tion they stood still and looked around, for this was the very first time they had come to the Baths.
“It is not very lively up here, Aunt,” said the the younger, as she let her eyes wander around. “Nothing but rocks and fir woods, and then another mountain and more fir trees on it. If we are to stay here six weeks, I should like occasionally to see something more amusing.”
“It would not be very amusing, at all events, if you should lose your diamond cross up here, Paula,” replied the aunt, as she tied together the red velvet ribbon from which hung the sparkling cross. “This is the third time I have fastened the ribbon since we arrived; I don’t know whether it is your fault or the ribbon’s, but I do know that you would be very sorry if it were lost.”
“No, no,” exclaimed Paula, decidedly, “the cross must not be lost, on any account. It came from my grandmother and is my greatest treasure.”
Paula herself seized the ribbon, and tied two or three knots one after the other, to make it hold fast. Suddenly she pricked up her ears: “Listen, listen, Aunt, now something really lively is coming.”
A merry song sounded from far above them; then came a long, shrill yodel; then there was singing again.
The ladies looked upwards, but could see no living thing. The footpath was very crooked, often
