finished when the sun came out to announce that the -rain was over. A moment after the door opened and her husband entered. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -AN EXCURSION - - -During the meal that followed, the farmer turned to his son with: "You -will have to go to the Convent for me this afternoon. I can't spare the -time myself. And perhaps"--here he turned to Mrs. Popescu--"you and -your son might like the trip. It would give you a chance to see one of -our old-time institutions." - -Mrs. Popescu thanked him. "Nothing could be pleasanter," she said. - -Soon all three were seated on a rough timber cart with apparently -nothing to hold it together. To the cart were harnessed two moody -looking buffaloes with horns lying almost flat along their necks. The -cart swayed and twisted up the rough road when suddenly Nicolaia gave -an excited exclamation. They were just in the middle of one of the -great swollen streams that flowed everywhere over the mountains. - -"What has happened?" asked Mrs. Popescu anxiously, for Nicolaia was -standing up and urging the animals forward. - -Nicolaia gave a short, funny laugh. "The buffaloes want to take a -bath," he answered, and again shouted at them. Fortunately, after a -display of much stubbornness on their part, he did persuade them that -neither the time nor the place was suitable for bathing, and they moved -slowly on. - -After safely passing through all the ruts and bogs, the creaking cart -at length stopped before what was called the "Guest House" on one side -of an old half-deserted convent. A servant dressed in the national -costume, with a wide hat on his long curling hair, came to meet them -and bid them welcome. Later one of the inmates, an elderly woman in -a loose brown dress, appeared bringing coffee, preserved fruit, and -buffalo milk, which Jonitza thought had a very peculiar flavor. - -After they had partaken of this refreshment and expressed their -appreciation of the courtesy, and while Nicolaia was busy with his -errand, Mrs. Popescu and Jonitza visited the church of the Convent -and looked at the crude frescoes of heaven and hell that adorned its -walls. There were many ikons or pictures of saints about, for Roumania -is a Greek Catholic country like Russia. The large size of the Convent -showed that it must have enjoyed great prosperity in former times. Now -a deep quiet reigned everywhere. - -Nicolaia grew quite talkative on the way back; he told of the source of -one of the streams that they passed and how difficult it was to get to -it, of a hermit cave in another part of the mountains in which the bats -fly at you when you enter, and finally, of some of his own immediate -plans. He talked at length about a friend called Demetrius, who lived -on the other side of the village and whom he planned to see on the -following day, when his own work was done. "Would you like to visit him -with me?" he asked, turning politely to Jonitza. - -"Like!" repeated Jonitza almost rudely. "Of course." - -They were passing through the village at the time and Mrs. Popescu -noticed that on certain houses a flower was painted. She pointed this -out. "That," explained Nicolaia, "is to let every one know that a -maiden lives there." - -A little further on they met a branch entwined cart. In it sat two -girls gayly talking. One of them called to Nicolaia in passing. - -The girls did not look at all alike and Mrs. Popescu wondered if they -were sisters. - -"No," said Nicolaia, "they are only _surata_, that is, they have -adopted each other as sisters. Any girls can do that if they love each -other enough. I was at the Church when the ceremony was performed, and -saw their feet chained together in token of the bond. It made them the -same as born sisters. Sometimes a young man adopts another young man -for his brother in the same way. The priest always asks them if they -are sure of their affection, for he says the ceremony makes the new -relationship very binding." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -ST. GEORGE'S DAY - - -The next day the boys walked over to the home of Nicolaia's village -friend, Demetrius, and here a delightful surprise awaited them. Two -young bear cubs trotted like dogs at the feet of the village boy as he -came to meet them. - -"Where did you get these?" both boys shouted with delight. - -"From my uncle," returned Demetrius. "He captured them after their -mother had been killed. At first they had to be fed sheep milk with a -spoon." - -As he spoke, one of the little fellows ran up a tree in the yard and -the other began to play with a young puppy. Soon the boys were trying -to help Demetrius teach them to turn somersaults and do other tricks. -They gave this up only when they remembered there were other things to -settle before parting. These things all related to St. George's Day, -or, as it is sometimes called, the "Witch's Sabbath." This would come -the very last of the week. There were mysteries in regard to the day, -for the boys spoke in whispers while Jonitza was trying to make one of -the bears jump through a hoop. He was so much interested in the antics -of the little creatures that he paid no attention until just at leaving -he heard something which made him open his eyes wide. Hidden treasure -was to be found! - -On the way home he answered Nicolaia in monosyllables and looked moody, -much to the latter's surprise. "What's the matter?" Nicolaia finally -asked. - -For answer Jonitza glared and then burst out with: "What have I done -that you won't let me go with you on St. George's Eve?" - -Nicolaia was taken aback. "You've done nothing," he made haste to say. -"But this must be kept a secret and your mother wouldn't like your -going." - -"I won't tell her," said Jonitza, wincing a little as he spoke; "that -is--not until--eh--I show her the treasure. Then she won't care." - -Nicolaia looked up and down the road as if trying to find a way out of -a difficulty. At last he said faintly, "Well, all right, if you can -meet us in the yard by the cow-sheds at ten o'clock." - -On the day before the "Witch's Sabbath," Jonitza watched Nicolaia's -father cut square blocks of turf and place them before every door and -window of the farm-house and stables. "Why are you doing that?" he -asked. The farmer smiled at him but did not answer. Katinka, however, -came and whispered that it was to keep out the witches. She turned -from him to help her father place thorn branches here and there in the -cut turf. Jonitza followed every act with a fascinated air. "What's -that for?" he asked her. "The witches run when they see thorns," she -explained, smiling at the thought. - -Two of the men who were helping on the farm at the time, offered to -keep watch all night near the stables lest the witches should charm the -cattle and do them harm. Mrs. Popescu, who heard them make the offer, -asked them if they really believed in witches. - -They looked at her with the air of grown up children. "If it wasn't -witches," said one with a triumphant air, "what made old Theodoresco's -cow give bloody milk last year for several months beginning the very -next day after the 'Witch's Sabbath'?" Mrs. Popescu, seeing that it -would be useless to argue the question, left them. - -A half hour later, Nicolaia appeared and beckoned to Jonitza to follow -him indoors. Here he took an earthen jar from a closet. "What do you -think that is?" he asked. - -"One of your mother's jars," Jonitza answered. - -"No," said Nicolaia without smiling. "Put your hand inside and see what -you find." - -Jonitza did so and brought out some ancient coins dating back to -pre-Roman times. - -"My father is keeping these for luck. He found them when he was -plowing," said Nicolaia. "I am showing this to you because I thought -you ought to know that it may be that kind of treasure that we'll find -to-night." - -Jonitza had this constantly in mind the rest of the day. "How wonderful -it would be to find a real treasure," he kept thinking. He ate little -for supper, went to bed at once when his mother suggested it, and tried -very hard to keep from falling asleep. But alas, despite his efforts, -sleep came and it was a very deep sleep, so that when he awoke it was -bright morning. - -He hurried out, ashamed of himself, and found his friend looking -very drowsy and grinning in a somewhat downcast way. In answer to -Jonitza's hurried explanations of what had happened to himself and -urgent questions, Nicolaia said: "It was just after ten o'clock when we -started. I was relieved that you didn't appear, for I didn't know what -might happen. There was no moon at the time, but the stars were out, -and as we know the hills well, Demetrius and I had no trouble making -our way over them. We heard all sorts of strange noises, but we weren't -a bit afraid. I thought we should surely find the treasure. You see, -they say around here that it is easiest for the one born on a Sunday -or at midday; and Demetrius was born just two minutes after noon on a -Sunday. So that ought to count. - -"We spoke only in whispers as we tried to look in every direction at -once. Each of us wanted to be the first to see the blue flame which -shows where the treasure lies hidden. It must have been past midnight -when Demetrius seized hold of my arm. I felt his hand tremble. - -[Illustration: "'WE STOOD AS IF PARALYZED'"] - -"'Do you see that?' he whispered. - -"I looked where he pointed and saw in the distance what really seemed -like a tiny fire. It was not particularly blue but we did not think of -that. I felt for my knife, for it must be thrown through the flame so -that the spirits who guard the treasure won't harm you. - -"'Have you your knife?' I whispered back. - -"'Yes,' returned Demetrius. 'I'll throw first, and if I miss, you throw -right after.' Before this we had not minded anything, but now as we -crept on, we shuddered whenever we stepped on a dry twig or caused a -stone to roll down hill. - -"As we came nearer there was no sign of flame but there were bright -patches on the ground as if from the remains of a fire. This could just -be seen around a big bowlder where we stopped for a moment to gain -courage for the final step. - -"As we stood there we heard a sound as of some creature rolling -over. Then on the other side of the big rock, a huge form arose. We -distinctly heard some cuss words and a threat so terrible that we stood -as if paralyzed. Suddenly the figure began to move, and forgetful of -everything else but our own safety, we ran down the hillside, stumbling -over each other, now rolling a way, tearing our clothes on thorn -bushes, and generally having a hard time until we both landed in a -brook. We crawled out very much chilled and stood listening. Everything -about us was quiet, so I don't know whether we were followed or not. -However, we did not dare return. - -"So, of course, we didn't get any treasure. My father says it was -probably some old gypsy, but I know it was a bad spirit, for as I have -said, it was after midnight, and good spirits show the flame only till -twelve. When it is seen later, the treasure is guarded by bad spirits." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THE CASTLE OF STEPHEN THE GREAT - - -How quickly the month at the farm-house passed! Every day there was so -much to see and do, and once in a while there was an excursion to some -place of interest. The furthest one taken was when Jonitza and Katinka -went with the maid who had accompanied Jonitza's mother to the country, -for a couple of days' visit to her home in a place called Niamtz. - -The day after they reached the straggling village, the children were -allowed out to play. They were attracted to a great red earth cliff, -where they began digging tunnels and building little cave houses. -Tiring of that they wandered up toward the cliff's summit, gathering -the beautiful wild flowers that they found on the way, and resting -now and then under some leafy tree. When they reached the top they -both shouted with delight at finding the ruins of a castle. What a -delightful place in which to play! There were four corner towers, -strong buttresses and battlemented walls, as well as a large moat all -the way around, now overgrown with trees. - -Jonitza, who was blessed with a good memory, recalled what he had -been told about the place and so hastened to instruct Katinka in his -own fashion, emphasizing every word that he considered of importance. -"This," said he, in his tutor's manner, "is the old castle celebrated -in many of our songs, of one of our greatest kings called _Stephen the -Great_. - -"One day, Stephen the Great was fighting the Turks who were _winning_. -He thought it was no use fighting any longer and made for home as -quickly as he could. He thought _his mother_ would be _glad_ he wasn't -killed. But instead of that she met him at the _big_ gate you see -over there, and told him he ought to be ashamed to _give up_; that he -was fighting to free his people, and that she wouldn't _ever_ open -the gates to him and his army unless he came back as _victor_." (Here -Jonitza gave an especial emphasis to the last word.) "So Stephen said, -'All right,' and went back. He met the Turks in a narrow valley and was -so mad that he killed almost every one of them. He was a very brave -man, and I'm going to be like him." - -These last words were hardly spoken when there was a clap of thunder -and flash of lightning, followed by a sudden heavy downpour of rain. -The children hurried to shelter which they found in one of the towers. - -[Illustration: "IT WAS ONLY MARITZA"] - -It was dark there and the wind and rain threatened to break through -the walls. Bat-like things flew about, and strange noises, like the -mournful voices of imprisoned spirits, began to be heard. Jonitza lost -his brave air entirely as he and his companion crouched side by side -against one of the walls. Suddenly there was a peculiarly long whistle, -probably made by the wind passing through some crevice. Katinka gave a -little shriek. "It is the _Stafii_," she cried, clinging to her friend. - -Jonitza, though trembling, put his arm around her. He knew very well -that she was referring to harmful elves whom all the Roumanian country -folk believe dwell in ruins and are always unfriendly to human beings. -He tried to think of something comforting to say, but at first only -managed to clear his throat. After a bit what he did whisper was: "We -ought to have some milk to give them." At this Katinka cried more than -ever. "That's what they say, but we haven't any, we haven't any," she -repeated almost in a shriek. - -This was followed by another shriek as a dark form shut out what little -light reached them. But it was only Maritza, who had come with a big -umbrella to their rescue. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A SPINNING BEE - - -The evening before they left Niamtz, a crowd of Maritza's girl friends -gathered at her home for a Spinning Bee. - -They came with heads uncovered, for only married women in Roumania wear -veils or kerchiefs. They were all dressed in holiday finery, with their -hair beautifully waved. - -At first a merry little maiden with very red cheeks, and very black -eyebrows over sparkling eyes, and black hair twisted into a double -plait, came in for a good deal of teasing for some reason or other. She -didn't seem to mind it and her bright answers caused much laughter and -good feeling. Finally she succeeded in drawing attention from herself -by asking a riddle. This was followed by another and another until -everybody in the room was guessing. - -Then Maritza's mother, who had been busy getting refreshments ready, -came in exclaiming, "Time for work, girls!" - -At this there was a general cry of "Maritza!" "We want Maritza!" -"Maritza must be our leader!" - -Maritza stepped forward with some show of reluctance. "There are better -spinners and better singers than I am," she said modestly. But the -girls, rising quickly, formed a ring around her, singing in chorus, -"It's you we want." - -Then Maritza took her spindle and began to spin. At the same time she -improvised a strange song all about a mysterious _heiduk_ or chieftain -who passed through their village. Suddenly she threw her spindle to the -black-eyed, red-cheeked maiden, holding it by a long thread as she did -so. The merry maiden caught it and was obliged to continue both the -spinning and singing while Maritza pulled out the flax. This required -much dexterity. - -When each girl had had her turn, both in spinning and singing, -refreshments were passed around. There was _mamaliga_, baked pumpkin, -potatoes, and last of all, plenty of popcorn. - -Then, while all seated resumed their work, one of their number was -begged for a story. - -She smilingly consented, and told the following strange and pathetic -tale. - - -THE STORY OF A LILAC TREE - -"This is a story of what once must have taken place, for if it had -never occurred, I would not now have it to tell. - -"In a little valley among the high mountains, there lived a maiden all -alone. She worked all day at her spinning and weaving and sang with joy -as she worked. - -"So the years went on, each year adding loveliness to her face and -figure. One day when out gathering firewood for her small needs she -heard what sounded like a cry of pain. Making her way into the thicket -she found a man sorely wounded. - -"She spoke to him but he had become unconscious, and, not knowing what -else to do, she took him in her strong arms and carried him to her hut -and laid him on her own bed. Then she washed out his wounds and tended -him like a sister. - -"As soon as he could speak, he tried to express his gratitude. 'Dear -maiden,' he said, 'had it not been for you I should never again have -seen the light of day, and even as it is, I fear I shall never walk -again. For it was no ordinary mortal by whom I was wounded, but a demon -of some kind who threatened that even should I survive, all power to -move my legs will have left me. Of what good will life then be to me? -Trouble yourself no longer, sweet maiden, to cure me. Rather let my -wounds bleed anew.' - -"But the beautiful girl shook her head. 'Why should we believe all that -ill?' she said. 'I am skilled in herb lore and shall cure you.' - -"For more than a week the man lay in bed while the girl tended him. And -she grew to love him, he was so patient, so grateful for all she did. -Then, one morning, he looked brightly at her: 'Lo, I am cured.' And he -sat up in bed. But when he tried to get down he could not. - -"And the next day it was the same and the next. But the man did not -speak of any disappointment. Instead, he told his nurse strange stories -of the life he had seen, and one day something that she found hard to -bear. It was of the beautiful woman whom he loved and would have wed. - -"The maiden, though now sad, still tended him faithfully, but to no -avail. At last, in her distress, she sought out a witch who was famed -for her wisdom over the whole mountain side. - -"'The man is under enchantment,' said the old woman. 'He knows his -cure, but will not tell it to thee.' - -"'Tell me what it is!' exclaimed the maiden. 'I will pay any price for -the cure!' - -"'Are you sure?' asked the witch with a disagreeable laugh. - -"'I am sure,' answered the maiden. - -"'Know then,' said the witch, 'that only a virgin life like yours can -save him. Will you give your life?' - -"The girl looked down in thought. At last she spoke. 'If it is indeed -so, why should I not? He is strong again and the world has need of -him. He loves another from whom only bewitchment separates him. The -happiness of two is worth the sacrifice of one. I will give my life -that they may wed.' - -"The next morning when the man made his daily trial to arise, he found -to his amazement that he could do so. He looked around for the maiden, -but she was nowhere to be seen. He waited all day and till the next -morning but she did not come. Then, full of regret, he went away. Near -the threshold of the hut he stopped to pick a branch of fragrant lilac. -As he did so, the whole bush swayed with delight, and it seemed to him -that a spirit within it called his name as he turned away." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -NEW PLANS - - -Jonitza tried to forget that the time for leaving the country was -approaching. The month had meant much to him. It had made a remarkable -change in his appearance. His listless air had given way to a wide -awake interested look, and his pale cheeks had already something of a -ruddy hue. - -Although for her own sake, Mrs. Popescu longed for a return home, she -felt something like guilt in taking her son back with her. Every night -she gave much thought to the subject and every night she knelt in -prayer before the ikon that hung in her bedroom, asking that light be -given her as to her duty. Finally, unable to decide, she wrote a long -letter to her busy husband and begged his advice. - -Instead of a written answer, her husband himself arrived. His solution -of the difficulty startled her. - -"Why shouldn't Jonitza accompany Nicolaia as a sheep herder into the -Carpathians?" - -"I'm afraid," she said, "there are gypsies there--and bad -shepherds--and wild animals--and the life is too hard." - -Her husband made light of all these things. "I've talked it over," he -said, "with the Doctor. He declares that the only trouble with our -boy is that we've molly-coddled him. He advised me to trust him to -Nicolaia, whose family he knows. He says that Jonitza is just the age -to enjoy the experience and that he will thank us all his life for it." - -But at first Mrs. Popescu did not agree. "He has grown much heartier," -she said. "Perhaps he would get along very well at home now." - -So it was not settled until after the whole thing was talked over with -the peasant and his wife and Mrs. Popescu was persuaded that her son -would be in safe hands and that, besides, the dangers were less than in -the city. Then Katinka was sent to call in the boys who were busy as -usual with some outside work. They came in with a surprised air, but -when all was explained to them both set up a shout that echoed from the -darkened rafters of the room. - -Mr. Popescu laughed with pleasure. "Can that be really my son?" he said. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -IN THE CARPATHIANS - - -"I feel as free as a bird!" Jonitza could not help exclaiming when they -had actually started with their flocks for the Carpathian mountains. -Like his friend, he was dressed in typical shepherd costume, consisting -of a coarse white linen shirt and trousers, a long mantle of very heavy -wool, and a straight round sheepskin cap. His very shoes were the same, -for the boys had fashioned both pair together. They were made of pieces -of goatskin that had been soaked in water until soft, gathered into -pleats by means of thongs over the ankles, while other bits of thong -held them securely in place. - -They had a big flock of sheep under their charge, for besides those -belonging to Nicolaia's father they were to herd those belonging to the -richest man in that neighborhood. Besides the sheep, two intelligent -wolf dogs belonging to the neighbor went with them, as well as a -donkey, to be used later to carry the packs of cheese and milk. - -It was high time for the boys to start, for the other shepherds had -gone, and the hot Roumanian summer was beginning to be felt. - -Although Nicolaia had already spent two summers on the mountains this -was the first time that he was in charge of so large a flock. In -consequence he shared some of Jonitza's excitement. There was another -reason why this summer might prove a notable one for him. It was -probably his last experience of the kind, for his parents had decided -to have him apprenticed that autumn to his uncle, a cabinet maker in -the city of Bukurest, and apprenticeships in Roumania are for six years. - -It was a hard climb for the boys. At first as they made their way -upward they occasionally passed one-room shanties, each shared by an -entire family and all the domestic animals. At the last one of these -they stopped to ask for a drink of water. The door was open and inside -they could see the scanty furniture--a rude table, a bench, a stove, -and a cot covered with the skins of wild beasts. A fierce looking man -answered their call and handed them the water with so surly an air that -Nicolaia, who was accustomed to the great hospitality of the section -where he lived, felt a mingling of amazement and indignation. There -was no garden of any kind around this house, but there was a wealth of -wild flowers. Yellow foxgloves, gladiolas, and wild honeysuckle seemed -determined to make the place a thing of beauty. - -Just at noon, near one of the little streams that constantly crossed -their path, they came upon a small band of the gypsies that are as -numerous in Roumania as in Hungary. By a small fire over which a kettle -hung, sat two women. A short distance from them lay a dark-skinned lad, -with matted hair, while leaning against a giant beech on the other -side, was a young man playing a weird air that made one think of a -mountain storm, on a crude violin. - -From this wayside camp, the path wound around and around until at last -it suddenly branched into two parts. Nicolaia stopped at this point -perplexed. "I do not remember this," he said, as he chose the broader -looking of the two roads. Soon, however, he saw the mistake he made in -doing so. What he had taken for a path was the channel of a mountain -torrent. It ended in a steep abyss, down which some of the sheep had -already scrambled. - -The boys spent fully half an hour of the hardest kind of work before -they got these sheep back. When, shortly after, they came to a grassy -valley, both, panting hard, threw themselves under a tree. - -"This is where we'll camp for the night," said Nicolaia, "now that we -have all the sheep together." As he spoke, he unpacked the supper of -cold meat, onions, and _mamaliga_ that they had brought with them. They -also helped themselves to a drink of sheep's milk, which is richer and -thicker than cow's and of quite a different flavor. - -The sun was already low, and when it sank from sight, darkness followed -very soon. Quickly wrapping themselves in their mantles, the boys lay -down beside their sheep. So strenuous had the day been, that hardly had -they exchanged a few sentences than both were fast asleep. - -The next day, after an early breakfast, they were again on their way. -The scenery around was grandly wild. Enormous birch and oak-trees -towered on both sides of the narrow path, while lime-trees gave forth -the honeyed sweetness of their blossoms. Here and there a precipice -would yawn on one side of the pathway. No homes of any kind were to be -seen. - -The afternoon was far advanced when they reached another valley which -was to form their headquarters for the summer. Several of the shepherds -who shared this section noted their arrival and sent a welcome to them -on their _boutchoums_, long pipes of cherry wood which can be heard for -a great distance. In the Middle Ages, Roumanians used the _boutchoums_ -to proclaim war to the troops. - -Nicolaia at once led Jonitza to a sort of cave formed of large, loose -stones. "This," he said, "is the store-house of six or eight of us who -herd in this vicinity." - -The next morning the work began in earnest. Some of it was splendid -training. Each day Nicolaia and Jonitza had to creep along the crags -with the flocks. Sometimes the footing was very insecure, so it -was no wonder that at the end of the first day Jonitza was covered -with bruises from his many falls. "I'm as stiff as a board, too," -he confided to Nicolaia, as they lay down near each other to sleep. -But, by the end of the week, the stiffness was entirely gone, and -Jonitza could manage to keep his footing on the rocks even better than -Nicolaia. By that time, too, he had learned the call that would make -the sheep clinging to the steep mountainsides stop eating, look up, and -then come scrambling to him. - -The donkey had been let loose as soon as the valley was reached and got -into all kinds of scrapes from his dislike to being alone. Sometimes -when he found that he couldn't follow the sheep, he would stand on a -bowlder and bray loudly as if proclaiming to an unsympathetic world his -loneliness. - -Sometimes the report would spread that wild animals had been seen -prowling near. This meant extra watchfulness on the part of the -shepherds. But whether there was reason for any especial alarm or not, -every night each shepherd wrapped himself in his sheepskin or woolen -mantle and lay down by his flock ready to spring up at the least sign -of danger. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -IN THE CARPATHIANS (_Continued_) - - -Although Jonitza and Nicolaia could not be constantly together, they -tried to share at least one meal every day. Once at such a time Jonitza -remarked: "How I wish I could get to the top of that mountain yonder. -See what a queer shape it is! It makes me think of the picture of a -peak called 'La Omu,' the man." - -Nicolaia thought that a funny name. "How did it come to get it?" he -asked. - -"Let me think," replied Jonitza. "Oh, yes, I remember now what was -written about it in my story book. It said that it had another name, -'Negoi,' but that most of the country people preferred 'La Omu' because -of its resemblance to a human figure. When one came near he could see -that this was caused by a big rock in the center of a mass of others. -According to tradition, a shepherd once lost his way there and began to -curse God for his misfortune. Suddenly as he was cursing, God turned -him into stone as a warning to others." - -"Although that probably isn't 'La Omu,'" said Nicolaia, "I should like -to climb it nevertheless. Perhaps Vasili would keep an eye on our sheep -for a few hours if we asked him." - -"Do you think so?" asked Jonitza eagerly. And he at once ran to a bluff -and shouted to Vasili, who was stationed nearer to them than any of the -other shepherds. Vasili called back good-naturedly, "Go on. I'll see -the sheep don't wander far." And the boys started. - -It took them half an hour to reach the peak. Gradually, as they -ascended it, the pine and fir-trees dwindled into misshapen goblin-like -bushes, each of which seemed to be hiding behind one of the great -bowlders that were everywhere so plentiful. - -At one point the boys were clambering up a steep rocky path when -suddenly Jonitza gave a shriek and at the same time jumped high into -the air. Nicolaia, who was a short distance behind, stopped so suddenly -that he almost lost his balance. There, stretched out between the two -boys, lay two long shiny snakes sunning themselves and apparently -paying no heed to what had happened. - -Nicolaia recovered himself first. He grasped tight hold of his shepherd -staff and approached. "Pshaw!" he called disdainfully, to Jonitza on -the other side. "They're harmless." Then jumping without fear over -them, he ran to where his companion, panting hard, was leaning against -a bowlder. - -[Illustration: "THERE ... LAY TWO LONG SHINY SNAKES"] - -Seeing an open space near, the boys looked it over carefully and -sat down. "It was the suddenness of seeing the snakes that made me -jump," said Jonitza, apparently feeling that his natural action needed -explanation. At this Nicolaia chuckled and then began to lecture -Jonitza on the necessity of always keeping wide awake in the mountains -and never allowing himself to be surprised. - -Jonitza did not relish this and interrupted his companion to ask -questions. "How is one to tell harmless snakes from others? Have you -ever seen snakes just born?" - -At this last question, Nicolaia's eyes flashed. "How I wish I could -find a snake's nest!" he exclaimed. "Don't you know that precious -stones are made from snake saliva? If I found a snake nest, I'd not run -but kill the snakes, and then I'd be so rich I'd be able to buy a big -farm of my own." - -An answering flash came into Jonitza's eyes. "Let's go hunt for one -now," he said, springing up. Nicolaia rose more slowly. "I'm willing, -but I warn you that we must be careful." - -So with their long shepherd staves in their hands, and keeping watch -where they trod, they began a hunt among the bowlders. - -How it might have ended no one can tell, for they had gone scarcely -twenty yards when they heard a loud cry from down below. - -"It must be for us," said Nicolaia, and quite forgetful of snakes or -anything else he led the way back as fast as he was able. - -When they reached the slopes on which their sheep were grazing, they -met a shout of laughter. "It was your donkey," Vasili explained. "He -tried, as usual, to follow the flock and this time slipped down between -two rocks and couldn't go forward or back. Didn't you hear him bray? I -didn't know what to do and so called for you. But in the meantime this -other Vasili here came bounding up from nowhere. And you ought to have -seen him manage! He tied the donkey's feet together with a thong and -lifted him out as easily as one would a baby." - -"You know you helped me," said a new voice. - -The boys looked up to see a stranger standing near. He was of medium -height but thickset and very hardy in appearance. Instead of a -sheepskin cap a broad-brimmed hat was set well back over a mass of -glossy black curls. His features were regular; his eyes were now -smiling but there were angry lines written long before around them. The -boys shook hands with him and thanked him. "It was nothing," he said. -"Aren't we brothers?" - -"Where are you from?" - -"I belong to the other side," the youth answered, and then added, "The -side that isn't free." - -All knew at once that he referred to Transylvania, which, although a -part of Hungary, is largely inhabited by Roumanians. - -"We intend to make it free," Nicolaia answered with feeling. The -Transylvanian smiled and shook his head. Then, without a word more, he -left them. - -There was one other shepherd that they learned to know. He was the -oldest there and came from Jassy, once the capital of Moldavia, a city -so old that the Turks claim that it dates back to the time of Abraham. -The Roumanians, however, feel that they can do better than that. They -put its foundations to the time of their beloved Trajan! - -This shepherd, of whom later they heard strange wild tales, kept much -to himself. Often, however, the monotonously melancholy notes of a -wooden flute on which he played would reach them. Sometimes, too, -especially at early dawn, they would hear him draw forth powerful notes -on the _boutchoum_, such as no other shepherd could equal. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -LEAVING THE MOUNTAINS - - -Thus the summer slowly passed in healthy out-of-door life that began to -grow exceedingly monotonous at the end. It was lonely, too, for after -the boys became used to the work even the noon meals together became -rarer, and sometimes several days passed with no other communication -than a few calls to each other. - -At last September came. This is the month when the herdsmen take their -sheep again to the valleys. The donkey was laden with cheeses of -sheep's milk, and the boys followed the procession back to the village -from which they had started. They found it delightful to be together -again, and somehow, as they talked it over, the summer experience that -had begun to be trying regained its charm. - -They joked, they told folk tales, and Nicolaia even sang a ballad that -had long been a favorite with the Roumanians. It was very touching, -and, of course, had to do with a shepherd, of his love for his sheep -and his dogs and his longing to lie near them even in death. - -Long before they reached the farm-house they had been seen by Katinka -who ran out to meet them. - -Jonitza found some letters awaiting him. He picked out the daintiest, -knowing it to be from his mother, and, begging to be excused, tore it -open to read immediately. - -It was from Sinaia, the fashionable mountain resort where "Carmen -Sylva," the late loved dowager Queen Elizabeth, had had her summer home. - -"Your father," said the letter among other things, "has to make a -business trip among our Wallachian farmers. He intends to take you with -him and finally spend a day or two with me here. Later on, we shall -visit relatives for some time at the capital, Bukurest." - -Two days later Mr. Popescu took his son away. - -As Mr. Popescu's business was with the peasants, most of the trip -was made by carriage through the very rich agricultural sections of -Wallachia. Now they stopped at the farms of the wealthy, where the very -latest in farm machinery could be seen at work; then at some of the -hundreds of small farms where the peasants still harvested their grain -with the sickle, and threshed it with the flail. On the way they passed -orchards of damson plum, from which brandy is made, and vineyards with -their rich yield. - -The weather favored them. Only once were they caught in a storm. The -sky directly above had been monotonously blue for several days when -clouds seemed suddenly to form in all directions. A wind arose that -soon changed into a tempest, raising enormous clouds of dust. Angry -lightning began to fly across the sky, while not only the thunder but -the storm itself threatened. Through the dust they could just make out -a tower which showed that they were near a village. The obedient horses -strained every sinew to reach it and did just manage to get under cover -at a rude inn when enormous hail stones began to fall. - -It proved to be rather an interesting place where they had secured -shelter, for it was not only an inn but a general store where a little -of everything was kept for sale. As no especial room was assigned them, -Jonitza felt free to wander about the place. On a sort of screened -back porch he found a woman pickling whole heads of cabbage, adding -corn-meal to the brine to hasten fermentation. This, when stuffed with -chopped pork, onions and rice, forms one of the national dishes. - -Mr. Popescu smiled at the supper that was placed before them an hour -later. There was, of course, _mamaliga_ and its string, with a big -pitcher of rich milk, then some salted cheese, raw onions, and some -sun-dried beef that had been seasoned with spices and garlic when -cooked. The platters, spoons and forks were of wood, the knives alone -being of steel. - -Although the owner of the inn was evidently pleased at having so much -to place before his guests, he seemed to think that he could do still -better. "One of my pigs," he said, "is to be killed to-morrow. If you -will stay till then I can offer you something really fine." - -Although that might not have been the reason, Mr. Popescu decided to -stay. - -"Come," the landlord's wife said to Jonitza next morning as he sat on -the stoop in front of the inn. In answer to her mysterious beckoning, -Jonitza followed her to the rear. Here he found a group of men and boys -gathered around a big fire from which a very pleasant odor rose. - -"What is it?" Jonitza inquired. The landlady laughed and then -whispered, "The pig has been killed and we are burning off its hair." - -After the meat had been exposed to the heat for a sufficient length of -time, thin slices were cut off and handed to each person present. This -resulted in loud exclamations from some of the children whose fingers -were burnt and even louder smacking of lips as the delicious morsels -were tasted. - -They left late that afternoon for the next village, overtaking on the -way a party of reapers with scythes over their shoulders. A young woman -crowned with wheaten ears led several others, all of whom chanted some -melancholy air about the end of the harvest. - -Everywhere they went people sang, the number of folk songs about -soldier life being particularly noticeable. Many of these songs were -exceedingly touching; some, however, were wild in character. All were -full of a spirit of rare bravery and resignation to whatever fate had -in store. - -At last among the grand forests near the Prahova River, the pretty -rustic houses of rural Roumania changed to Swiss looking cottages, and -then to fine brown and red-roofed villas, hotels and baths. Sinaia had -been reached. - -A little apart from the villas stood the Royal Summer Palace, with its -tall roofs and glittering pinnacles. - -During the trip they had changed vehicles and drivers many times, -and now a very old man acted as their coachman. His eyes sparkled as -he pointed out the Château. "I lived near here," he said, "when this -Château was built for King Carol and Queen Elizabeth, whom they tell -me is now generally called 'Carmen Sylva.' My daughter was better -acquainted with her than I. Might I tell you the story, sir? It was -not long after the Château was finished that the King and Queen drove -up to spend a few days here. They had splendid horses and came fast. -My little girl was playing by the roadside and somehow frightened the -horses for they leaped to one side. They were brought under control at -once, but the child had been more frightened than they and cried loudly. - -"Her Majesty must have heard her for she ordered the coachman to stop. -When he had done so, she herself got out and went back to my little -one, whom she comforted in a few minutes. As she kissed her and put -some coins in her hands, she whispered, 'Be ready to pay me a visit -to-morrow morning. I'll come for you.' - -"We did not think anything of this, but the next day, sure enough, -a carriage came to our little hut for Florica. You can imagine our -excitement until we had our little one again and heard from her the -whole story of her visit to Fairy Land, for that is what the visit to -the Château was to her. - -"But I have another and better reason to bless her Gracious Majesty. My -brother, sir, was blind--couldn't see a thing, sir--and our Queen made -him happy, as she did others like him, in the Asylum for the Blind that -she founded in Bukurest. - -"She was always doing good. - -"She liked our peasant ways, sir, she did, and our dress. In the -Château she always wore the national costume and all her maids had to -do so. Deeper in the woods is a Forester's hut where they tell me she -wrote stories and songs like our own." - -As the man chatted they approached a deep-roofed chalet from which the -sound of merry laughter and conversation was wafted down to them. Then -they stopped before it and the next moment Jonitza was in his mother's -arms. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE CAPITAL OF ROUMANIA - - -Jonitza had not been a week in Bukurest when he began to wish himself -back in the country. At first there had been much to see, especially in -the fine shops on the beautiful street called Calea Vittoriei, which -extends from one end of the city to the other. On this street is also -the Royal Palace and most of the theaters. - -Jonitza and his parents were staying with near relatives in one of -the many fine residential sections, where the big stone houses are -surrounded by beautiful gardens. - -Although this section was no great distance from the business center, -they never walked to the latter but either drove or went in the big -touring car belonging to the family. - -"People must be very happy in the 'City of Pleasure,'"--that is what -the word Bukurest means--Jonitza said to himself one day as he watched -the very lively crowds on the streets. He was standing at the time in -front of the splendid show windows of a jewelry store, waiting for -his mother who had gone inside. At first he had stared at the rich -gems through the glass but the interesting passing crowd had gradually -attracted him; the very fashionable ladies, some light, some dark, -talking so vivaciously, the priests with their long hair, and, most -of all, the numerous soldiers in the splendor and variety of their -uniforms. - -"Jonitza," said his mother when she came out, "I am going to call on an -old-time friend, and as I know such visits bore you, I shall leave you -on the way to spend an hour at the National Museum. How will you like -that?" - -"Very much, dear mother," Jonitza answered. - -So the carriage took them to the big Museum building where Jonitza -alighted. Indoors he found much to interest him. He lingered before -the displays of magnificent royal jeweled collars and crowns, and the -specimens of Roumania's mineral wealth: gold, silver, copper, rock -salt, and others. There were drawings and paintings, too, to be looked -at. He stood long before one of the latter. It represented a Roumanian -boyard or nobleman of long ago, dressed in a long, loose, rich costume, -with several jeweled daggers in his embroidered belt. A crowd of -dependents surrounded him, some bowing low, some kissing his hand, some -trying to get him to listen to the tale that they had to tell. - -Although Jonitza's mother was late in returning to the Museum, he had -still much to see when she did come. A richly dressed young woman, who -treated Jonitza like an old friend, was with her. - -"It is still early," his mother remarked to his mystification. And -she gave some orders to the coachman who then drove them past the -"Institution of the Blind," the particular pride of Queen Elizabeth -(Carmen Sylva), past the University and schools of various kinds, past -a beautiful pure white marble statue of some _voivode_ or other, and on -to the extensive Garden of Cismegiu; then again to the Calea Vittoriei, -where the carriage stopped before the renowned restaurant of Capsa. - -Here Jonitza's father, who evidently knew of their coming, was waiting -to escort them into a room with tiled glistening floor, lofty mirrors, -beautiful flowers, and exquisitely neat tables. The place was crowded -to overflowing, but above the hum of voices could be heard the -fascinating music of a Roumanian Gypsy band. - -Hardly had they entered, than two fashionably dressed men joined their -party. After considerable banter, the conversation became so serious -that Jonitza did not understand all of it. Now and then he caught a -quotation that he had heard before, as, "Leave a Hungarian to guard -the thing that you value most," and "There is no fruit so bitter as -foreigners in the land." - -Everything tasted very good, but Jonitza would have enjoyed it more had -some attention been paid to him. As it was, he was glad when the party -at last arose and while the rest of the company went to the theater, he -was sent in the carriage home alone. - -At home, he found only servants and so went at once to the little room -that was his own during his stay at the capital. - -Here he threw himself down for awhile in a big armchair and gave -himself up to thoughts that he had never had before, about Roumania's -past history, about the old-time ballads of _heiduks_ and chieftains -that he had heard in the mountains, and about what he had caught in -the conversation at the brilliant restaurant that night regarding -Roumania's future. - -Even after he lay down on his bed he could not but wonder if Roumania -was yet to be a great nation, if Transylvania now belonging to Hungary, -if Bukovina now a part of Austria, and perhaps Bessarabia, though -claimed by Russia--all with a large Roumanian population, would not -be restored to her. Finally he fell into a restless sleep in which he -dreamed that he was already a man and fighting that those of his own -blood might be rescued from foreign governments who despised them and -tyrannized over them. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE NATIONAL DANCE - - -When Jonitza awoke he found black coffee and delicious white twists -awaiting him. He dressed quickly that he might be in time for the -hearty breakfast that follows. It was a holiday, and so later he had -a ride behind four horses abreast with his father, first along the -sluggish Dimbovitza River on which Bukurest is situated, then into -the hills to an old three-towered Cathedral, one of the very few -antiquities to be seen in Bukurest. From here the city looked very -attractive with its metal plated steeples and cupolas, its many squares -and tree-lined avenues. - -Then the horses carried them still further away to a neighboring hamlet -with its pretty rustic vine-embowered houses, their dark roofs forming -verandas on which clay benches invited one to rest. Peasant women -drawing water from wells by the wayside greeted them; children tending -geese and pigs smiled at them, and a man building a wattled fence -invited them into his little country house all blue and white. - -When they reached home and had had luncheon, Jonitza found that the -whole family but himself had been invited to some entertainment and -that he was to be left with Maritza and the servants. - -He had begun to yawn and to wonder how he would spend the day, when -Maritza solved the problem for him. - -"Your mother said that I might take you to see the _Hora_ danced," she -announced. The _Hora_ is the Roumanian national dance. - -"Oh, good!" cried Jonitza, throwing a book that he was holding up to -the ceiling and catching it again. - -Soon after, Maritza's brother came for his sister. He was a rather -tall, dark-eyed man and dressed in spotless white linen trousers with a -ruffle around the ankles and deep pointed pockets in front, embroidered -in red. To be sure to be on time they started at once, Maritza -laughingly repeating that they "must dance on Sunday to keep the creak -out of their bones on Monday." - -A half hour's walk brought them to a modest section of Bukurest, where, -in a square opposite a tavern, a host of peasant men and women in their -gayest costumes, were already gathered. Knowing how eager Maritza was -to dance, Jonitza urged her to leave him on the lawn. "I shall be all -right here under the trees," he said. - -When she consented, he threw himself down to watch. Soon gypsy -musicians seated themselves on a platform at one edge of the square -and began to play. At once men and maidens clasped hands and began a -swaying motion to words improvised by certain of the youths who were in -charge of the dance for the day. - -Others joined; the ring grew gigantic and then suddenly broke into -two, each part with its set of leaders, while a shout of pleasurable -excitement rent the air. - -Jonitza enjoyed it all for quite a while and then began to yawn. -As he turned to see if he could find anything else of interest his -glance fell on a boy seated some distance away under a huge lime-tree. -Something about this boy made Jonitza sit upright. Suddenly he leaped -to his feet, ran wildly forward, and put his hands over the other boy's -eyes. - -"Guess," he said in a muffled voice. - -In answer the other boy jumped up, over-throwing Jonitza as he did so. -It was Nicolaia. - -For a moment both boys showed considerable emotion. "When did you come? -Are you going to stay in Bukurest? Where do you live?" were some of the -questions that Jonitza hurled at his companion. - -Nicolaia did his best to answer. "I came yesterday," he said, "to begin -my apprenticeship with my uncle. Since to-day is Friday and a holiday, -Uncle says that I am not to begin work till Monday. He wants me to see -a little of the city first." - -"Hurrah!" shouted Jonitza, throwing up his cap. "Where are you going -to-morrow?" - -"In the morning I'm going to go to market with Auntie, so as to know -how to buy. I'm to live with them and shall have to do all sorts of odd -jobs at times." - -Jonitza grew thoughtful. "I'll try to see you there," he said after a -pause. "Mother won't let me go alone anywhere here. I'm such a lovely -child"--here he grinned--"she thinks some one might steal me. But -perhaps I can go with one of the house servants or with Maritza." - -"I'll look for you," said Nicolaia solemnly. Then he added: "I was -so tired of watching the old dance that I was amusing myself playing -_Arshitza_." Here he stooped to pick up a sheep bone shaped like the -figure eight, and some bits of lead. - -"What fun we used to have playing that at your house," said Jonitza -with something like a sigh. "Let's play it now." Nicolaia nodded and -they settled down for a quiet time by themselves, each trying in turn -to snap as many of the lead pieces as possible into the rings. - -Later they sharpened a few sticks that they found and played another -game called _Tzurka_, not unlike our game of _Cat_. Then they lay down -side by side on the grass and talked. - -All this time the music, singing, and dancing went on, as if none -of those taking part in it knew what it was to get tired. It was -only with the setting of the sun that it came to a stop. Neither of -the boys would have known it, however, so absorbed were they in a -deep discussion, had not Maritza found them. As she shook hands with -Nicolaia and looked at Jonitza's animated face she roguishly asked, -"Did you like the dance?" - -"Why--yes--" responded Jonitza quite unconscious of the twinkle in -her eyes. "It was splendid, wasn't it, Nicolaia? I wish it could have -lasted longer!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -AT THE MARKET - - -It was not until he was alone with his mother that night that Jonitza -mentioned his desire to see Nicolaia at the market on the morrow. His -mother put her arms around him. "It is a long time since I've gone to -market. Suppose I go to-morrow morning and take you with me?" - -"How good a mother is," Jonitza thought as he went to bed, "and how -well she understands a boy." - -[Illustration: "'WILL YOU NOT LET ME TAKE YOU HOME IN THE CAR?'"] - -It was delightfully cool next morning when a touring car took them to -what seemed a village of booths or stalls, presided over by gypsies, -peasants and Jews. - -Nicolaia and his aunt were evidently looking out for them for they -came up as the carriage stopped. Mrs. Popescu gave Nicolaia a hearty -handshake and then turning to his aunt asked for permission to keep the -boy with them for the rest of the day. The aunt pointed to a basket -over her arm, already filled with the purchases that she had wished -Nicolaia to help her make, and cheerfully gave her consent. Then Mrs. -Popescu made a gracious offer. "While the boys are enjoying the market -together, will you not let me take you home in the car?" - -Nicolaia's aunt was evidently surprised and somewhat embarrassed, but -when she saw that the offer was sincerely meant, climbed in with her -basket, remarking that it was the first time that she had ever been in -"one of those things." - -As the car drove off, Jonitza grabbed Nicolaia's hand and squeezing it, -exclaimed: "Isn't this fine!" - -"Bully!" returned Nicolaia. "Let's go from one end of the market to the -other." - -To show how entirely he intended agreeing with anything that his -companion might suggest, Jonitza, laughing, took hold of Nicolaia's -arm and pulled him rapidly forward. Both came to a standstill where a -heavily bearded man was measuring out rose leaves to be boiled into -jam. Near him was a stall with the bright pottery made by the peasants, -while across the lane an old woman offered amulets of various kinds for -sale. "Buy one of these," she urged the boys as their curious glances -fell on her wares. "If not for yourselves, my dears, then for your -mothers or sisters; what I have will surely protect them from evil." - -The boys paid little attention to her words, but when she laid an arm -on Nicolaia he nudged Jonitza with his elbow, said a few words in a -low voice and both suddenly darted off, almost knocking down the boys -and girls who were going in an opposite direction, carefully balancing -stone jars or baskets laden with fruit or vegetables on their heads. -They stopped again where food was offered for sale. There were melons -and pumpkins, berries, dried fish, caviar, poultry, and bread booths, -some of them with women in charge who were knitting or spinning, while -waiting for customers. - -"Look who is behind me," Nicolaia called out suddenly. Jonitza turned -hastily and saw a knife-grinder who, having caught the remark, made a -grimace at the boys. They followed him to a booth, and after watching -him for a few minutes, made their way to a place near by where all -kinds of birds were for sale. "I must have one," said Jonitza, but when -Nicolaia could not help him decide whether it should be a parrot or a -canary, he decided to postpone the purchase until another day. - -This bird stall was not far from another entrance than the one by which -they had come. From it they could see numerous carts approaching, some -of them drawn by buffaloes, with peasants seated on the front rails. - -As the boys eagerly gazed around for anything out of the ordinary, the -chant of a minstrel reached them. With difficulty they forced their way -into a crowd gathered around an old, half-blind man who seemed to be -improvising some fascinating tale of war time deeds accompanying the -half-chanted words to a twanging on a flute-like instrument called a -_cobza_. Every once in a while as he stopped the gathered people would -shout their applause. - -It was not until he grew tired and signified a need for rest that the -boys left. Right around the corner they came upon an equal attraction. -It was a sort of "Punch and Judy" show to see which a trifling fee was -demanded. "We mustn't miss this," Jonitza insisted and led the way into -a structure which was crowded with children. - -As they came out, a bell tolled the hour. The boys stopped to count the -strokes. As they ceased, Nicolaia's face grew serious. It was half an -hour past the time when they were to meet Mrs. Popescu. What would she -say? - -But, when they found her, she did not give them a chance even to -offer an excuse. "I know you're late and deserve a scolding, but how -dare I scold you when I was ten minutes late myself? I do believe in -punctuality, however, for sometimes time is very precious, and I'm -going to try not to ever have this happen again. What about yourselves?" - -"Oh, we'll try to keep track of time hereafter, dear mother," Jonitza -answered both for himself and his friend, at the same time gratefully, -pressing one of her hands under the laprobe. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -GOOD-BY - - -Winter had fully set in when Jonitza and his parents returned to their -home city of Galatz. It was intensely cold, for the winds from Russia's -vast steppes meet no hindrance in striking the great plains along the -lower part of the Danube River. The snow lay heavy on roads and houses, -while sprays of icicles hung low from the trees and bushes and even -from the noses of toiling cattle. The Danube itself was frozen and -would remain so for at least three months. Even the Black Sea further -away was ice covered for several miles' distance from shore. - -A warm welcome, however, awaited them indoors. The tall brick stove -threw out great heat, and the secure double windows treated the -powerful wind with scorn. - -Friends added the warmth of welcome, and Jonitza was surprised to find -how many boys there were of his own age right in his neighborhood. He -stared at them as if he had never seen them before and they stared -in equal surprise at him. "The fact is," Mr. Popescu confided to the -Doctor, "we have brought back a new son." - -There was one very bright boy in particular to whom Jonitza was -attracted largely because of some physical resemblance to Nicolaia, -and this boy's opinion came to have quite an influence over him. For -instance when the question of resuming his studies under his former -tutor came up, Jonitza objected. "I want to go to the same school as -Dimitri," he said. Dimitri was the name of his new friend. "There's a -teacher there that knows all sorts of things. Besides, I want to study -and work with other boys. How can I tell whether I'm stupid or dull -unless I do?" - -[Illustration: "SOMETHING CAREFULLY COVERED WITH A SHEET WAS CARRIED -MYSTERIOUSLY INTO JONITZA'S ROOM"] - -"I'm afraid I am bringing up a democrat!" his father exclaimed half -jokingly when he had given his consent. He had reason to think so in -earnest before the winter was over for his son took part in all kinds -of sports and picked his associates without regard to the class to -which they belonged. Some of Mrs. Popescu's relatives and friends did -not hesitate to voice their disapproval. Once they made Mr. Popescu -think that he must interfere, but fortunately before he did he ran -across his friend the Doctor. - -"Your advice has done wonders for our boy," he said to him, "but--" and -in a lowered tone he repeated some of the criticisms. - -The Doctor gave his cheery laugh. "Let them criticize," he said. "Be -thankful that your son acts as a normal boy should act; that he chooses -his associates for what they are worth, not for what they can spend. -Take my word for it," he added impressively, "class distinctions that -have counted so much with some of us, are going to be abolished in our -country as well as in many another, and that soon, even if it takes the -great war to abolish them." - -Jonitza had made up his mind that Nicolaia must spend the Christmas -holidays with them, and Mrs. Popescu was anxious to gratify this wish. -But at first it seemed that this would be impossible. It was fortunate -perhaps that Mr. Popescu had a business trip to make to Bukurest and so -could use a little of his personal influence. That this had some weight -was shown when he returned on December 22 accompanied by Nicolaia. - -Jonitza had given up all hopes of having his friend with him and so was -doubly pleased. He resolved to do everything he could to make the time -enjoyable for him, and begged Dimitri's interest and assistance. - -"Will your parents let you join me in carol singing?" was Dimitri's -first question. - -"Mother will, if Nicolaia would like it," replied Jonitza with -confidence. - -"Then," said Dimitri, "I'll come to your house this afternoon and we'll -plan things." - -When Dimitri came he was told that Mrs. Popescu had given her consent -and the boys retired to a shed to work secretly at the preparations. -They were evidently quite elaborate, for Jonitza visited the house for -supplies several times. By supper time something carefully covered with -a sheet was carried mysteriously into Jonitza's room where a hiding -place was found for it. - -On Christmas Eve Dimitri was invited over for supper. Maritza herself -prepared a special dish called _turte_ for the occasion. This consisted -of thin dry wafers of dough covered with honey. - -After the meal the boys hurried to Jonitza's room. When they came out -it was hard to recognize them. Each had on a mask, a long gown, and a -high hat of colored paper. - -Nicolaia held a wooden star adorned with little bells. The center of -this star was a representation of the manger, and was illuminated from -behind. - -They took their stand in the hallway where they sang Christmas carols, -some of which ended by wishing much prosperity to the household, - - "For many years, - For many years." - -Then Dimitri led the way to other homes, where he knew they would be -welcomed. - -Before the Christmas festivities came to an end, Jonitza and Dimitri -planned something far more elaborate. It was to act out a peculiar -traditional drama for some of the poorest children of the town. Mrs. -Popescu lent her assistance and it turned out a great success. - -The name of the drama was _Irozi_, showing that it had something to -do with the time of Herod. There were seven boys besides Jonitza, -Nicolaia and Dimitri who took part in it. The principal characters were -a grumbling Herod, some Roman officers, and three Magi in Oriental -costumes, a child, a clown, and an old man. - -The plot is quite simple. A Roman officer brings news to Herod (who -was impersonated by Jonitza), that three men have been caught going -to Bethlehem to adore the new-born Christ. Entering, they hold a long -dialogue with Herod, who at last orders them to be cast into prison. -They, however, implore God to punish their persecutor. As they do so, -strange noises are heard. These frighten Herod who begs forgiveness and -lets the men go free. - -Later a child comes in and prophesies the future of the Messiah. As the -child proceeds, Herod's rage increases until he strikes the child dead. -At this all present unite in reproaches until Herod sinks to his knees -and implores forgiveness. - -The success of the play was largely due to two characters whose antics -pleased the little ones. One of these was the clown (Nicolaia) and the -other was an old man who was in everybody's way (Dimitri). This latter -had a mask with a long beard on his face, a hunched back, and wore -heavy boots and a sheepskin mantle with the wool on the outside. - -When the much applauded play came to an end, refreshments were passed -around and afterwards the children sent home with their hands filled -with gifts of various kinds. - -In such gayeties the holidays soon passed. On the very last day of the -year Nicolaia left for home, and as Jonitza and Dimitri saw him to the -train they anticipated the New Year by throwing grains of corn at him -and repeating the old time Roumanian greeting: - -"May you live and flourish like the trees of the garden and be blessed -like them with all things plentiful." - - -THE END - - - - -Selections from The Page Company's Books for Young People - - - - -THE BLUE BONNET SERIES - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=A TEXAS BLUE BONNET= - -By CAROLINE E. JACOBS. - -"The book's heroine, Blue Bonnet, has the very finest kind of -wholesome, honest, lively girlishness."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._ - - -=BLUE BONNET'S RANCH PARTY= - -By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND EDYTH ELLERBECK READ. - -"A healthy, natural atmosphere breathes from every chapter."--_Boston -Transcript._ - - -=BLUE BONNET IN BOSTON=; OR, BOARDING-SCHOOL DAYS AT MISS NORTH'S. - -By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND LELA HORN RICHARDS. - -"It is bound to become popular because of its wholesomeness and its -many human touches."--_Boston Globe._ - - -=BLUE BONNET KEEPS HOUSE=; OR, THE NEW HOME IN THE EAST. - -By CAROLINE E. JACOBS AND LELA HORN RICHARDS. - -"It cannot fail to prove fascinating to girls in their teens."--_New -York Sun._ - - -=BLUE BONNET--DÉBUTANTE= - -By LELA HORN RICHARDS. - -An interesting picture of the unfolding of life for Blue Bonnet. - - - - -THE YOUNG PIONEER SERIES - -By HARRISON ADAMS - - _Each 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.25 - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE OHIO=; OR, CLEARING THE WILDERNESS. - -"Such books as this are an admirable means of stimulating among the -young Americans of to-day interest in the story of their pioneer -ancestors and the early days of the Republic."--_Boston Globe._ - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES=; OR, ON THE TRAIL OF THE IROQUOIS. - -"The recital of the daring deeds of the frontier is not only -interesting but instructive as well and shows the sterling -type of character which these days of self-reliance and trial -produced."--_American Tourist, Chicago._ - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE MISSISSIPPI=; OR, THE HOMESTEAD IN THE -WILDERNESS. - -"The story is told with spirit, and is full of adventure."--_New York -Sun._ - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE MISSOURI=; OR, IN THE COUNTRY OF THE SIOUX. - -"Vivid in style, vigorous in movement, full of dramatic situations, -true to historic perspective, this story is a capital one for -boys."--_Watchman Examiner, New York City._ - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE YELLOWSTONE=; OR, LOST IN THE LAND OF WONDERS. - -"There is plenty of lively adventure and action and the story is well -told."--_Duluth Herald, Duluth, Minn._ - - -=THE PIONEER BOYS OF THE COLUMBIA=; OR, IN THE WILDERNESS OF THE GREAT -NORTHWEST. - -"The story is full of spirited action and contains much valuable -historical information."--_Boston Herald._ - - - - -THE HADLEY HALL SERIES - -By LOUISE M. BREITENBACH - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=ALMA AT HADLEY HALL= - -"The author is to be congratulated on having written such an appealing -book for girls."--_Detroit Free Press._ - - -=ALMA'S SOPHOMORE YEAR= - -"It cannot fail to appeal to the lovers of good things in girls' -books."--_Boston Herald._ - - -=ALMA'S JUNIOR YEAR= - -"The diverse characters in the boarding-school are strongly drawn, -the incidents are well developed and the action is never dull."--_The -Boston Herald._ - - -=ALMA'S SENIOR YEAR= - -"Incident abounds in all of Miss Breitenbach's stories and a healthy, -natural atmosphere breathes from every chapter."--_Boston Transcript._ - - - - -THE GIRLS OF FRIENDLY TERRACE SERIES - -By HARRIET LUMMIS SMITH - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=THE GIRLS OF FRIENDLY TERRACE= - -"A book sure to please girl readers, for the author seems to understand -perfectly the girl character."--_Boston Globe._ - - -=PEGGY RAYMOND'S VACATION= - -"It is a wholesome, hearty story."--_Utica Observer._ - - -=PEGGY RAYMOND'S SCHOOL DAYS= - -The book is delightfully written, and contains lots of exciting -incidents. - - - - -FAMOUS LEADERS SERIES - -By CHARLES H. L. JOHNSTON - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=FAMOUS CAVALRY LEADERS= - -"More of such books should be written, books that acquaint young -readers with historical personages in a pleasant, informal way."--_New -York Sun._ - -"It is a book that will stir the heart of every boy and will prove -interesting as well to the adults."--_Lawrence Daily World._ - - -=FAMOUS INDIAN CHIEFS= - -"Mr. Johnston has done faithful work in this volume, and his relation -of battles, sieges and struggles of these famous Indians with the -whites for the possession of America is a worthy addition to United -States History."--_New York Marine Journal._ - - -=FAMOUS SCOUTS= - -"It is the kind of a book that will have a great fascination for boys -and young men, and while it entertains them it will also present -valuable information in regard to those who have left their impress -upon the history of the country."--_The New London Day._ - - -=FAMOUS PRIVATEERSMEN AND ADVENTURERS OF THE SEA= - -"The tales are more than merely interesting; they are entrancing, -stirring the blood with thrilling force and bringing new zest to the -never-ending interest in the dramas of the sea."--_The Pittsburgh Post._ - - -=FAMOUS FRONTIERSMEN AND HEROES OF THE BORDER= - -This book is devoted to a description of the adventurous lives and -stirring experiences of many pioneer heroes who were prominently -identified with the opening of the Great West. - -"The accounts are not only authentic, but distinctly readable, -making a book of wide appeal to all who love the history of actual -adventure."--_Cleveland Leader._ - - - - -HILDEGARDE-MARGARET SERIES - -By LAURA E. RICHARDS - -Eleven Volumes - - -The Hildegarde-Margaret Series, beginning with "Queen Hildegarde" and -ending with "The Merryweathers," make one of the best and most popular -series of books for girls ever written. - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.25 - _The eleven volumes boxed as a set_ $13.75 - -LIST OF TITLES - - =QUEEN HILDEGARDE= - =HILDEGARDE'S HOLIDAY= - =HILDEGARDE'S HOME= - =HILDEGARDE'S NEIGHBORS= - =HILDEGARDE'S HARVEST= - =THREE MARGARETS= - =MARGARET MONTFORT= - =PEGGY= - =RITA= - =FERNLEY HOUSE= - =THE MERRYWEATHERS= - - - - -THE CAPTAIN JANUARY SERIES - -By LAURA E. RICHARDS - - _Each 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ 50 cents - - -=CAPTAIN JANUARY= - -A charming idyl of New England coast life, whose success has been very -remarkable. - - SAME. _Illustrated Holiday Edition_ $1.25 - SAME, FRENCH TEXT. _Illustrated Holiday Edition_ $1.25 - - -=MELODY=: THE STORY OF A CHILD. - - SAME. _Illustrated Holiday Edition_ $1.25 - - -=MARIE= - -A companion to "Melody" and "Captain January." - - -=ROSIN THE BEAU= - -A sequel to "Melody" and "Marie." - - -=SNOW-WHITE=; OR, THE HOUSE IN THE WOOD. - - -=JIM OF HELLAS=; OR, IN DURANCE VILE, and a companion story, BETHESDA -POOL. - - -=NARCISSA= - -And a companion story, IN VERONA, being two delightful short stories of -New England life. - - -"=SOME SAY=" - -And a companion story, NEIGHBORS IN CYRUS. - - -=NAUTILUS= - -"'Nautilus' is by far the best product of the author's powers, and is -certain to achieve the wide success it so richly merits." - - -=ISLA HERON= - -This interesting story is written in the author's usual charming manner. - - -=THE LITTLE MASTER= - -"A well told, interesting tale of a high character."--_California -Gateway Gazette._ - - - - -DELIGHTFUL BOOKS FOR LITTLE FOLKS - -By LAURA E. RICHARDS - - -=THREE MINUTE STORIES= - - Cloth decorative, 12mo, with eight plates in full color - and many text illustrations by Josephine Bruce. - _Net_ $1.25; carriage paid $1.40 - -"Little ones will understand and delight in the stories and -poems."--_Indianapolis News._ - - -=FIVE MINUTE STORIES= - - Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.25 - -A charming collection of short stories and clever poems for children. - - -=MORE FIVE MINUTE STORIES= - - Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.25 - -A noteworthy collection of short stories and poems for children, which -will prove as popular with mothers as with boys and girls. - - -=FIVE MICE IN A MOUSE TRAP= - - Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.25 - -The story of their lives and other wonderful things related by the Man -in the Moon, done in the vernacular from the lunacular form by Laura E. -Richards. - - -=WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE= - - Cloth, 8vo, illustrated $1.25 - -The title most happily introduces the reader to the charming home life -of Doctor Howe and Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, during the childhood of the -author. - - -=A HAPPY LITTLE TIME= - - Cloth, 8vo, illustrated $1.25 - -Little Betty and the happy time she had will appeal strongly to mothers -as well as to the little ones who will have this story read to them, -and appeal all the more on account of its being such a "real" story. - - - - -THE BOYS' STORY OF THE RAILROAD SERIES - -By BURTON E. STEVENSON - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=THE YOUNG SECTION-HAND=; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF ALLAN WEST. - -"A thrilling story, well told, clean and bright. The whole range -of section railroading is covered in the story, and it contains -information as well as interest."--_Chicago Post._ - - -=THE YOUNG TRAIN DISPATCHER= - -"A vivacious account of the varied and often hazardous nature of -railroad life, full of incident and adventure, in which the author has -woven admirable advice about honesty, manliness, self-culture, good -reading, and the secrets of success."--_Congregationalist._ - - -=THE YOUNG TRAIN MASTER= - -"It is a book that can be unreservedly commended to anyone who loves a -good, wholesome, thrilling, informing yarn."--_Passaic News._ - - -=THE YOUNG APPRENTICE=; OR, ALLAN WEST'S CHUM. - -"The story is intensely interesting, and one gains an intimate -knowledge of the methods and works in the great car shops not easily -gained elsewhere."--_Baltimore Sun._ - -"It appeals to every boy of enterprising spirit, and at the same -time teaches him some valuable lessons in honor, pluck, and -perseverance."--_Cleveland Plain Dealer._ - -"The lessons that the books teach in development of uprightness, -honesty and true manly character are sure to appeal to the -reader."--_The American Boy._ - - - - - THE LITTLE COLONEL BOOKS - (Trade Mark) - -By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON - - _Each large 12mo, cloth, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL STORIES= - (Trade Mark) - -Being three "Little Colonel" stories in the Cosy Corner Series, "The -Little Colonel," "Two Little Knights of Kentucky," and "The Giant -Scissors," in a single volume. - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL'S HOUSE PARTY= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL'S HOLIDAYS= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL'S HERO= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL AT BOARDING-SCHOOL= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL IN ARIZONA= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL'S CHRISTMAS VACATION= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL, MAID OF HONOR= - (Trade Mark) - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL'S KNIGHT COMES RIDING= - (Trade Mark) - - =MARY WARE: THE LITTLE COLONEL'S CHUM= - (Trade Mark) - -=MARY WARE IN TEXAS= - -=MARY WARE'S PROMISED LAND= - -_These twelve volumes, boxed as a set_, $18.00. - - - - -SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITIONS - - _Each small quarto, cloth decorative, per volume_ $1.25 - -New plates, handsomely illustrated with eight full-page drawings in -color, and many marginal sketches. - - - =THE LITTLE COLONEL= - (Trade Mark) - -=TWO LITTLE KNIGHTS OF KENTUCKY= - -=THE GIANT SCISSORS= - -=BIG BROTHER= - - - - -THE JOHNSTON JEWEL SERIES - - _Each small 16mo, cloth decorative, with frontispiece - and decorative text borders, per volume._ _Net_ $0.50 - - -=IN THE DESERT OF WAITING=: THE LEGEND OF CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN. - -=THE THREE WEAVERS=: A FAIRY TALE FOR FATHERS AND MOTHERS AS WELL AS -FOR THEIR DAUGHTERS. - -=KEEPING TRYST=: A TALE OF KING ARTHUR'S TIME. - -=THE LEGEND OF THE BLEEDING HEART= - -=THE RESCUE OF PRINCESS WINSOME=: A FAIRY PLAY FOR OLD AND YOUNG. - -=THE JESTER'S SWORD= - - - - -=THE LITTLE COLONEL'S GOOD TIMES BOOK= - - - Uniform in size with the Little Colonel Series $1.50 - Bound in white kid (morocco) and gold. _Net_ 3.00 - -Cover design and decorations by Peter Verberg. - -"A mighty attractive volume in which the owner may record the good -times she has on decorated pages, and under the directions as it were -of Annie Fellows Johnston."--_Buffalo Express._ - - -=THE LITTLE COLONEL DOLL BOOK--First Series= - - Quarto, boards, printed in colors $1.50 - -A series of "Little Colonel" dolls. Each has several changes of -costume, so they can be appropriately clad for the rehearsal of any -scene or incident in the series. - - -=THE LITTLE COLONEL DOLL BOOK--Second Series= - - Quarto, boards, printed in colors $1.50 - -An artistic series of paper dolls, including not only lovable Mary -Ware, the Little Colonel's chum, but many another of the much loved -characters which appear in the last three volumes of the famous "Little -Colonel Series." - - -=ASA HOLMES= - -By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. - -With a frontispiece by Ernest Fosbery. - - 16mo, cloth decorative, gilt top $1.00 - -"'Asa Holmes' is the most delightful, most sympathetic and wholesome -book that has been published in a long while."--_Boston Times._ - - -=TRAVELERS FIVE: ALONG LIFE'S HIGHWAY= - -By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. - -With an introduction by Bliss Carman, and a frontispiece by E. H. -Garrett. - - 12mo, cloth decorative $1.25 - -"Mrs. Johnston broadens her reputation with this book so rich in the -significance of common things."--_Boston Advertiser._ - - -=JOEL: A BOY OF GALILEE= - -By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50 - -"The book is a very clever handling of the greatest event in the -history of the world."--_Rochester, N. Y., Herald._ - - - - -THE BOYS' STORY OF THE ARMY SERIES - -By FLORENCE KIMBALL RUSSEL - - -=BORN TO THE BLUE= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.25 - -"The story deserves warm commendation and genuine popularity."--_Army -and Navy Register._ - - -=IN WEST POINT GRAY= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50 - -"One of the best books that deals with West Point."--_New York Sun._ - - -=FROM CHEVRONS TO SHOULDER-STRAPS= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50 - -"The life of a cadet at West Point is portrayed very -realistically."--_The Hartford Post, Hartford, Conn._ - - - - -DOCTOR'S LITTLE GIRL SERIES - -By MARION AMES TAGGART - - _Each large 12mo, cloth, illustrated, per volume_, $1.50 - - -=THE DOCTOR'S LITTLE GIRL= - -"A charming story of the ups and downs of the life of a dear little -maid."--_The Churchman._ - - -=SWEET NANCY=: THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE DOCTOR'S LITTLE GIRL. - -"Just the sort of book to amuse, while its influence cannot but be -elevating."--_New York Sun._ - - -=NANCY, THE DOCTOR'S LITTLE PARTNER= - -"The story is sweet and fascinating, such as many girls of wholesome -tastes will enjoy."--_Springfield Union._ - - -=NANCY PORTER'S OPPORTUNITY= - -"Nancy shows throughout that she is a splendid young woman, with plenty -of pluck."--_Boston Globe._ - - -=NANCY AND THE COGGS TWINS= - -"The story is refreshing."--_New York Sun._ - - - - -WORKS OF EVALEEN STEIN - - -=THE CHRISTMAS PORRINGER= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated by Adelaide Everhart $1.25 - -This story happened many hundreds of years ago in the quaint Flemish -city of Bruges and concerns a little girl named Karen, who worked at -lace-making with her aged grandmother. - - -=GABRIEL AND THE HOUR BOOK= - - Small quarto, cloth decorative, illustrated and - decorated in colors by Adelaide Everhart $1.25 - -"No works in juvenile fiction contain so many of the elements that -stir the hearts of children and grown-ups as well as do the stories so -admirably told by this author."--_Louisville Daily Courier._ - - -=A LITTLE SHEPHERD OF PROVENCE= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated by Diantha H. Marlowe $1.25 - -"The story should be one of the influences in the life of every child -to whom good stories can be made to appeal."--_Public Ledger._ - - -=THE LITTLE COUNT OF NORMANDY= - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated by John Goss $1.25 - -"This touching and pleasing story is told with a wealth of interest -coupled with enlivening descriptions of the country where its scenes -are laid and of the people thereof."--_Wilmington Every Evening._ - - - - -=ELEANOR OF THE HOUSEBOAT= - -By LOUISE M. BREITENBACH. - - 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50 - -An unusually interesting story of how Eleanor Tracy spent a wonderful -summer on a houseboat. - - - - -HISTORICAL BOOKS - - -=THE BOYS OF '61=; OR, FOUR YEARS OF FIGHTING. - -By CHARLES CARLETON COFFIN. - - Standard Edition. An entirely new edition, cloth - decorative, 8vo, with nearly two hundred illustrations $2.00 - Popular Edition. Cloth decorative, 12mo, with eight - illustrations $1.00 - -A record of personal observation with the Army and Navy, from the -Battle of Bull Run to the fall of Richmond. - - -=THE BOYS OF 1812=; AND OTHER NAVAL HEROES. - -By JAMES RUSSELL SOLEY. - - Cloth decorative, 8vo, illustrated $2.00 - -"The book is full of stirring incidents and adventures."--_Boston -Herald._ - - -=THE SAILOR BOYS OF '61= - -By JAMES RUSSELL SOLEY. - - Cloth decorative, 8vo, illustrated $2.00 - -"It is written with an enthusiasm that never allows the interest to -slacken."--_The Call, Newark, N. J._ - - -=BOYS OF FORT SCHUYLER= - -By JAMES OTIS. - - Cloth decorative, square 12mo, illustrated $1.25 - -"It is unquestionably one of the best historical Indian stories ever -written."--_Boston Herald._ - - -FAMOUS WAR STORIES - -By CHARLES CARLETON COFFIN - - _Each cloth decorative, 12mo, illustrated, per vol._ $1.25 - - -=WINNING HIS WAY= - -A story of a young soldier in the Civil War. - - -=MY DAYS AND NIGHTS ON THE BATTLEFIELD= - -A story of the Battle of Bull Run and other battles in Kentucky, -Tennessee, and on the Mississippi. - - -=FOLLOWING THE FLAG= - -A story of the Army of the Potomac in the Civil War. - - - - -STORIES OF NEWSBOY LIFE - -By JAMES OTIS - - _Each 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.25 - - -=JENNY WREN'S BOARDING HOUSE= - -"Distinctively a story of newsboy life in New York, and Mr. Otis very -quickly finds his way to the sensitive and loving heart that beats -under the ragged and torn coat of the little boy who is untiring in his -efforts to sell his papers and thereby earn a mere pittance to sustain -life."--_Boston Herald._ - - -=TEDDY AND CARROTS=; OR, TWO MERCHANTS OF NEWSPAPER ROW. - -His newsboys are real and wide-awake, and his story abounds with many -exciting scenes and graphic incidents. - - -=THE BOYS' REVOLT= - -A story of the street arabs of New York. - -"This is the story of a strike of bootblack boys in the city of New -York and it contains stirring scenes and incidents."--_The Christian -Register._ - - -=JERRY'S FAMILY= - -The story of a street waif of New York. - -It is written in the author's best vein, the scene being one in which -he has won many brilliant successes, _i.e._, picturing life among the -street arabs of New York. - - -=THE PRINCESS AND JOE POTTER= - -"The secret of the author's success lies in his wonderful sympathy with -the aspirations of child-life, his truthful delineation of life among -the children who act as his object lessons."--_New York Sun._ - - -=LARRY HUDSON'S AMBITION= - -"The book is written with brisk and deft cleverness."--_New York Sun._ - -"An attractive story, with a healthy outdoor atmosphere."--_New York -Commercial Advertiser._ - - - - -THE SANDMAN SERIES - -By WILLIAM J. HOPKINS - - _Each large 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated, per volume_ $1.50 - - -=THE SANDMAN=: HIS FARM STORIES. - -"Mothers and fathers and kind elder sisters who take the little -ones to bed and rack their brains for stories will find this book a -treasure."--_Cleveland Leader._ - - -=THE SANDMAN=: MORE FARM STORIES. - -"Children will call for these stories over and over again."--_Chicago -Evening Post._ - - -=THE SANDMAN=: HIS SHIP STORIES. - -"Little ones will understand and delight in the stories and their -parents will read between the lines and recognize the poetic and -artistic work of the author."--_Indianapolis News._ - - -=THE SANDMAN=: HIS SEA STORIES. - -"Once upon a time there was a man who knew little children and the kind -of stories they liked, so he wrote four books of Sandman's stories, all -about the farm or the sea, and the brig _Industry_, and this book is -one of them."--_Canadian Congregationalist._ - - -=THE SANDMAN=: HIS ANIMAL STORIES. - -By HARRY W. FREES. - -"The Sandman is a wonderful fellow. First, he told farm stories, then -ship stories, then sea stories. And now he tells about the kittens and -puppies and the fun they had in Kittycat Town, which is somewhere in -Animal Land."--_Pittsburgh Chronicle Telegraph._ - - -=THE SANDMAN=: HIS SONGS AND RHYMES. - -By JENNY WALLIS. - -A choice collection of the best songs and rhymes that the best writers -of many lands and of past decades have produced, attractively arranged -by Jenny Wallis. - - - - - THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES - (TRADE MARK) - -Each volume illustrated with six or more full page plates in tint. -Cloth, 12mo, with decorative cover, per volume, 60 cents - - -LIST OF TITLES - - BY MARY HAZELTON WADE, MARY F. - NIXON-ROULET, BLANCHE MCMANUS, - CLARA V. WINLOW, FLORENCE E. - MENDEL AND OTHERS - - =Our Little African Cousin= - =Our Little Alaskan Cousin= - =Our Little Arabian Cousin= - =Our Little Argentine Cousin= - =Our Little Armenian Cousin= - =Our Little Australian Cousin= - =Our Little Austrian Cousin= - =Our Little Belgian Cousin= - =Our Little Boer Cousin= - =Our Little Bohemian Cousin= - =Our Little Brazilian Cousin= - =Our Little Bulgarian Cousin= - =Our Little Canadian Cousin= - =Our Little Chinese Cousin= - =Our Little Cossack Cousin= - =Our Little Cuban Cousin= - =Our Little Danish Cousin= - =Our Little Dutch Cousin= - =Our Little Egyptian Cousin= - =Our Little English Cousin= - =Our Little Eskimo Cousin= - =Our Little French Cousin= - =Our Little German Cousin= - =Our Little Grecian Cousin= - =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin= - =Our Little Hindu Cousin= - =Our Little Hungarian Cousin= - =Our Little Indian Cousin= - =Our Little Irish Cousin= - =Our Little Italian Cousin= - =Our Little Japanese Cousin= - =Our Little Jewish Cousin= - =Our Little Korean Cousin= - =Our Little Malayan (Brown) Cousin= - =Our Little Mexican Cousin= - =Our Little Norwegian Cousin= - =Our Little Panama Cousin= - =Our Little Persian Cousin= - =Our Little Philippine Cousin= - =Our Little Polish Cousin= - =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin= - =Our Little Portuguese Cousin= - =Our Little Russian Cousin= - =Our Little Scotch Cousin= - =Our Little Servian Cousin= - =Our Little Siamese Cousin= - =Our Little Spanish Cousin= - =Our Little Swedish Cousin= - =Our Little Swiss Cousin= - =Our Little Turkish Cousin= - - - - -THE LITTLE COUSINS OF LONG AGO SERIES - -The volumes in this series describe the boys and girls of ancient times. - - _Each small 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated_ 60c. - - -=OUR LITTLE ATHENIAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By JULIA DARROW COWLES. - - -=OUR LITTLE CARTHAGINIAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By CLARA V. WINLOW. - - -=OUR LITTLE MACEDONIAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By JULIA DARROW COWLES. - - -=OUR LITTLE NORMAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By EVALEEN STEIN. - - -=OUR LITTLE ROMAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By JULIA DARROW COWLES. - - -=OUR LITTLE SAXON COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By JULIA DARROW COWLES. - - -=OUR LITTLE SPARTAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By JULIA DARROW COWLES. - - -=OUR LITTLE VIKING COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - -By CHARLES H. L. JOHNSTON. - - -_IN PREPARATION_ - -=OUR LITTLE POMPEIIAN COUSIN OF LONG AGO= - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Obvious punctuation errors repaired. - -Page 24, "acquaintance'" changed to "acquaintance's" (acquaintance's -feelings) - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Little Roumanian Cousin, by -Clara Vostrovsky Winlow - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR LITTLE ROUMANIAN COUSIN *** - -***** This file should be named 43637-8.txt or 43637-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/6/3/43637/ - -Produced by Emmy, Beth Baran, Google Print and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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