studying the Lord's Holy Book and the living works of His hands."

"Why do you live away from men?" asked Gigi again.

The Hermit's face grew sad.

"Men are wicked and cruel, child," he said. "Men hurt and kill one
another. They love to slay the innocent animals for sport. In their
kingdoms is no love. I have made myself here an animal kingdom, where
all is love and peace."

"Do all animals know you?" asked Gigi, wondering.

"With time I can make friends with them all," said the Hermit, smiling.
"One has but to love and understand and be patient. See!"

He gave a peculiar call. Instantly there came tumbling into the hut,
until it nearly overflowed, a strange medley of creatures,--hares,
mice, birds, kittens, squirrels. Last of all peered into the doorway a
deer and her little speckled fawn.

The dog sat quite still, not moving a muscle. He had been trained not
to frighten his more timid neighbors.

"Follow the example of Brutus, my son," said the Hermit gently. "Make
no sudden movement and do not speak. They know my voice, and they will
learn yours. But you are still a stranger to them, and must expect
them to be shy."

The animals crowded lovingly about the Hermit, some springing upon his