for wood to the grove. The tenant had to see to all this and Barka dared do nothing else but prepare meals and sit beside him and spin. He wanted her to have him before her constantly and to admire him.
Barka often wondered not only that he wished this but that he was so truly in earnest about it. He made not only brooms, but lanterns, cages and anything his fancy suggested. Many people now knew of Matýsek and sought him out. It was just as he had predicted—he had become a notable. Often he related to the children that all this was just what he had anticipated when Barka used to take his part while they were both pasturing flocks. At the same time, he admonished them to be mindful of his every word and deed so that they too might some day follow in his footsteps, but he had great fears that such a result would not really be attained, for, not in a single trait did the children resemble him.
When the children had to hop about Matýsek practically all day, and, as the whim struck him, had to rush away or come speeding back, to speak or remain silent, to place things within his reach or to remain motionless at a safe distance, Barka would often secretly supply them with dainties which their mother could not have provided. She did this in order that they should the more willingly do his bidding. But Matýsek was not supposed to know of any such proceeding and Barka had to exercise the greatest caution. Whenever Matýsek learned of such a gift, he pouted
