HEIDI
“I will take them for you if you will tell me where,” said the old man, stroking the cat to quiet her, for she was an old friend of his that had lived with him in the tower for many years.
“To Herr Sesemann’s, the big house where there is a gold dog’s head on the door, with a ring in its mouth,” explained Heidi.
Such full directions as these were not really needed by the old man, who had had charge of the tower for many a long year and knew every house far and near, and moreover Sebastian was an acquaintance of his.
“I know the house,” he said, “but when shall I bring them, and who shall I ask for?—you are not one of the family, I am sure.”
“No, but Clara will be so delighted when I take her the kittens.”
The old man wished now to go downstairs, but Heidi did not know how to tear herself away from the amusing spectacle.
“If I could just take one or two away with me! one for myself and one for Clara, may I?”
“Well, wait a moment,” said the man, and he drew the cat cautiously away into his room, and leaving her by a bowl of food came out again and shut the door. “Now take two of them.”
Heidi’s eyes shone with delight. She picked up a white kitten and another striped white and yellow, and put one in the right, the other in the left pocket. Then she went downstairs. The boy was still sitting outside on the steps, and as the old man shut the door of the church behind them, she said, “Which is our way to Herr Sesemann’s house?”
[126]
