Classic Audiobook Collection - Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Spyri ~ Full Audiobook [family]

Episode Date: February 11, 2026

Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Spyri audiobook. Genre: family Rita Feland has earned her nickname, Little Miss Grasshopper, the moment she starts bouncing with excitement. From their comfortable home in Dresden, the Feland family sets out for a long-awaited summer holiday in Switzerland, climbing toward the high country of the Gemmi Pass where sharp peaks, deep valleys, and clear air promise freedom and discovery. In a quiet mountain cottage, new acquaintances appear and the days fill with walks, stories, and the thrilling sense that the world is larger than Rita ever imagined. But Rita's bright curiosity and impulsive courage can carry her farther than anyone expects. When an innocent adventure turns suddenly frightening, the peaceful trip becomes a test of nerve and devotion as family members and strangers alike are drawn into a tense search through rugged terrain and an approaching night. Tender, suspenseful, and grounded in the beauty of the Alps, Johanna Spyri's tale explores the bonds between parents and children, the limits of youthful independence, and the steadying power of love and faith when fear closes in. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:05:50) Chapter 02 (00:13:23) Chapter 03 (00:22:54) Chapter 04 (00:32:50) Chapter 05 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Speary. Recording by Devorah Allen. Chapter 1 Before the Journey In Dresden, not far from the terrace on the Elbe, stands a large stone house. One sunny July morning, Herr Feland was sitting there in his easy chair, and holding such a large newspaper in front of him that nothing at all could be seen of his face. Opposite him sat his wife in a white morning cap. From time to time she poured a little water from the singing kettle on the fragrant coffee in the coffee pot.

Breakfast was about to be served. Then the door opened and two little girls entered, followed by a young lady, who regarded with some anxiety the lively way in which little Rita ran bounding through the room in order finally to spring with one big leap on her papa's knee. By her skill in jumping, it was plain to see that it was not the first time she had accomplished this. Rita now looked triumphantly around as if to say, Now I am once more seated in my strong castle where no harm can reach me. Then she put her little curly head under the big newspaper and said roguishly,

Oh, Papa, now I have found you. When are we going to the Gemmy? Papa laid aside his paper, kissed his little girl, and said, First, good morning, little grasshopper. We will see about planning for the trip later. On account of her nimble jumping, her Papa called her Little Grasshopper. When Rita found the big paper was no longer between her and her Papa, she threw her arms around his neck and said,

Good morning! With great affection. Meanwhile, her sister Ella was standing perfectly still beside her Papa's chair, waiting for his morning greeting. Then he kissed his older little daughter also, and she sat down quietly at the table. Now please go to and sit where you belong, said Papa, Rita, who had made no move to leave her high seat.

"'I am going right away, Papa,' said Rita, assuringly. But first she straightened herself up in her castle and said, "'I was only waiting for you to say when we are going to the Gemi.' "'As soon as mother has packed,' replied her papa. Then Rita jumped down and ran to her mother. "'Oh, Mama, let us pack today. Please, please, right away,' begged Rita coaxingly. "'I will help you, and Ella can help you too,

and Frau Laine Holweig, and so we can go away. tomorrow and then— Now we will drink our milk and sit very quietly a while at the table, dear child, replied her mother with firm decision. And Rita, who saw that there could be no further answer to her question, sat down in her place between her father and mother, and breakfast began. Every morning for a long time had begun in Herr Felon's house with pressing question about the trip to the Gemmy.

Hardly any other thought entered Little Rita's mind. The plan for this journey had been impressed upon Little Rita's imagination in the following way, and had fastened itself firmly there. The summer before, her father and mother had made a trip to Switzerland. On the Gemi Pass, leading from Wallace across to the canton of Bern, they had been so especially delighted that they decided to go there again the following summer, to take the children and Miss Holwegg with them and remain there for some time. On their journey, the parents had made the acquaintance of the guide, Casper,

and had told him of their intention and desire to hire a house in the vicinity. and settle his family there instead of living in a hotel. Then Casper had proposed to let them occupy his own cottage, which stood not far from the Gemmy Pass on a green slope near the footpath. He could perfectly well give up his little house at just this time because he himself was always away traveling with strangers. His two boys were taking care of the big flocks in the mountain pasture, and his wife could live in the attic room and serve the Felon family.

For them, the big living room and the two sleeping rooms would be put in order. This proposal was very acceptable to Herr Feland and his wife, and after looking over the little house, they decided to engage it for the summer months of the coming year. This news, and the description of the beautiful fields and lofty snow-clad mountains, the green pastures, and the numbers of grazing cows, had made a deep impression on the two children, and for a long time, Rita had been hardly able to wait for the day to start on the journey. Even in winter, not a day had begun and hardly had one ended without Rita's asking, Mama, will summer come soon now?

Now the summer was really there, and Rita's question became more determined and urgent. Every morning in expectant tone sounded the words, When are we going to the Gemi? Every day the child's impatience grew, and these impetuous questions and pleadings increased, until Rita could hardly wait any longer to climb into the train and travel to the high mountains and green fields.

Finally the day came when the whole Feland house looked like a big annual fair. Every possible kind of clothing lay around in such piles in all the chambers that there was no more place to sit down. But little by little, everything disappeared into three huge trunks, and two days later, the whole felon family were seated in the train. Ella in silent delight between her mama and Fraulle and Fraulein Holweig, Rita next her papa, whom she embraced every moment in sheer delight, for now they were really going on the Great Journey. Now they were going to the Gemi. End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Speary. This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Recording by

Devorah Allen. Chapter 2nd On the Gemi Pass Not far from the summit of the Gemi Pass, a narrow path enters the woods and soon leads to the place where the traveler cannot look without a shudder over the steep walls of rock down into the deep precipice. One beautiful summer evening, a young boy was coming along this woodpath. In his hand he held a large red flower, which he had found deep within the woods,

and looked at it wonderingly from time to time. Then he came out of the woods into an open place and gazed around, but appeared to find nothing in particular to look at further, and continued his way. Then he stepped into a narrow, field path, leading to the left up a green slope. There stood two cottages not far apart, each with a small outbuilding behind it, evidently to shelter the animals. One of these sheds was larger

than the other, and the cottage also, with its brand-new door, looked more roomy and better kept. This belonged to the guide Casper, who lived in it together with his wife and two boys, and every year was able to improve something about it, because he earned a good deal of money as guide to travelers. In his shed stood not only two goats, like all the neighbors, but for the last two years a fine cow also, which furnished him with wonderful milk and butter. The smaller cottage beyond, with its old wormyton door and tumble-down shingle roof, belonged to the porter Martin, the big man, who on account of his powerful build was called Strong Martin. He lived there with his wife and four little children, and behind, in his small shed stood his two

goats, whose milk had to feed the whole family. All through the summer, especially in fine weather, strong Martin really had a good income. Then he carried traveller's luggage over the Gemmy, but he didn't earn nearly so much as his neighbor Casper, who was often away many days at a time with the mountain climbers. In front of the new house door, Casper's two boys were now standing and were evidently discussing something very important. They were examining, handling, and comparing with great eagerness, two objects, which they held in their hands, and when at last they seemed to come to an agreement,

they began all over again. The little fellow who had just come out of the woods to the cottage now stood still and looked full of astonishment at what was going on in front of the house door. "'Sepley, come, look, look!' called one of the two boys to him. Seppley drew near, his eyes gazed in motionless amazement at what was shown him. "'See what father brought us from the fair and burn,' called the larger of the boys again to Seppley,

and each one of them held up his present. What a wonderful sight was offered to Seppley's eyes. Chappie and Georgie each held in his hand a large whip, in this country called a geysel or lash. The strong and yet pliable handle was wound round with little bands of red leather. The long white lash was of solid braided leather thongs. On the end hung a firmly twisted round cord of yellow silk with a little tassel at the end.

This end, which could make a wonderful crack, was called the whiplash. Seppley looked speechless at the whips. Never in his life had he seen anything so splendid. Now just listen, said Chappie, beginning to swing his whip, and Georgie did the same, and then it cracked and thundered up and down the valley,

and resounded from all the mountains, so that it appeared to Seppley as if there was nothing grander and more wonderful in the whole world. "'If only I had a whip with a yellow lash, too,' said he, taking a deep breath, when the two had finally stopped cracking theirs. "'Yes, you will have to wait for it,' replied Chappie haughtily. And with one last tremendous crack he ran away. He had to show his whip to other people.

Georgie ran behind him, but Seppley gazed after the two boys and remained motionless. A heavy weight had fallen on his untroubled heart. He had seen something which he had seen something which he had. yearned and longed for, more than he had ever done before in all his life, and Chappie had said discouragingly, yes, you will have to wait. It seemed to Seppley exactly as if everything which could make him happy was lost for his whole life. He seized the red flower firmly and threw it away, for to have only a red flower, and never, never to own a whip with a yellow a lash, turned Seppley against the flower. It flew far away into the field, and Seppley looked

after it in silent rage. No one knows how long he would have remained standing there, if the door had not opened behind him, and a woman stepped out with a big broom in her hand. "'Where are the boys, Seppley?' she asked curtly. "'Gone off with a whips,' was his answer, for they were still before his eyes. "'Run and call them home, and be quick,' commanded the woman. "'Tomorrow early they will have to go to the mountain, and this is a little.' This evening the gentleman is coming, and there is still much to be done. Run and tell them, Sepley." The youngster then ran with all his might in the direction where the two boys

had disappeared. The woman began to work her broom into every corner and to sweep. She was Casper's wife and the mother of the two boys, Chappie and Georgie. That morning a letter had come from Herr Felland announcing that he and his family would arrive the following evening. Hence the great preparation with the broom, which was not unnecessary, for Chapy and Georgie brought a great deal of dirt with their big shoes into the house. Now the two boys came running along with a frightful cracking of whips, neighbor Seppley still behind them, for the sight of the whips drew him irresistibly along. But when their mother called the boys in, because they had to help with all sorts of work,

Sepley finally turned and went over to his house, but very slowly, like one who bore a great trouble. And Seppley was bearing one, for the whips with the yellow lash hovered perpetually before his eyes, and besides, he heard Chappie's crushing words, yes, you will have to wait. Over in front of the old house door, on the spot where the earth had been trodden down firmly for a threshing floor, stood Father Martin, striving with a heavy axe to split big, knotty logs of wood into small pieces for the mother to lay on the hearth. In a row in front of their father, stood Marthally, Freedley, and Berthely, with big, eager eyes, watching his work. Seppley, the oldest, now came along, placed himself in the row, and opened his eyes wide,

for wherever there was something to be seen, he was always there. But soon his father pointed to the little pieces on the ground, and said in a more gentle, friendly voice than one would have expected from such a big, strong man, well, seply, take two at a time in your arms, and carry them in to mother in the kitchen, so she can cook our potatoes for us. Seppley did immediately as he was told, and the work helped him a little to forget his trouble. But later, when he lay beside Freedly in their little bed,

he could not go to sleep at once, as usual. The great hurt rose again before his eyes, and he had to sigh, Oh, if I only had a whip with a yellow lash. End of chapter two. Bien-inue at board of Via Rai, Embarked and profite. Embarked and celebrate. Rigolet.

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Chapter 3 of Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Speary This Librevox recording is in the public domain Recording by Devorah Allen Chapter 3rd New Acquaintances Very early the following morning A great cracking of whips was heard For at 4 o'clock Chappi and Georgie were already waiting in front of the cottage

For the cows which were to be brought here from one place and another in order to drive them up on the mountain, where the big herd was. Then the two would remain up there as shepherd boys until autumn, and they were so delighted about it, they couldn't make enough noise. For to be up there together and have nothing to do the whole summer but run around with their whips and with the cows was to them a splendid prospect. When their mother had fastened on their knapsacks and admonished them to be good boys, and they had gone away with their cows,

she went back into the house, and then began a sweeping and dusting in every room, corner, from top to bottom, so there was no end to it the whole day long. The sun had already gone down behind the fir trees, when the woman once more wiped off the windows, one after another, and looked around to see if everything was in order. Everything was shining, the windows all around the house, the table with the slate top, the benches against the walls, and even the floor. The woman now saw a whole procession of porters, horses and riders coming up the path from the

valley. She ran quickly up the narrow stairs to the attic chamber, put on a clean apron, and placed herself in the doorway in order to receive her strange guests. The procession stopped, and Herr Fell and lifted first his wife and Frouline Holbeg, then the children from the horses. Rita had hardly touched the ground when she ran to and fro for joy, and did not know which was the most beautiful, the tiny wooden cottage with the little bench in front of the door, the green fields around with the flowers and brooks, or the trees, or the little little little the golden evening sunshine on the rocks and fir trees. Everything was so new, so lovely. Ella, too, was quite filled with admiration and looked around in silent astonishment.

Then their father and mother came into the cottage, and a new pleasure began for Rita, since everything here was so different from anything she had ever seen in her life before. She seized Ella by the hand, and ran with her into every corner. See, see, there are seats all around the room against the wall, and just see where you can climb up. Whereupon Rita ran quickly up the stairs, leading up behind the oven, to an opening through which the sleeping room was entered.

This was a wonderful discovery. From there they went through an open door into another chamber, where two beds stood. This led into a little garret room, and a wooden staircase on the other side went down again into the living room. This made a wonderful circuit, which could be made many times a day,

and everything about the whole house, inside and out, looked so new and unusual, and promised so much, Rita didn't know what she should enjoy the most. When at last she lay in her big bed upstairs in the chamber, and Ella in the one beside her, and their mother had said good-night to the children after the evening prayer, Rita drew a deep sigh and said with the greatest contentment,

Oh, now we are on the gemmy. The most beautiful summer days now followed, with golden sunshine on the meadows, with cool breezes blowing up in the evergreen woods, and the deep blue sky spread out above the rocks and the white snow-capped mountains. In a few days, Ella and Rita had discovered all the lovely spots in the neighborhood where they could lie down and spend the warm afternoon hours agreeably until evening,

when a stroll was taken with their papa and mama. But Rita was more inclined to discover lovely spots than to rest, and while Ella was sitting on the soft moss under the fir trees, or on the green meadow ground of the mountainside, enjoying the thought that Fraulein Holvegg was coming to read her a charming story or tell one, Rita had always some new plan which she proceeded to carry out. Meanwhile, their mother sat in the house with their papa, and often had to lie down to rest, for her health was very frail.

When Rita saw Frouline Holvegg come out of the house with a big basket filled with knitting materials on her arm, all kinds of delightful places immediately came to her mind where they could go, and before Fralla and Holveig had seated herself, Rita would tell her that she must go in right away to her papa, for she had a great deal to say to him. In a twinkling she was in the house, had jumped up on her papa's knee, and was telling him a multitude of plans, how they could climb to the fir trees high up on the rocks and see far around, or go deep, deep into the woods until they came to the big birds that often screamed so frightfully.

Papa would listen to her daring proposals with interest, but thought there were shorter excursions to take nearby, and then would send her back to Ella and the frowline. Rita had just come to her father's knee again. Today she had a new proposal to make, and it was very urgent. "'Oh, Papa, lay down your book for just a little minute,' she begged. "'I have something to tell you.' Her Papa granted her request and listened attentively. "'See Papa,' continued Rita.

"'Yesterday, and again today, a little boy has been standing in front of the cottage over there, and he opens his eyes wide and keeps looking over here. I must really go over there and ask him why he does that and what his name is.' Papa agreed to this necessary errand, and Rita started off at once. Seppley had been standing over there in the same spot for an hour, gazing at the neighbor's house opposite, for since the strange people had come, there was always something new and remarkable to see. When Rita reached him, she placed herself directly in front of him, and put her hands behind her, just as her papa did when he had something important to talk over with her mama.

"'What do you expect to see that you keep looking over there?' she asked. "'Nothing,' replied Sepley. "'This answer didn't seem quite satisfactory to Rita. "'Did you think we had a little boy, too? "'And did you want to see how he looked?' she continued. "'No,' replied Sepley curtly. "'Perhaps you have forgotten what you expected to see,' said Rita then, in order to explain the matter to herself and to seply.

What is your name? Sepley. How old are you? Don't know. You must know. Come, stand beside me, so. And Rita placed herself beside Seppley, and looked at him over her shoulder.

He was a little shorter, but much more stoutly built than Rita. You were not so tall as I am, she said. You are quite small. You see, I shall be seven years old, for I was six years old on my birthday. that I know very well because I had many presents. Perhaps you are six years old because you are so small. Sepley took this information without any doubt,

for he did not know that he had been seven years old some time ago and that he had grown more in breadth than in height. What do you do all day long, Sepley? asked Rita. Seppley had to think about it a long time. Finally he said, I know where there are red flowers. This word fell like a burning spark into Rita's heart. Suddenly she saw a bush with flaming red roses somewhere in the woods, and everything in her

longed for the wonderful flowers. Where? Where? Seppley, where are the flowers? Come, let us go there quickly! And Rita had already seized Seppley's hand and drawn him along. But Seppley followed rather slowly. There, he said, and pointed with his finger to the woods above.

Oh, can you go there into the big forest? said Rita expectantly, pulling Seppley. pulling Seppley along with all her might. Yes, and then still farther, replied Seppley deliberately, and without hurrying his steps. He had heavy wooden shoes on his feet. But Rita pulled Seppley still harder. She already saw the path through the dark woods before her, and behind the trees the big red flowers glowing and shimmering.

Come, Seppley, come! she cried, and pulled him along still harder. They now came past Casper's cottage. Her papa was standing in the doorway. He was looking to see why his little girl stayed away so long, for the visit granted must have come to an end by this time. Just as he stepped on the threshold, the strange pair came along, Rita pulling seply after her with all her might. "'Here, here, not so fast, little grasshopper,' called her papa.

"'Come here. Where are you dragging your new friend?' "'Oh, Papa!' cried Rita in great eagerness. "'He knows where there are such beautiful red flowers in the full, forest, we are going to get them." "'No, no,' said Papa, taking Rita by the hand. "'That won't do. We are going to walk with Mama now, and your little friend can get the flowers and bring them to you.

Then he shall have a nice piece of bread and butter.' Whereupon her Papa led his child into the house, and soon they all came out together again, father and mother, frulein Holveg, Ella and Rita, and walked along the sunlit mountain path down towards the valley. Seppley remained standing in the same place until he could see nothing more of the company. Then he turned around and went back to his own house. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Speary.

This Librovoc's recording is in the public domain. Recording by Devorah Allen Chapter 4th A Terrible Night On the following day, about the time when Froufell had to take her usual rest, Fraulein Holveig came with her big basket to a lovely, shady spot near the house to spend the pleasant hour knitting and reading.

Ella sat quietly on her mossy seat, and Rita stood in front of her, telling with great enthusiasm about a bush in the woods with flaming red flowers, which shone far away through the trees. Her eyes grew bigger and brighter every moment, for the more she talked about it, the more plainly she saw it all before her,

and it seemed as if she was already on the path in the midst of the woods. Fraulein Holweig put aside her big basket and said, Sit down now, Rita, and be quiet. I have something lovely to read to you. But Rita was so full of her flowers in the woods, and all the things she saw before her eyes, that the command was forgotten. I must go right away to Papa.

I have so much to tell him, protested Rita, and ran to the house. It was the same thing that happened every day. Rita always thought of something very important to tell her Papa when she should have been sitting down. Today she had something even more urgent than usual. When a long time had passed and the child did not return, Fraline Holweig became uneasy and said, Go in quickly, Ella, and call Rita so that she will not wake Mama. Papa must have gone already, for he said at the table that he was going for a long walk.

Ella ran in, but did not come back for so long that Fraline Holveigieghauer went in too. It was perfectly still in the house. No one was in the living room, no one in the kitchen. Fraulein went up the little staircase and softly opened the door of the children's room. No one was there. Through the open door she could see into the parents' room, Frau Feland was lying with closed eyes on her bed. She was alone in the room. "'Frauine Holveig came out again. "'Then Ella came up from below "'and told her she had searched for Rita in the whole house,

"'in every corner, at last, even in the yard back of the wood, "'and in the little room belonging to Casper's wife, "'but Rita was nowhere to be found. "'Frauiline ran down the stairs to the shed. "'There she got some information. "'Casper's wife was standing inside spreading the straw for the goats. "'When questioned about Little Rita, "'she replied only that she had seen the church

child come into the house not long before. But where could Rita have gone afterwards? Froulein Holweig and Ella began to search through the whole house once more, then all around it in every nook and corner. Casper's wife helped willingly, for she saw that Frauleine felt a real anxiety. But nowhere was there any trace of the child to be seen. Casper's wife ran over to the neighbor's house. Perhaps they had seen Rita, but no one was there. The door was closed, everything still. When it came to the woman's mind that Martin was making hay today, high up on the rocks, and that the whole household had gone with him.

She came back with this information. Frouline Holweig was usually of a timid nature, and now she became more and more uneasy. Oh, if I had only gone after the child right away, she exclaimed regretfully a hundred times, but this was of no use. What was to be done? Where should they look for Rita? Would she perhaps have gone after the people up to the rocks, with the little boy with whom she had been seen the day before? The more she thought about this, the more likely it seemed to her.

If only there was someone to send up there immediately, she thought, before her mother had to be told about the matter. The obliging woman offered to do this and to come back again as soon as possible, but it was a long and toilsome way. It would take more time than one would think from looking up there. "'Frauline Holweig promised her a handsome reward "'if she would only go and prevent Froufelland from being frightened, "'and she was very hopeful that she would surely bring Rita back home with her. "'But the way was farther than Froulein had thought, "'and long before the messenger could return,

"'Frau Feland came down from her room "'and wished to take a walk with the children. "'Then everything had to be told her. "'At the first great shock, "'the mother wanted to go out herself at once "'to look for the child and see where she was. she could be, but Frowline was so sure that Rita must have run off with the little boy, that Froufelland calmed herself and decided to wait for the return of Casper's wife.

She really didn't have a peaceful moment. She ran from one window to the other, then back to the door, and then around the house. The time seemed so long to her. So long. At last, after two weary hours, the woman came back, panting and glowing from the heat, but she came alone without Rita. Martin had gone up to the rocks with his whole family early in the morning to make hay

and had remained there. No one had seen the child since the day before. Moreover, along the way the woman had asked for her here and there, but no trace of her was to be found. Then the mother broke out into loud lament. Oh, if only my husband were here, she cried. Where shall we find people to hunt for the child? what must we do?

Kind woman, what can we do? The woman offered to run around in the huts and summon the people to start out to search before it should be dark. They would have to go up along by the forest brook and into the forest. If only they hadn't all gone up to make hay, she complained, but she started off immediately.

Ella, who now realized what might have happened to Rita, began to weep bitterly. Oh, Mama, if Rita has fallen into the brook, which roar so frightfully. Or if she went into the woods and can't find her way, she sobbed. Oh, let us go right into the woods. She will surely be so frightened. These were also the mother's thoughts.

She took Ella by the hand and hurried up to the woods, faster than she was able to go at ordinary times. Fraullein Holwe ran behind her, for she hardly knew what she was doing she was so anxious. One hour after another passed. Women and children ran, searching everywhere, but no trace of Rita was discovered. Night came on. Frou Felland, all the while holding fast to Ella's hand, had been running in every direction

through thickets and underbrush, until now she could run no more. She returned with Ella to the house and fell completely exhausted. Fraulein Holweig, who had followed in her footsteps, stood breathless, looking as if she too were near collapsing. Ella sat still, weeping beside her mother. Then Herr Feland came back. When he learned in a few words from his wife what had happened, he first of all carried her up to her sleeping room and told her to remain perfectly quiet that he would do everything to find the child. Fraulein Holweig and Ella, he said, must go to bed. As soon as he had found Rita, he would let them know. Then Herr Felland went over to Martin's cottage, for his first thought, too, was that Rita had gone away with her new friend of the day before.

Martin was just coming out of the door. He had already heard that a child was lost, and was just coming to try to help. To Herr Felon's questions, he replied how, since early in the morning, he had been away with his wife and children, and that the little girl had not been seen at all by them. Herr Felon now thought Rita must have gone away alone,

either as she had proposed to him, somewhere up on the rocks, or deep into the forest. So he ordered Martin immediately to get together all the men in the neighborhood, provide them with good lanterns, and have some of them climb up to the high cliffs and hunt around everywhere, and others go through the woods in every direction. These last, Herrfeland himself would join, and he was determined to continue the search until the child was found.

So the men started off into the night, and Frou fell and heard one hour after another strike on the old wall clock downstairs. But the night passed away more slowly, more lingeringly than any of the night. she had watched through in all her life. She did not close her eyes. At every distant sound that fell on her ear, she jumped up and said to herself, Now they are coming and bringing the child, but will she be alive or dead? But they did not come. From time to time, Ella would come tiptoeing in softly. She wanted to see if her mother was asleep, for through her anxiety, she could find no rest either.

When she found that her mother also was awake, she would ask again and again, Oh, Mama, shall we not pray once more that the dear Lord will take care of Rita and bring her home again soon? Her mother assented willingly each time, and then Ella would kneel down beside her bed and pray and beseech the dear Lord to protect Rita from all harm

and to show her Papa the way to her. Then Ella would go back quietly to her room. The night passed. The beaming sun was already rising behind the mountains and lighted up the woods and meadows as if it had great joy to announce. Frow fell and sank back exhausted on her pillow. Finally, weariness overcame trouble and care.

A quiet slumber snatched the anxious mother away for a short time from torturing suspense and waiting. End of chapter four. Look, Air Canada, did a sold-bondial. Super, an offer for the assort. Station Thermal, Volcan. Parlant of Volcano.

You've seen the price for the Japan? Hmm. Eparg and sushi. Wow, the solds are good for Mayork also. We could go to the plage and make a round-doney. Or it would say a long march on the border of the sea-sill. Mmm, I adore the canolies. Attain, there's another...

Decide, Vit. This sold is dendurrillimited. Reserved to R-Canada.com or at your agent-to-voyage. The conditions can't apply. The Conditions Sapplices. Aspiri. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Devorah Allen Chapter 5th The Next Morning

Pale and worried, Herr Felland came through the golden morning light back to his house, and his clothes showed that he had pressed through many thorns and prickly briars. Frou Feland had immediately heard his footsteps, and full of anguish called, Are you bringing the child? He stepped nearer, sat down by the bed, laid his head in his hands and said, almost inaudibly, I come alone.

I can no longer hope, no longer think. In what condition shall we find the child after the long night, wholly or half dead? Oh no, Papa, sobbed Ella, who had come in softly. The dear Lord has surely taken care of our Rita, for Mama and I have prayed to him so many times in the night about it. Her father rose. We have gone through the forest in every direction all night long.

The child cannot be there. Now we will go down through the ravine by the forest brook. Her father spoke these words in a trembling voice. The supposition that the child had fallen into the wild forest brook became more and more certain to him. Herfellant had arranged for a good book, breakfast to be prepared for the men at Martin's house, and then they were all to help further in the search. Now it was plain that they would be better able to climb down into the ravines and gorges.

When Herr Feland entered Martin's house, the men were still sitting at the table and talking excitedly about what to do next. Seppley was standing by his father staring with open eyes and mouth. Herr Fellin sat down beside Martin. A silence ensued, for they all saw what great Anguish and trouble were in his heart. Suddenly, Sepley said bluntly, I know where she is. Don't talk such nonsense, Sepley, said his father reprovingly in his gentle way.

You were up in the hayfield when she was lost. You can't know anything about it. Hare fell and asked for ropes and other necessary things, and while these were being made ready, Sepley said half aloud, but quite distinctly. But I really know where she is. "'Harefelland rose, seized him by the hand, and said kindly, "'Little boy, look at me, and tell me truly,

"'Do you know anything about the child?' "'Yes,' was the short answer. "'Then speak out, little boy. Have you seen the child? Where has she gone?' "'asked Herr Feland with increasing excitement. "'I will show you,' replied Seppley, and went to the door. "'They all rose. They all looked at one another. No one knew whether to take the suggestion seriously or as foolish. But Herr Fell and followed the boy without any hesitation.

"'Sepley, Seppley,' said Father Martin reprovingly, "'I really think you are making a promise you can't keep.' But Seppley kept trotting along, Hare fell and following, and the men coming reluctantly after. When the little fellow aimed for the forest, they stood still, and one of them said, it is utterly useless to follow the boy in there, for we have searched through every place and found nothing.

We will not go. Martin informed Herr Feland that he himself did not have any confidence in the boy, but Seppley kept marching along, and Herr Feland and Martin decided to follow. Seppley walked resolutely on farther into the woods. Suddenly he turned to the left toward the old fir trees, where they soon saw something red gleaming through. Seppley steered straight ahead, through the midst of briars and prickly thistles,

to a light spot where there were many large bushes together, all covered with red flowers. Here he stood still and looked around a little puzzled. He had evidently expected to find Rita there. Then he went with determination on his way. The blossoming bushes became fewer, but larger and larger. Seppley stood still by each one for a moment and looked around, Then he would go on, always to the left. No, Seppley, don't go any farther, cried his father.

We are coming to the big wall of rock. But at the same moment there was a shining like fire through the trees. The sun glowed on a bush completely covered with the red flowers. Seppley ran up to it quickly, but he was close to the wall of rock, which extended rugged and steep down to the deep precipice below. Seppley looked around and across the flowers down over the rocks. Then he turned around. Herr Felon stood hopeless behind him.

The path came to an end, and the child was not found. Martin seized the boy by the hand and tried to draw him back from the dangerous spot, when Seppley said in his dry way, She is lying down there below. Herr Feland rushed forward and bent over the precipice. His face grew deathly pale. He stepped back and had to cling to the nearest tree his knees were shaking so. He beckoned to Martin, who was still holding sepoli fast by the hand.

Then he stepped to the edge and looked down into the depths. Here and there a few bushes hung over the precipice. In one place horribly low down, the rock had one small projection, like a narrow shelf. Here lay, nestled on the rock, a motionless little being, with her face pressed against the stone. God in heaven it is true. There she lies, said Martin. shuddering, but whether living were. He did not finish the sentence. One look at Herr Feland closed his lips. He looked as if he were going to drop dead, but he recovered himself.

Martin, he said faintly, no time is to be lost. If the child moves, she will be over the precipice. Who will climb down? Who will get her? The other men now came along. Hopeless, they had followed their little guide through curiosity. They too now looked, one after another, down the wall of rock. Listen you men, said Harefellant in a trembling voice. There is not a moment to lose. Who will do it? Who will help?

Who dares to go? The men looked at one another, but all remained silent. One of them stepped to the edge, looked down, then turned around, shrugged his shoulders, and went away. If we were only sure that she is still alive, said another. But a man risks his life, and perhaps only to bring back a dead child.

Who knows that she is not alive? cried Herr Feland, almost beside himself. And if she stir, she is lost beyond recovery? Oh, is it not possible? She would have gone down below long before this if she was still alive. No one could lie as still as that, said another. And, sir, if one should roll down there,

the best reward would be of no use. Shrugging their shoulders, one after another stepped back. Herr Feland looked around him in despair. There was no prospect of help. I will do it myself, he exclaimed, beside himself. Only tell me how. Martin now stepped up to him.

No, sir, he said quietly. That will not do. Then both would be lost, that is sure. But I will do it with God's help. I too have such little ones, and I know how hard it must be for Herr Feland. Even before he spoke, he had fastened the big rope around the trunk of the old fir tree, for he had decided to bring up the child to her father, whether she was dead or alive.

Then he took off his cap, prayed softly, seized firm hold of the rope, and slid down the rock. He reached the little shelf in the rock. With one hand he held to the rope with all his strength. With his bare feet, he tried to cling fast to the rock, in order to be able to seize the child with his other hand and lift her up. Gently, quietly, he drew near, for if the child was alive and should be startled by him, just a quick movement, even at the last moment she would be lost. She lay motionless there.

Martin bent over the child and laid his broad, strong hand on her. At the same moment she was about to turn around quickly and would have fallen down beyond recovery, but Martin's hand lay firmly on her. She could turn her head. A pair of big, wondering eyes looked up at the man. "'God be praised and thanked,' said Martin, taking a deep breath. "'Say the same little one, if you can still speak.' "'Yes, I can still speak. God be praised and thanked,' said the child, in a quite clear voice.

Martin looked in greatest amazement at the child, who was wholly unharmed. "'You must be strangely dear to our Lord, for he has worked a miracle for you. "'You must never forget it all your life long, little one,' he said thoughtfully. Then he lifted the child with his strong right hand up to himself. "'There now you must put both your arms around my neck very tight, "'as if I were your dear Papa, for you see, I cannot hold you. "'I have enough to do with both my hands to climb up.' "'Yes, yes, I will hold fast,' said Rita, assuringly,

"'and clasping Martin so firmly that he could hardly breathe. "'But how glad he was!' He now began to climb up the rock. It was no easy task. The blood ran down from his hands and feet. Occasionally he had to rest for a moment. Above stood Herr Feland and the men holding their breath and watching the man sway above the precipice.

Would his endurance hold out? Would he come up? Or would he lose his strength? Would he slip and fall with the child into the dark abyss? Nearer and nearer they came. now only the last frightful, steep piece of rock. There. God be thanked, cried Martin, breathless,

when he took the last step over the edge. He took the child from his neck and laid her inner trembling father's arms. Hare fell and had to sit down. He held his child and looked at her, speechless, as if he could not realize his good fortune. Oh, Papa, I am so glad, said Rita, throwing both arms around his neck affectionate.

I knew you would surely come to get me in the morning. Martin stepped aside with folded hands. He was gazing at the father and his child, and for joy the tears fell down over his sunburned cheeks. Seppley had pressed close to him and clung to him fast, for he had realized that his father had been in great danger. Then Hare fell and, with his child in his arms, stepped up to Martin. He held out his hand to the rescuer.

You know very well, Martin, that I have been in his arms. am now doing what I should have done before anything else, he said in a trembling voice. I thank you, as only one can thank another to whom a life has been given back. I shall never forget that you risk your life to save my child. The two men shook hands, and Martin said sincerely, It is a great reward to me that I was able to bring back your little girl to you unharmed. I will see you again today. Now we must go to the mother, said Herr Feland,

and holding his little girl fast in his arms, he started on the way back. Martin, holding Sepley by the hand and the others, followed. As they were going along in this way through the woods, Martin said to his little boy, Now tell me, Seppley, how you knew that the little girl had come just here. Because she wanted to go to the red flowers, replied Seppley. But how did you know then that she could be right there by the rock? Because she was not by the first bush, so she must have gone far.

because the flowers kept getting more and more beautiful, and the most beautiful bush of all is the last near the rock. But I didn't know that she had fallen off, explained Seppley. Herr Felon now reached his house. He went in and opened the door of the sleeping room. Ella was still sitting by the bed and holding her mother's hand fast. Quite exhausted, she was leaning her head on the pillow and her eyes were closed. Herr Felon stepped up to her mother and placed Rita in the middle of her bed.

"'Good morning, Mama. Did you sleep well?' said Rita, quite gaily, as she did every morning when she came to kiss her mother. Her mother opened her eyes and stared at her child. Then she suddenly seized her in her arms, pressed her with all her might to her breast, and tears of unspeakable joy streamed from her eyes. She couldn't speak a word, could only think the dear Lord again and again in her heart. Ella held her little sister's hand fast and kept saying over and over, Are you back again, Rita? Where were you all night long alone? Little by little, her father told how and where he had found Rita, and how Martin risked his life to save the child. The mother shuddered at the description.

She pressed the child again close to her when she realized the danger she had been in the whole night long. Oh, weren't you frightened almost to death? asked Ella, who from sympathy was still struggling with her tears. Oh no, I was not frightened, asserted Rita gaily. I will tell you now how it happened. At first I was going in to ask Papa if I might go with Sepley for the red flowers, but he was away. So I thought he would surely allow me,

because I had wanted so much to go the day before, and then did not dare. So I went for Sepley, but he was away too. Then I thought I would find the red flowers alone, for Seppley had told me the way to go there. Then I went up into the woods, and hunted a long, long time without finding them. But suddenly I saw something red shining behind the trees,

and I ran toward it. At first there were only a few flowers and not very bright red ones, but Sopli had said you had to go farther and farther into the woods. So I went still farther, and there were more and more flowers, and at last I came to a big, big bush with so many beautiful red flowers. They shone so wonderfully, and I wanted them all, every one, and then suddenly I fell down and rested on a stone. But it was a small stone, and so I pushed back against the rock

and thought I would just lie still, and Papa would soon come and get me. But then I was tired, and it was already getting rather dark, and I thought I must really go to sleep, and in the morning Papa would come and get me. Then I thought I must say my prayer, so that the dear Lord would send his little angels to take care of me while I slept, and I prayed, Oh, gentle Jesus hear me, on bright wings hovered, near me and keep me from all harm. Through danger, pain and sorrow, I'll sleep until the morrow,

protected by thine arm. Then I slept very well, until a man came, and I knew right away that Papa had sent him. Her mother trembled as she followed the story. Her father could not conceal his delight at it. Now my little grasshopper doesn't go another step alone, he said, in as severe a tone as in his delight he could find it in his heart to use. The mother had not yet heard who would finally take in the searching party to the right spot, and she wanted to know all about it. Then the father thought of Sepley, and that he was really the first one to trace Rita. We must especially reward the brave boy, he said, and Rita, who grasped this idea with enthusiasm,

immediately scrambled down from the bed in order to carry out the plan at once. But what should the reward for Sepley be? What could she take to him right away? He shall for once have his greatest wish, said her father. We will see what will most delight his heart. Can I go to him right away? asked Rita eagerly. Her papa wished to go with her,

to speak with Father Martin at once, and also to recompense the other men. Rita jumped all around the room for joy. She was full of great gratitude to Sepley. But Papa, supposing he should wish for a menagerie, with the biggest animals there are, she asked. Then he shall have it, was the decided answer. But Papa, she asked again,

if he should wish for a Turkish costume and a curved saber besides, such as cousin Carl has. He shall have that too, was the answer. But Papa, she went on, if he should want a whole big fortress and twelve boxes full of soldiers as Carl has, he shall have them, replied her father again. Then Rita rushed out to Sepley, who was standing in front of the door. Come, Seppley, she cried. Now you can have the very best wish you can think of. Seppley looked at Rita with wrinkled brow. It seemed as if her words had awakened something that lay heavy on his heart.

Finally, he said, quite cast down. It's no use. Yes, really it is too, replied Rita. Because you found me, you can ask for anything you would like and you will have it. Papa said so. Now think right away about it, and then tell what it is. Gradually, Seppley seemed to understand the matter. He looked at Rita once more, to prove.

prove whether she was really in earnest or not. Then he took a deep breath and said, A whip with a yellow lash. No, Seppley, that is nothing at all, replied Rita, quite vexed. You mustn't wish for anything like that. Think once more, what is the most beautiful thing of all, and wish for that. Seppley thought obediently, took another deep breath and said, A whip with a yellow lash.

Herr Fellon then came with the man out of the house. The man went away with many expressions. of gratitude. But Martin remained standing in the doorway. I have not yet given you any reward, Martin, said Herr Felon. To you, above all the rest, I must prove my gratitude in a way to give you a real joy. Tell me, have you some special desire? Martin turned his cap around for a while in his hands, then said hesitatingly, I have had a great desire for a long time, but I dare not tell you what it is.

No, no, it should not have come into my mind. "'Speak it out fully,' said Hare Feland, encouragingly. "'Perhaps I can help you.' "'I have always thought,' continued Martin, hesitatingly. "'If I could only get on as well as my neighbor over there, "'I would venture to think of buying a cow. "'I have quite a good deal of hay, "'and then could take care of my family without any anxiety.'

"'That is good, Martin,' said Herr Feland. "'We shall see each other again.' "'Then he took Rita by the hand and started with her on the way back. "'And what did your friend Seppley wish for?' he asked. "'Oh, he is stupid!' exclaimed Rita. "'He only wants a whip with a yellow lash. That is nothing at all.' "'Surely that is something,' asserted her papa. "'You see, every child has his own pleasures.

"'To Seppley, such a whip would give exactly as much pleasure as the most beautiful dollhouse would to you.' "'At this explanation, Rita seemed contented, and could hardly wait for the wishes to come true. On the following day, Herr Fell and had to make a journey down into the valley. Rita knew very well why, and hopped with delight all the morning long. Her papa did not go, without impressing it upon his little grasshopper that she must not take a step alone away from the house, and Frowline Holweg received strict instructions. But she had endured such anguish that terrible night that the warnings were unnecessary. On the contrary, she had determined from now on not to take her eyes off from her.

Rita, no matter how hard it might be. Two days later, when Martin had just sat down with his family at the table to their meal of steaming potatoes, they heard a loud mooing in front of the house. Then again, and then a third time. Casper's cow must have run away, said Martin, getting up to go and catch her. Seppley had to go too. He ran hurriedly after his father. Martha Lee, Freedley, and Berthley followed, and behind them their mother in order to fetch them all back again. Outside, Father Martin was standing in motionless astonishment, and all the others beside him opened their eyes wide. The mother, who had just come along, clapped her hands and couldn't speak a word from amazement.

Fastened near the house stood a glossy brown cow, so big and splendid, such as was only seen occasionally among the rich peasants. To one of her horns was fastened a big whip, which had a strong white leather mesh with a thick silk lash which shimmered in the sun like gold. A paper was bound around the whip handle, and on this was written in large letters, for Seppley. Martin took down the whip and gave it to the boy. It is yours, he said. Seppley held the whip in his hand. The most beautiful and the most wonderful thing he could think of was his very own. And besides, there was the cow, which could be driven up on the mountain, with the whip to crack like Georgies and chapies.

Seppley, with beaming eyes, seized his whip, hugged it and held it fast, as if to say, No power on earth can take it from me. Martin and his wife couldn't look enough at the splendid animal. That it was to belong to them, appeared to them like a miracle. Finally, Martin said, She moves because she wants to give her milk. Seppley, bring the pail. Today we will enjoy ourselves. Two large pails were filled with foaming, fresh milk. and placed with the potatoes on the table,

then all accompanied the brown cow in a triumphant procession to the shed. Over in front of the neighboring cottage, Herr Feland was standing with his children. They wanted to see how the brown cow was received, and Rita had, above all, to know what impression the whip would make, which she herself had marked with the big letters for Sepley. When Frou Feland had recovered from the great excitement, the whole family went up to the wall of rock, in order to give praise and thanks from their full hearts once more to the dear Lord

on the very spot where he had so evidently spread his protecting hand over their child. End of Chapter 5 End of Little Miss Grasshopper by Johanna Speary. Lazzang sur-gillet, puissance-molyne for 15 minutes. We're like to dojo. Pre-to-joo? Vive the pleasure with Leo Jo.

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