oxen.

The mother busied herself in preparing supper, and the boys scattered
about on various errands. But Gigi sat in a corner by the fire, too
tired to move or speak. He had thrown off his long cloak, and the fire
glanced brightly upon the green and gold costume of this quaint little
figure, so out of place in the simple cottage. Presently Giuseppe
entered with a heavy tread, and paused in amazement at what he saw on
his hearthstone.

"Hello!" he cried gruffly. "What's this?"

Mother Margherita came forward quickly. "It is a little tumbler," she
said. "We saw him do his tricks at the market to-day. The Gypsies
beat him, and he has run away. Let us give him at least supper and a
shelter for the night, Giuseppe?" Her tone was beseeching.

"Hum!" grumbled Giuseppe doubtfully. "A runaway! A tumbler! A thief,
I dare say, as well. A pretty fellow to bring into an honest man's
house! His master will be after him, and then we shall all get into
trouble for sheltering a runaway. Margherita, you were always a
foolish woman! Is this all you have to show for market-day? Where is
the money?"

"Here it is, Giuseppe," said the mother, handing him the bag of silver,
which he thrust into his pocket. "Now let us have supper. You can
count the silver afterward, and we will tell you about everything when
that is over."

With a very bad grace the father watched the little stranger timidly