was not very sure what that divine will wished, but that was
because he was only nine years old, and not very wise; but
Findelkind that was in heaven had begged for the poor; so would
he.

His parents were very poor, but he did not think of them as in
any want at any time, because he always had his bowlful of
porridge and as much bread as he wanted to eat. This morning he
had nothing to eat; he wished to be away before any one could
question him.

It was quite dusk in the fresh autumn morning. The sun had not
risen behind the glaciers of the Stubaithal, and the road was
scarcely seen; but he knew it very well, and he set out bravely,
saying his prayers to Christ, and to St. Christopher, and to
Findelkind that was in heaven.

He was not in any way clear as to what he would do, but he
thought he would find some great thing to do somewhere, lying
like a jewel in the dust; and he went on his way in faith, as
Findelkind of Arlberg had done before him.

His heart beat high, and his head lost its aching pains, and
his feet felt light; so light as if there were wings to his
ankles. He would not go to Zirl, because Zirl he knew so well,
and there could be nothing very wonderful waiting there; and he
ran fast the other way. When he was fairly out from under the
shadow of Martinswand, he slackened his pace, and saw the sun
come on his path, and the red day redden the gray-green water,
and the early Stellwagen from Landeck, that had been lumbering