Opening, part 32 · page 21 2101Somehow or other food was never lacking in the hut, and the children grew up and were so good and gentle that, in time, their foster-parents loved them as well or better than their own, who were quarrelsome and envious.102It did not take the orphans long to notice that the boys did not like them, and were always playing tricks on them, so they used to go away by themselves and spend whole hours by the banks of the river.103Here they would take out the bits of bread they had saved from their breakfasts and crumble them for the birds.104In return, the birds taught them many things: how to get up early in the morning, how to sing, and how to talk their language, which very few people know.checked by a teacher105But though the little orphans did their best to avoid quarrelling with their foster- brothers, it was very difficult always to keep the peace.106Matters got worse and worse till, one morning, the eldest boy said to the twins:107'It is all very well for you to pretend that you have such good manners, and are so much better than we, but we have at least a father and mother, while you have only got the river, like the toads and the frogs.'108The poor children did not answer the insult; but it made them very unhappy.109And they told each other in whispers that they could not stay there any longer, but must go into the world and seek their fortunes.110So next day they arose as early as the birds and stole downstairs without anybody hearing them.111One window was open, and they crept softly out and ran to the side of the river.112Then, feeling as if they had found a friend, they walked along its banks, hoping that by- and-by they should meet some one to take care of them.113The whole of that day they went steadily on without seeing a living creature, till, in the evening, weary and footsore, they saw before them a small hut.114This raised their spirits for a moment; but the door was shut, and the hut seemed empty, and so great was their disappointment that they almost cried.115However, the boy fought down his tears, and said cheerfully:116'Well, at any rate here is a bench where we can sit down, and when we are rested we will think what is best to do next.'117Then they sat down, and for some time they were too tired even to notice anything; but by-and-by they saw that under the tiles of the roof a number of swallows were sitting, chattering merrily to each other.118Of course the swallows had no idea that the children understood their language, or they would not have talked so freely; but, as it was, they said whatever came into their heads.119'Good evening, my fine city madam,' remarked a swallow, whose manners were rather rough and countryfied to another who looked particularly distinguished. '120Happy, indeed, are the eyes that behold you!121Only think of your having returned to your long-forgotten country friends, after you have lived for years in a palace!'122'I have inherited this nest from my parents,' replied the other, 'and as they left it to me I certainly shall make it my home.123But,' she added politely, 'I hope that you and all your family are well?'124'Very well indeed, I am glad to say.125But my poor daughter had, a short time ago, such bad inflammation in her eyes that she would have gone blind had I not been able to find the magic herb, which cured her at once.'126'And how is the nightingale singing?127Does the lark soar as high as ever?128And does the linnet dress herself as smartly?'129But here the country swallow drew herself up.130'I never talk gossip,' she said severely. '131Our people, who were once so innocent and well-behaved, have been corrupted by the bad examples of men.132It is a thousand pities.'133'What! innocence and good behaviour are not to be met with among birds, nor in the country!134My dear friend, what are you saying?'135'The truth and nothing more.136Imagine, when we returned here, we met some linnets who, just as the spring and the flowers and the long days had come, were setting out for the north and the cold?137Out of pure compassion we tried to persuade them to give up this folly; but they only replied with the utmost insolence.'138'How shocking!' exclaimed the city swallow.139'Yes, it was.140And worse than that, the crested lark, that was formerly so timid and shy, is now no better than a thief, and steals maize and corn whenever she can find them.'1 2← previousOpening, part 31next →Opening, part 33↑ back to The Orange Fairy BookThis page in Markdown → https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg3027/32/page/2/