So the boys together rolled the heavy log to its place, and put the
other end of the board upon it.

"Now jump!" cried Niels; and with one joyous "halloo" the children were
on the broad, springy plank, enjoying to the utmost this novel
pleasure.

Their shouts of delight brought the wood-cutter to the door of the
little hut, and grandmother Ingeborg following, caught the excitement,
and, pulling off her cap, she waved it wildly, crying: "Hurrah for the
Lapps! Hurrah!"

Then she and father Peder went back to their chairs in the chimney
corner; and Hansa, sitting on the spring-board, with the children
around her, told them such a wonderful, beautiful story, that they were
quite silent with delight.

At last said Olaf, contentedly, as he lay with his head on Hansa's
knee:

"After all, girls _are_ the nicest things in the world!"

"Except boys," said little Hansa, slyly.




[Illustration: JUNO'S WONDERFUL TROUBLES.]