that you will know how when you get through,"
Heidi explained eagerly.

"Can't," said the boy.

"No one believes you when you say that, and
neither do I," said Heidi very decidedly. "The
grandmamma in Frankfort knew long ago that it
wasn't true, and told me not to believe it."

Peter was overcome with amazement at this piece
of news.

"I will teach you how to read; I know a way,"
Heidi went on. "You are surely going to learn
to read now, and when you know how, you are to
read a hymn or two to the grandmother every day."

"It's no use," growled Peter.

This stubborn resistance to something that was
good and right and which she herself had so much
at heart made Heidi indignant. With flashing
eyes she stood before the boy and said threaten-
ingly: --

"Let me tell you what will happen to you if
you won't learn to read. I have heard your
mother say that she must send you to Frankfort
to learn something, and I know very well where
the boys go to school there; Klara showed me the
great big house when we were out driving. But
they don't go to school there only while they are
boys, but even after they have grown to be men.
I have seen them myself. And don't think for a

-319-