]
One day a little Bernese wagon, drawn by two handsome white horses, came
rattling along the road; a stout, upland farmer took up almost the
entire seat, which was meant for two. He drew up by the roadside and
asked:
"Girlie, have you anything one can drink out of?"
"Yes, certainly--I'll get it for you." And she went off briskly to fetch
her pitcher, which she filled with water.
"Ah!" said the farmer, stopping to take breath after a long draught; and
with the water running down his chin, he continued, talking half into
the jug: "There's after all no water like this in all the world." And
again he raised the jug to his lips, and motioned to Amrei to keep still
while he took a second long, thirsty draught. For it is extremely
disagreeable to be addressed when you are drinking; you swallow
hurriedly and feel an oppression afterward.
The child seemed to realize this, for not until the farmer had handed
back the jug did she say:
"Yes, this is good, wholesome water; and if you would like to water your
horses, it is especially good for them--it won't give them cramps."
"My horses are warm and must not drink now. Do you come from
Haldenbrunn, my girl?"
"Yes indeed."
"And what is your name?"
"Amrei."
"And to whom do you belong?"
[Illustration: AMREI BRISKLY BROUGHT HER PITCHER FILLED WITH WATER]
"To nobody now--my father was Josenhans.
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