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Chapter 8: Arrays and Strings

TRUE/FALSE

1. All components of an array are of the same data type.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 507

2. The array index can be any integer less than the array size.

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 509

3. The statement int list[25]; declares list to be an array of 26 components, since the array
index starts at 0.

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 509

4. Given the declaration int list[20]; the statement list[12] = list[5] + list[7];
updates the content of the twelfth component of the array list.

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 509

5. Suppose list is a one dimensional array of size 25, wherein each component is of type int. Further,
suppose that sum is an int variable. The following for loop correctly finds the sum of the elements
of list.

sum = 0;

for (int i = 0; i < 25; i++)

sum = sum + list;

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 512

6. If an array index goes out of bounds, the program always terminates in an error.

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 515

7. Arrays can be passed as parameters to a function by value, but it is faster to pass them by reference.

ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: 518

8. When you pass an array as a parameter, the base address of the actual array is passed to the formal
parameter.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 523

9. The one place where C++ allows aggregate operations on arrays is the input and output of C-strings.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 539

10. In a two-dimensional array, the elements are arranged in a table form.

 ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: 557

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of the following statements declares alpha to be an array of 25 components of the type int?
a. int alpha[25]; c. int alpha[2][5];
b. int array alpha[25]; d. int array alpha[25][25];
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 507-508

2. Assume you have the following declaration char nameList[100];. Which of the following
ranges is valid for the index of the array nameList?
a. 0 through 99 c. 1 through 100
b. 0 through 100 d. 1 through 101
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 509

3. Assume you have the following declaration int beta[50];. Which of the following is a valid
element of beta?
a. beta['2'] c. beta[0]
b. beta['50'] d. beta[50]
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 509

4. Assume you have the following declaration double salesData[1000];. Which of the following
ranges is valid for the index of the array salesData?
a. 0 through 999 c. 1 through 1001
b. 0 through 1000 d. 1 through 1000
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 509

5. Suppose that sales is an array of 50 components of type double. Which of the following correctly
initializes the array sales?
a. for (int 1 = 1; j <= 49; j++)
sales[j] = 0;
b. for (int j = 1; j <= 50; j++)
sales[j] = 0;
c. for (int j = 0; j <= 49; j++)
sales[j] = 0.0;
d. for (int j = 0; j <= 50; j++)
sales[j] = 0.0;
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 512

6. Suppose that list is an array of 10 components of type int. Which of the following codes correctly
outputs all the elements of list?

a. for (int j = 1; j < 10; j++)

cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

b. for (int j = 0; j <= 9; j++)

cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;
 c. for (int j = 1; j < 11; j++)
cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

d. for (int j = 1; j <= 10; j++)

cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 512

7. What is the output of the following C++ code?

int list[5] = {0, 5, 10, 15, 20};

int j;

for (j = 0; j < 5; j++)

cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

a. 0 1 2 3 4 c. 0 5 10 15 20
b. 0 5 10 15 d. 5 10 15 20
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 512

8. What is the value of alpha[2] after the following code executes?

int alpha[5];
int j;

for (j = 0; j < 5; j++)

alpha[j] = 2 * j + 1;

a. 1 c. 5
b. 4 d. 6
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 512

9. What is the output of the following C++ code?

int alpha[5] = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10};

int j;

for (j = 4; j >= 0; j--)

cout << alpha[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

a. 2 4 6 8 10 c. 8 6 4 2 0
b. 4 3 2 1 0 d. 10 8 6 4 2
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 512

10. What is the output of the following C++ code?

 int list[5] = {0, 5, 10, 15, 20};
int j;

for (j = 1; j <= 5; j++)

cout << list[j] << " ";
cout << endl;

a. 0 5 10 15 20 c. 5 10 15 20 20
b. 5 10 15 20 0 d. Code results in index out-of-bounds
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 515-516

11. Suppose that gamma is an array of 50 components of type int and j is an int variable. Which of the
following for loops sets the index of gamma out of bounds?
a. for (j = 0; j <= 49; j++)
cout << gamma[j] << " ";
b. for (j = 1; j < 50; j++)
cout << gamma[j] << " ";
c. for (j = 0; j <= 50; j++)
cout << gamma[j] << " ";
d. for (j = 0; j <= 48; j++)
cout << gamma[j] << " ";
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 515-516

12. Consider the following declaration: int alpha[5] = {3, 5, 7, 9, 11};. Which of the
following is equivalent to this statement?
a. int alpha[] = {3, 5, 7, 9, 11};
b. int alpha[] = {3 5 7 9 11};
c. int alpha[5] = [3, 5, 7, 9, 11];
d. int alpha[] = (3, 5, 7, 9, 11);
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 516

13. In C++, the null character is represented as ____.

a. '\0' c. '0'
b. "\0" d. "0"
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 535

14. Which of the following correctly declares name to be a character array and stores "William" in it?
a. char name[6] = "William";
b. char name[7] = "William";
c. char name[8] = "William";
d. char name[8] = 'William';
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 536

15. Consider the following declaration: char str[15];. Which of the following statements stores
"Blue Sky" into str?
a. str = "Blue Sky";
b. str[15] = "Blue Sky";
c. strcpy(str, "Blue Sky");
d. strcpy("Blue Sky");
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 537
16. Consider the following declaration:
char charArray[51];
char discard;

Assume that the input is:

Hello There!
How are you?

What is the value of discard after the following statements execute?

cin.get(charArray, 51);
cin.get(discard);

a. discard = ' ' (Space) c. discard = '\n'

b. discard = '!' d. discard = '\0'
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 540

17. Consider the following statement: double alpha[10][5];. The number of components of
alpha is ____.
a. 15 c. 100
b. 50 d. 150
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 544

18. Consider the statement int list[10][8];. Which of the following about list is true?
a. list has 10 rows and 8 columns.
b. list has 8 rows and 10 columns.
c. list has a total of 18 components.
d. list has a total of 108 components.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 544

19. Consider the following statement: int alpha[25][10];. Which of the following statements about
alpha is true?
a. Rows of alpha are numbered 0...24 and columns are numbered 0...9.
b. Rows of alpha are numbered 0...24 and columns are numbered 1...10.
c. Rows of alpha are numbered 1...24 and columns are numbered 0...9.
d. Rows of alpha are numbered 1...25 and columns are numbered 1...10.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 544

20. Which of the following correctly declares and initializes alpha to be an array of four rows and three
columns with the component type int?
a. int alpha[4][3] = {{0,1,2} {1,2,3} {2,3,4} {3,4,5}};
b. int alpha[4][3] = {0,1,2; 1,2,3; 2,3,4; 3,4,5};
c. int alpha[4][3] = {0,1,2: 1,2,3: 2,3,4: 3,4,5};
d. int alpha[4][3] = {{0,1,2}, {1,2,3}, {2,3,4}, {3,4,5}};
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 546

21. After the following statements execute, what are the contents of matrix?
 int matrix[3][2];
int j, k;

for (j = 0; j < 3; j++)

for (k = 0; k < 2; k++)
matrix[j][k] = j + k;

a. 0 0 c. 0 1
1 1 1 2
2 2 2 3
b. 0 1 d. 1 1
2 3 2 2
4 5 3 3
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 548-550

22. Given the following declaration:

int j;
int sum;
double sale[10][7];

which of the following correctly finds the sum of the elements of the fifth row of sale?
a. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 7; j++)
sum = sum + sale[5][j];
b. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 7; j++)
sum = sum + sale[4][j];
c. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 10; j++)
sum = sum + sale[5][j];
d. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 10; j++)
sum = sum + sale[4][j];
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 550

23. Given the following declaration:

int j;
int sum;
double sale[10][7];

which of the following correctly finds the sum of the elements of the fourth column of sale?
a. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 7; j++)
sum = sum + sale[j][3];
b. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 7; j++)
sum = sum + sale[j][4];
c. sum = 0;
for(j = 0; j < 10; j++)
sum = sum + sale[j][4];
d. sum = 0;
 for(j = 0; j < 10; j++)
sum = sum + sale[j][3];
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 551

24. In row order form, the ____.

a. first row is stored first c. first column is stored first
b. first row is stored last d. first column is stored last
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 552

25. A collection of a fixed number of elements (called components) arranged in n dimensions (n>=1) is
called a(n) ____.
a. matrix c. n-dimensional array
b. vector d. parallel array
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 557

COMPLETION

1. A data type is called ____________________ if variables of that type can store only one value at a
time.

ANS: simple

PTS: 1 REF: 506

2. In a(n) ____________________ data type, each data item is a collection of other data items.

ANS: structured

PTS: 1 REF: 506

3. Complete the following statement so that it outputs the array sales.

double sales[10];
int index;

for (index = 0; index < 10; index++)

cout << ____________________ << " ";

ANS: sales[index]

PTS: 1 REF: 512

4. The word ____________________ is used before the array declaration in a function heading to
prevent the function from modifying the array.

ANS: const

PTS: 1 REF: 519

5. The ____________________ of an array is the address (that is, the memory location) of the first array
component.
 ANS: base address

PTS: 1 REF: 521

6. The ____________________ sort algorithm finds the location of the smallest element in the unsorted
portion of the list and moves it to the top of the unsorted portion of the list.

ANS: selection

PTS: 1 REF: 530-531

7. For a list of length n, the ____________________ sort makes exactly (n(n - 1))/2 key
comparisons and 3(n-1) item assignments.

ANS: selection

PTS: 1 REF: 535

8. The declaration char str[] = "Hello there"; declares str to be a string of

____________________ characters.

ANS:
12
twelve

PTS: 1 REF: 535-536

9. The function ____________________ returns the length of the string s, excluding the null character.

ANS: strlen(s)

PTS: 1 REF: 537

10. The statement strlen("Marylin Stewart"); returns ____________________.

ANS: 15

PTS: 1 REF: 537-538

11. The following statements store the value ____________________ into len.

int len;
len = strlen("Sunny California");

ANS: 16

PTS: 1 REF: 537-538

12. The header file string contains the function ____________________,which converts a value of type
string to a null-terminated character array.

ANS: c_str
 PTS: 1 REF: 541

13. Two (or more) arrays are called ____________________ if their corresponding components hold
related information.

ANS: parallel

PTS: 1 REF: 542

14. The following statement creates alpha to be a two-dimensional array with

____________________ rows.

int alpha[10][25];

ANS:
10
ten

PTS: 1 REF: 544

15. In the following declaration, the array gamma has ____________________ components.

int gamma[5][6][10];

ANS:
300
three hundred

PTS: 1 REF: 558

Another Random Scribd Document
with Unrelated Content
 CHAPTER VIII.
The Coal Man.
Whistling and with a roll of music under his arm, Bolax turned out of
his way to go the woods. "It's Saturday," thought he, "and Professor
was pleased with my lesson, so I'll just take a holiday." As he was
turning off the bridge he heard some one say: "Well, young man,
where are you bound for?" Looking up he saw Mr. O'Donnel, the coal
man. "Where are you taking such a big load?" said Bolax. "Oh, about
three miles out on the White Road." "That's the most beautiful road
in the country; please let me go with you."
"You seem to know a great deal about roads." "Oh, yes; I often take
long rambles with Papa when he is at home; he is so fond of wild
flowers. So is Mamma; she calls the woods 'God's own garden,' and
while there is a wild flower to be had, from the arbutus and hepatica
in early Spring to the golden rod in the autumn, we gather them for
our little Chapel. My Papa knows the name of every flower and shrub
and tree that grows in the United States, and never tires telling me
about them."
"Well," said Mr. O'Donnel, "I'll let you come along with me if you can
climb up; you're a mighty knowing sort of little chap, and I like to
hear you talk."
The day was an ideal one. A clear sky, a bright October sun and a
pleasant breeze all combined to make Bolax enjoy his drive,
although one would suppose he felt anything but comfortable
perched on the hard seat of a coal cart.
The road stretched out for nearly a mile, white as its name
indicated, and as well cared for as if it were the driveway into a
gentleman's private demesne. On each side, it was bordered by
immense sycamore trees; their beautiful branches meeting
overhead, and their smooth shining trunk resembling pillars in the
aisle of some grand Cathedral.
"This," said Mr. O'Donnel, "reminds me of roads I saw in the North of
France, only there you would be sure to see an altar or a cross
erected by the pious people, many a time I saw men, women and
children kneeling before these shrines." "Are you a Catholic?" asked
Bolax. "Indeed, and I am, thank God. Are you?" said Mr. O'Donnel.
"Of course, I am," answered Bolax, with a rising inflection as though
he felt injured at anyone questioning his religious belief. "Can't you
see in my face I'm a Catholic; you ought to hear me stand up for my
religion. I knocked the stuffing out of Reddy Smith last week for
saying the priest walked pigeon-toed." "Ha! Ha!" laughed Mr.
O'Donnel, "more power to you, my little man, always stand up for
your faith and respect the priests; there's nothing like keeping
faithful to your religion; it will be a great comfort to you all through
life. I remember what a comfort it was to me when I came near
dying on the battlefield in South Africa." "Oh!" exclaimed Bolax "you
don't mean to say you were in Africa?"
"Did you fight the Boers? I've heard so much about them, and
Mamma and Papa took sides with them, and we all felt so sorry for
the poor people."
"And so did I and every Irish soldier; in fact, I deserted the English
ranks, and with many others tried to help the brave Boers. They are
good people. I could tell you stories that would fill a book about
them, and they are religious according to what they know of
religion. After the disaster at Colesburg, the Boers helped to bury
the British dead; they prayed and sang hymns over the graves, and
some of the leaders made impressive speeches, expressing their
horror of the war, regretting the losses on both sides, and making
supplication to the Heavenly Father that the war would soon end.
Oh, it is fine Catholics they would make, but strange to say, I never
heard of a Catholic missionary being among them."
"When I'm a man," said Bolax, striking his knees to emphasize his
words, "I'll be a priest and go among those good people and teach
them the true faith." "God bless your innocent heart. I wonder if
you'll remember your ride with the coal man when you are a priest;
your Ma may scold when she knows of it."
"My mother teaches me to respect all respectable people, and I am
sure you are very respectable, because you are a good Catholic."
"Thank you for an out and out little gentleman," said Mr. O'Donnel,
"and God prosper you and your good mother. Here we are at our
journey's end; suppose you get down at the gate, my little man, and
run up to the house and ask to have the cellar window opened for
me; it will save time. Here is the ticket; you might get it signed. This
is Carpenter Mansion."
Bolax ran off glad to oblige his friend and show his appreciation of
the ride.
It happened that Miss Devine had called for Amy, after Bolax left the
house that morning and they were just now paying a visit to this
family. Amy had never seen the beautiful place, and was delighted to
become acquainted with the young ladies, and one little girl of her
own age. While they were entertaining their company the maid
called Mrs. Carpenter to say the key of the coal cellar was not to be
found. Going into the kitchen, the lady saw a handsome little boy
with frowsy golden curls encircling his head like a wreath and a very
smutty face, who, hat in hand presented the ticket to be signed and
asked to have the cellar window opened; after saying this the boy
bowed. Mrs. Carpenter was quite astonished at such gentlemanly
manners, and smiling and patting the boy on the head she asked his
name. "Bolax," said he, with another bow. "What an odd name,"
said Mrs. Carpenter, and going to the door, she saw that the coal-
man was of respectable appearance, and apparently above his
present occupation. Thinking to please him, she complimented him
on the good manners of his little boy. "Yes, ma'am," said Mr.
O'Donnel, "he is a good sort of little chap, every one likes him." Miss
Nellie, one of the young ladies, came into the kitchen to look after
the caramels, which were cooling on the window sill. Bolax stood at
the door; Miss Nellie offered him some candy, but he excused
himself, saying: "Thank you; I like caramels, but my hands are not fit
to eat with." "Oh, indeed; well since you are such a polite little boy, I
want you to have some candy."
Ellen gave him a towel and soap and water. Bolax gladly made
himself clean so as to enjoy the caramels. Miss Nellie went back to
the parlor and gave a description of the coal-man's son, with such
extraordinary good manners; Sam and Charlie, her brothers rushed
out to get a look at the little chap and have some fun with him.
As soon as they sighted Bolax with his face half washed, his mouth
all sticky; they laughed and made his acquaintance immediately.
"Fine candy? isn't it," said Sam. "You bet," said Bo, "haven't had any
for a good while, 'cause I wouldn't practice." Miss Devine heard Bo's
voice, and listening for a moment said, "Let me see that boy." On
going to the kitchen door she made an exclamation which brought
all the ladies on the scene. Then she laughed heartily, all caught the
infection of her mirth, although they did not exactly understand why
she was so amused. Amy, however, soon enlightened them, when,
with a severe frown, she reproached Bolax for his appearance.
"Why, who is he?" asked Mrs. Carpenter. "Oh," said Miss Devine still
laughing, "he is my little friend Bolax, Amy's brother. Don't be angry,
Amy." "I can't help being angry! It is too disgraceful; just look at his
clothes, and the smear on his face."
Bolax looked crest-fallen and took out his pocket handkerchief to
wipe off the smear, but only succeeded in adding two more black
streaks, for, without his perceiving it, the handkerchief was filled
with coal dust.
Sam and Charley while bursting with laughter tried to console the
boy, inviting him to look at their Pony. Bo forgot his sister's
displeasure while with the boys, and began to talk about his pets,
his school, etc.
"Where do you to go school?" asked Charlie. "I have just been up at
St. Thomas' for two weeks; they didn't want to take me because I'm
not old enough, but Mamma begged the President, so he admitted
me."
"Do you like the fellows up there?" said Sam.
"Yes, pretty well, but my Mamma was mistaken when she said they
were all gentlemen; they don't bow and take off their hats when a
priest speaks to them. And yesterday Father Clement was playing
marbles 'for keeps' with some boys, and he picked up an agate, and
what do you think, one of the boys snatched it and caught hold of
Father Clement's arm, and he wasn't struck dead!" "Struck dead!"
exclaimed Sam. "What do you mean?" "Why my Mamma told me a
priest was more holy than the 'Ark of the Covenant,' and once long
ago, two men were struck dead just for putting their hands on the
Ark. So I thought for sure, a boy that snatched a marble from a holy
priest ought to be struck dead, but he wasn't." Sam and Charlie
were inclined to laugh at this story, but restrained themselves, on
seeing the awed expression on the little boy's face, showing that he
innocently believed disrespect towards a priest should be punished
with death.
"Well," said Sam, assuming a serious air, "perhaps our Lord forgave
the boy this time, that in future he may learn to be more respectful."
"The lawn of the College," continued Bolax "is kept so smooth and
green; they have signs all around, 'Keep off the Grass,' but the boys
pay no attention and actually walk on the nice lawn, when the poor
Brothers have such work to keep it nice. I went behind a big fellow
that was on the grass and I pushed him off, and asked him if he
didn't see the sign." "What did he say to you?" laughed the boys.
"Oh, he called me a fusty kid, and said, 'I'd get my eye teeth cut
after awhile, if I stayed long enough at College.' But, Ma says I cut
my eye teeth when I was two years old." "Is that so? Let me see,"
said Sam, opening Bo's mouth. "Yes, I really believe you have."
"Are the priests kind to you?"
"You bet they are. Why there's one, oh, he is so beautiful, but the
poor dear is lame. He stays in his room most of the time. Day before
yesterday he asked me to come up to see him, and he showed me
pictures, and told me a story of a soldier—and, oh, I just know he is
an angel, because he has a closet full of guns."
Such a reason for being considered an angel struck the boys as so
funny, that they laughed outright. Sam patted the little fellow on the
head, and gave him a boy's greatest compliment: "You certainly are
a jolly good fellow, Bolax."
By this time the coal had been deposited in the cellar, so Bolax
wanted to go away. "Oh, come in," said Sam, "and say Good-bye,
but first let me wipe your face; there is just a speck of black on the
end of your nose." Bo was very thankful to be made somewhat
presentable and entered the parlor, taking leave of the ladies in a
most dignified manner, which ill-assorted with his begrimed
appearance.
"You're not going to ride home on the coal cart?" said Miss Devine.
"I'm not fit to get into your carriage," said Bo.
"Never mind, come with me; we'll excuse you this time."
"But I must say 'good-bye' to Mr. O'Donnel, and get my roll of music;
it is on the seat of the cart and might get lost." Amy was ready to
cry at Bo's escapade, but the young ladies and their brothers
enjoyed the joke immensely. As the carriage drove away the boys
called out: "Come again little coal-man; you're a regular brick."
Bolax was delighted to hear this and turning to Amy, said: "Now,
Miss Stuck-Up, the Carpenters like me even if I do ride with the coal
man, and I know Mamma will say it don't matter if my clothes are
dirty, so I keep my soul clean." "My darling little brother," said Amy,
throwing her arms around Bo's neck, "forgive me if I have hurt your
feelings. Your family knows how clean your soul is, but strangers
only judge by outward appearances." "Dear Amy," said Miss Devine,
"don't take things so to heart." Then in a lower voice, "for my part, I
would not give our little flutterbudget, with his innocent mischief, for
all the daintily-dressed boys in the country."
When the carriage stopped at their gate, the children bid "au revoir"
to Miss Devine; then she recommended Amy not to say much about
Bo's adventure.
Aunt Lucy was standing on the porch. Bo did not wait to be
questioned, but began immediately to give an account of his day, for
he had been away since luncheon. "Oh, Aunt Lucy, Mr. O'Donnel is
such a kind man! he has a mouth like a frog, and I always observe
that men with mouths like frogs are kind to children."
"Indeed," said Aunt Lucy laughing, "I never noticed that. I have no
doubt your friend, Mr. O'Donnel meant kindly in allowing you to ride
with him, but he did not think of the danger there was for a stumpy
little fellow, with short legs, perched so high. If the cart had lurched
you might have fallen under the horses' feet and been killed. So dear
child, never try that again."
"Well, Aunty, I won't, but may I talk to Mr. O'Donnel? his heart would
be hurt if I passed him without speaking." "Of course, dear; you may
speak to the good man. Never willfully hurt the feelings of anyone."
January 15, winter began in "dead earnest," as the boys say,
although no one expected a blizzard, but by 2 P.M. the roads were
impassable.
The wind blew a terrible gale—no one could venture out, and the
four day scholars were obliged to stay at the College all night.
The President telephoned to Mrs. Allen, not to worry; that Bo should
be well cared for, and could remain with him until the roads were
cleared, if it took a week. Mrs. Allen thanked the good priest and
hoped her boy would give no trouble.
The novelty of going to bed in a dormitory pleased Bolax, and the
Prefect in charge gave him a night robe; then tucked him in bed as
deftly as if he had been a woman, for the good man had a tender
spot in his heart for all children.
Everything being quiet—the gas was lowered and the Prefect retired
for the night. Suddenly Bolax gave a scream, "two rats! Two rats,
two rats!" cried he. In a second of time the whole dormitory was
astir.
The Prefect hearing the commotion rushed upstairs and was greeted
with: "Rats! Mr. Royal, Rats!" There were sixteen boys in the room;
so you can imagine how such an unusual chorus sounded.
"Rats!" said Mr. Royal; "where did they come from?"
"There were two in a large trap in the lavatory," said Harry Dunn,
"but how did they escape?" "Did any of you touch that trap?" asked
the Prefect.
"Yes, sir;" answered Bo, "I did. I felt sorry for the poor things; I was
just looking at them when the door of the trap opened somehow,
and out they jumped, one struck my face as I leaned over."
"My dear boy," said Mr. Royal, "you ought not to have gone near the
trap, suppose that rat had bitten you."
"Well now, all that is to be done is to catch them." A dozen voices
expressed their owners' willingness to go on the hunt, but Mr. Royal
preferred calling up one of the men.
In a few minutes, Alex, the gardener, came into the dormitory with
"Happy Hooligan" and "Vixen," two Scotch terriers. All the doors
were shut, and the hunt began; the rats did not keep together, but
ran in different directions. As Alex would plunge under a bed, broom
in hand, some one would scream out: "Oh, here he is, up at this
end."
The boys calling to the dogs, set them wild, so they did not know
which way to run. Such laughter! It appeared to be great fun for the
youngsters, just because it was silence hour.
At last the beasts were killed, and order was once more restored. Mr.
Royal requested strict silence.
"I won't stay to watch you; I know you will all obey, so I trust to
your honor." And all did obey, for they loved and respected Mr.
Royal, who always appealed to their honor.
The next morning the whole college heard of Bo's rats, and had a
good laugh at the description of the hunt.
Bolax made great strides in his studies under the kind care of his
tutor, Father Anthony, and his reports delighted his father and
mother. At Easter he received a beautiful picture of the Sacred
Heart, as a prize for Catechism.
 CHAPTER IX.
Amy's Trip to the Seashore.
For seven long weeks Amy had been under the doctor's care,
suffering from Chorea; she had grown thin and pale, and her mother
was beginning to worry over her condition.
"What do you think, Lucy, of sending Amy to Atlantic City?" she
asked one day when they were consulting what had best be done for
the child.
"Dear sister, I feel sure the salt air is the best tonic for nervous
trouble. I will take Amy down, but you know it is impossible for me
to stay away for any length of time, as I have an important
engagement for the summer."
"Well, I shall write to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, begging them
to receive our invalid for a few weeks."
Mother Evans, who was Mrs. Allen's particular friend, answered the
letter, saying she would gladly care for the little girl, and that she
could be sent down as soon as convenient.
When Amy heard of the proposed trip, she was delighted, then upon
reflection, expressed herself as being afraid to meet so many
strange girls, but when she saw a nice little trunk packed with every
article of clothing, suitable for a sojourn by the sea, she was anxious
to begin the journey.
When all was ready, Mr. Allen decided that they should take a very
early train, so as to arrive in a strange town in full time to be at their
destination before dark.
Bo heard the sound of wheels, and looking out saw the pony chaise
at the door, Amy gave her mother a fervent good-bye kiss, then all
got into the chaise. Bo sprang on the seat, seized the reins, and was
soon driving quickly down the road. They were not long in reaching
the station. Amy was interested in watching the important business
of procuring tickets and seeing her pretty trunk labeled; she
wondered if she would be as well equipped as the other girls in the
convent, but she need not have wondered, as there are so many
little girls and boys, whose treasures bear ample evidence of
Mother's loving hands. Those little touches of motherhood, hardly
noticed by those whom they are so tenderly lavished upon, seldom,
if ever valued until after those dear hands have been removed to
another sphere, whence, perhaps, they may be sometimes allowed
to come, unseen by mortal eye to bear the loved ones up, whilst
these may be longing wearily for that sweet "Touch of a vanished
hand, and the sound of a voice that is still."
It was a delightful place to visit, that convent by the sea, and many
a pleasant hour Amy spent watching the waves come in on the white
sands and break over her bare feet. Sometimes she donned her
bathing suit, and paddled in the water with the other children, one
of the Nuns always watching over them.
It seemed nothing short of a miracle how quickly the child
recuperated. At the end of six weeks she had so far recovered that
her mother, who had come to visit her, thought to take her home,
but Mother Evans recommended a stay of sometime longer, so it
ended in a visit of twelve happy, joyful weeks.
The kind Nuns became very much attached to Amy, and she to
them, and dear Mother Evans began her preparation for First Holy
Communion.
August was nearing its end when Mrs. Allen paid another visit to
Atlantic City, this time, to bring her little girl home. She took board in
a cottage near the convent, wishing to enjoy a few days of sea air.
One day when seated on the beach, both mother and daughter
silently watched the waves as they came in gentle ripples almost to
their feet. Amy awoke from her reverie, exclaiming: "Oh, it is so
beautiful!" She had been reading of the early explorers of our
country, the self-sacrificing missionaries who crossed this same
boundless ocean, which now lay so calm before them. Amy went on
musingly, as if talking to herself, such a softness had come into her
voice—her eyes took a dreamy far-off look, as though it were fresh
in her mind—the story of the gallant De Soto and his brave company
of six hundred men, the flower of Spanish chivalry, leaving the sunny
slopes of his native Estramadura, sailing across these unknown seas,
and landing upon these western shores; day after day pressing on
through pathless wilds, on towards the sunset, in pursuit of that
fabled El Dorado in which they thoroughly believed. And then that
sad death upon the banks of the river which his eyes first of all
Europeans had beheld—the sorrowing band who resolved to hide his
body in the waters—the little skiff, in the gloom of the soft summer
night, pushing silently out from the shadowy shore, with oars
muffled and voices hushed, for fear of the savage arrows hidden
among the dark vines—the dull sound as they dropped the body in
mid-river, and the sweet, sad music as the priest sang low the
requiem of the departed chief—the first requiem that had ever
sounded upon those solitary shores, where the waves have for four
hundred years chanted their long dirge over the man whose prowess
first gave them to the world.
There was, too, the grand old Ponce de Leon, who saw one Easter
morning, a land rise out of the Western Sea—a land lovely in all its
luxuriant vegetation of a Southern spring, with breath and beauty of
flowers. What better name could the romantic hidalgo devise than
"Florida," and where more fitly than here could he search for that
wonderous fountain of perpetual youth?
Ah, brave old Spanish Cavalier. Did no soft wind wafted gently from
afar over the flowery sunset land, whisper to you that, instead of
youth and life perennial you should find, under the magnolia shade—
a grave?
A hundred wordless dreams went flitting through Amy's mind. I say
wordless; for who shall say how we think; by what subtile art a
thousand pictures pass swiftly on before one's fancy, all so lovely
and beyond the power of language—I mean our language to
describe.
For this reason it is, I suppose, that when a great poet speaks, all
the dumb world recognizes what he unfolds. It is for us to feel, for
him to paint.
Amy was a very serious girl for her twelve years, constant
association with her mother and aunt had given her a taste for
books which some might think dull for one so young, but she was
always a dreamy child, from the time she used to lie in her baby crib
and watch the round moon plowing through the feathery clouds, to
this moment when she looks up at the blue sky spanning the
boundless ocean.
When Amy and her mother returned to the convent they found that
dear Mother Evans had been called to New York. Mrs. Allen made a
hasty preparation so as to return home on the same train, happy in
being able to avail herself of her dear friend's company on the
journey. Amy bade good-bye to all the household, thanking the Nuns
for their kindness during her sojourn amongst them.

Bo's Summer Adventures.

Bo too, spent a pleasant summer, he and several of his chums often
went fishing, or hunting for wild flowers and curious stones, going
into swampy places for specimens of plants, and sometimes coming
home, as Hetty said, "Looking worse than Italian tramps."
One day Walter Rhue and Ned Thornton came to spend the day, Bo
begged Hetty for a basket of luncheon, and off they went to have a
day of it in the woods. It was the last week of August, rather warm,
and after such a long tramp, they wanted to find a cool place for
their picnic.
They reached a brook, which was usually so low that it could be
crossed on some stepping stones. But today it was much swollen,
owing to a heavy shower, which had fallen the preceding night, the
water was three feet deep, and rushed angrily over the stepping
stones.
Walter and Ned took up poles, and rolling up their pants, were about
to pick their way through the noisy current, but Bolax stopped them,
and said: "Look here, fellows, I'll show you how to cross a brook."
"You show me," retorted Ned, "I guess I can beat you at that
business any time."
"I guess you can't," rejoined Bo, "just wait a minute and see how I
do it."
He then stepped upon an old log on the bank of the brook, and
grasping the drooping branches of a large tree, which grew on the
opposite side, prepared to swing himself across. He pulled the
branch as far toward himself as possible, and then leaped forward,
shouting in boastful tones: "This is the way to cross a——"
Alas! For Bo and his boasting. The branch broke and his weight tore
it from the tree, so, instead of swinging across, he fell with a
tremendous splash into the water.
Walter and Ned burst into a fit of laughter, so uncontrollable, that
they almost fell from the stones on which they stood. As soon as
they could speak, Ned cried: "I say Bo, you had better take out a
patent for your new way of crossing brooks."
But Bo was not prepared to enjoy his friend's joke. He was seated in
the brook, with the water almost up to his chin. Seeing him so still,
Walter went to the edge of the water, as near to him as possible and
said:
"Bo you are rather in a wet place; why don't you come out of it?"
Bo then scrambled out, the water dripping from his clothes. Walter,
with all his fun, was not without some thoughtfulness, and fearing
lest Bolax's wetting might injure his health, urged him to hurry home
to change his clothes.
"No, I'll sit in the sun and dry myself," replied Bo in a surly tone.
Ned tried to persuade him to run home, but he got angry with both
boys.
"Bolax, you're a snapping turtle today, and I'll leave you to recover
your good temper."
"I don't care; you may both go to the moon, if you like."
"Oh, very well, Mr. President, of the Patent Brook Crossing
Company," said Walter with a provoking laugh.
"You shut up, or I'll throw you in the brook."
Bo did not usually show such temper, but his ducking had given him
a chill, and made him nervous. Ned, the peace-maker, then
remarked that it was silly for friends to quarrel.
"Let us make up and get you home, Bo, or Hetty will never give us
another lunch for a picnic."
When Master Bo got home, he tried to sneak up to his room, but his
mother caught him on the stairs, such a sight as he was! mud,
slime, weeds clinging to his soaking clothes.
Hetty raised her hands, horrified at the condition of her favorite.
"Whar yous done ben? you is getten' dreadful. Dat's de second big
scrape yous been in since you' sister been away."
"Why, Hetty!" exclaimed Mrs. Allen. "What else has Bo been doing? I
hope you are not keeping things from your mother, my son. I fear
something is very wrong with you. Did you get to confession last
week?"
"Mamma, I was going, but Father Clement was so cross to a fellow,
who did a couple of mortal sins, and the fellow said he got pitched
out of the box, so I got afraid."
Ma—Did the boy tell you what the sins were?
Bo—I asked him, but he looked at me with such a face, and called
me a "greeny."
Ma—Oh, you should not have asked him.
Bo—Well, I just wanted to know if his sins were like mine. I couldn't
dare to go to confession, if he got put out for only two mortal sins, I
would catch it, for I have committed such a pile of them.
Ma—Merciful goodness, child! When did you commit the sins? I was
sure you told me all your thoughts and actions of each day.
Bo—I do pretty much, Ma, dear, but you see I have not been having
many talks with you at night for a long time. You let me say my
prayers alone.
Ma—My darling, I have been attending to poor, sick Papa, but I am
sorry if my negligence has caused you to be careless about your
conscience. Do tell me what sins you have committed.
Bo—Well, you know that night I came home late? I did not actually
tell a lie, but I twisted the truth. Ma, dear, if I tell you all about that
day, promise you won't get angry—Father Clement says anger is a
mortal sin.
Ma—Never mind that, I take care of my own conscience, just tell me
about that day.
Bo—Well, then, I went up to St. Thomas' as you know, after
luncheon, while waiting for the train to come home, a freight car
passed and slowed up. I heard a fellow say, "Hello," I said "Hello,"
too, and when I looked up at him, I saw he was a friend of mine.
Ma—A friend of yours!
Bo—Yes, Ma, dear, I often see that fellow when I am waiting at the
station; his name is Warner. He let me on his train several times.
Ma—Oh, my son! how could you be so disobedient! Getting on trains
when you know I have strictly forbidden it.
Bo—I know it was an awful mortal sin, and I came near being made
to repent of it all my life. One of the college boys had made me
mad, that was the reason I started for home. When I got to the
station, Warner was standing on his train, he said: "Hello! are you
the little kid that helped me stoke the fire last fall?" I said I wasn't a
kid now; I was ten years old. "That's so," said he, "come to look at
you, you're round as a barrel, but you ain't growed taller." Then I
told him to shut up, and he said: "Oh, don't get mad, just step inside
the caboose, I'll give you a ride to Dorton, and you can walk back
home." I got into the caboose, and Warner laughed and talked, and
I never felt the time going until we came to a standstill and I found
myself at Lockfaren.
Ma—Great goodness, Bolax, it is a wonder you were not killed! Oh,
how could you be so wicked, and who helped you home?
Bo—I never thought of the wickedness until I saw where I was.
Warner laughed at me, and said I was big and fat enough to walk
home. Then I said to myself, "ha! ha! old fellow, now you're in a fix.
I can never walk twenty miles." Lockfaren is only a flag station,
there was no light—not a house to be seen, only the thick woods all
around. My heart stood still with fear. When I found myself stranded
in that lonely place, I knelt down and made an act of contrition for
all my sins, then I begged our Blessed Lady and St. Joseph to help
me. I expected some wild beast would come out of the woods and
kill me, for wild cats have been seen in that neighborhood. Suddenly
it came to my mind to pray to the Angel Guardian, for the Engineer
on the next passenger train that would pass, to make a stop. Oh,
how I prayed! even more fervently than when I am sick, and you
know how wonderfully I can pray then. Well, after a long wait in the
pitch dark, for it was cloudy, and not even a star to be seen, I heard
the welcome sound of a whistle, a bell rang, and I knew a train was
coming. Sure enough it did come and stopped. The conductor and
three men got out, each with a lantern, began examining the
wheels; I jumped on the car, and when the conductor came in, I
walked up to him and told the whole story. He listened and said:
"Well, little man, it seems we stopped in direct answer to your
prayer. Just as we reached Lockfaren, the Engineer warned me that
the Wheels were grating as if there was a 'Hot box.' When we
examined them, nothing was wrong." I thanked the Conductor and
told him my name and where he could see my father to get the fare,
but the kind man said he was only too glad to have rescued me. "I
have a little boy of my own, so my heart warms to all boys, and I
firmly believe kind Providence watches over them; in your case the
stopping of the train seems almost a miracle in answer to your
earnest prayer."
Ma—Why did you not tell me all this before?
Bo—Oh, dear Ma! I did not want to worry you. Papa was sick and
Amy and Aunt Lucy away from home. It's no use scolding me now, it
happened two months ago.
Ma—I know it happened two months ago, but dear, you should
never hide anything from your mother. That good conductor should
have been seen by your father, and thanked for his kindness, if not
substantially rewarded.
Bo—Well, here is his card; I wish you or Papa would write to him
and pay my fare. Kiss me, darling mother, and forgive me, and pray
that I may never commit a mortal sin again.
 CHAPTER X.
Christmas and "Little Christmas" or King's Day.
Christmas Eve had come and the children were at last asleep,
dreaming of the pleasures in store for them on the morrow. Mrs.
Allen and her sister sat by the fire completing a handsome smoking
robe for Mr. Allen.
The clock struck twelve, in soft, silvery chimes as the robe was
folded and tied on the tree.
Miss Lucy drew aside the curtain to look out upon the night. The
snow had ceased falling, and now lay in feathery drifts on the silent
village like a pure white veil, tracing graceful patterns among the
dark trees on the hill-side, While the stars above had the brilliancy of
extreme cold.
"Hark! What was that?" said Mrs. Allen. "Surely not our bell at
midnight? Let us call Dick; I'm afraid to open the door."
Mr. Dick and Hetty came running down and turned on the electric
light. To the astonishment of all, on the porch stood a young woman
with an infant in her arms. Mrs. Allen brought her in, asking no
questions, for the poor creature was speechless with cold. Lucy took
the baby, it opened its eyes and smiled, seeming very comfortable.
Hetty gave the woman a hot drink, and Mrs. Allen took off her wet
shoes and clothing, and gave her a warm foot-bath, then she was
wrapped in a blanket and made to lie down on the sofa before the
fire. The poor soul was so exhausted she fell into a profound sleep.
The good people then began to realize what they were doing, to ask
themselves how the woman could have selected their house for a
shelter. "Oh, let us thank our Lord," said Mrs. Allen. "He has given us
the privilege of harboring the harborless." "Mrs. Allen," remarked
Hetty, "dis is just like dat verse you done teached Miss Amy: 'To
shelter de Holy wanderers on dat blessed Christmas night.' Don't you
know, at fust, I thought it was the Holy Virgin and little Jesus. Well, I
say it's for luck dat baby's come to dis house."
"Lucy," said Mrs. Allen, "you had better go to bed; that you may be
able to get up in the morning to take the children to Mass. It is
absolutely necessary one of us should remain home to care for our
unexpected guests."
At five o'clock in the morning, Pat came into the kitchen to say the
sleigh was ready if the folks were going to early Mass. "Turn your
back and shut you' eyes," called out Hetty. Pat, supposing she had a
Christmas gift for him, did as he was bid.
"Is you' eyes tight shut, Pat?" "Faith and they couldn't be tighter, but
hurry up, the folks'll be wantin' the sleigh in a minute." Hetty took
the sleeping babe and laid it in the old man's arms, then told him to
look. Pat stared in utter surprise, his eyes and mouth wide open.
Hetty stood laughing at his discomfiture, when he could speak, he
exclaimed: "Holy saints! where did this come from?"
"De Christ-child sent it twelve o'clock last night." "May the Lord bless
us," said Pat, "but it's a quare thing entirely yees are telling me.
Here, take the darlint; I must be gettin' off or we'll be late for Mass."
Mrs. Allen called the children before five o'clock, bidding them hurry
downstairs, as she had a surprise for them. Hetty carried the babe
into the library and laid it on the table under the electric light, its
eyes were open, but it lay perfectly still.
As the children caught sight of the little figure they were transfixed
with astonishment. Amy made the sign of the cross; for the moment
she thought only of the Infant Jesus, then examining closer, she saw
it was a real live baby. "Of course," said she, "I might have known
the Infant Jesus would not come to us, we are not holy enough."
Bolax kissed the little thing, saying "Isn't it a dear! Mamma, are you
going to keep it?"
"Come, now," called Aunt Lucy, "we must not be late for Mass; when
we get home we will hear all about the wonderful baby." On the way
to church, Aunty explained how it came that the poor mother was in
the house, and no doubt would be able to tell why she sought
shelter under their roof.
"Well," exclaimed Pat, "may God bless yees all for the most warm-
hearted family I ever met. None of yees will ever be in want of a
roof to cover you, for surely the dear Infant Jesus will not forget
your many great acts of Charity."
At seven o'clock Hetty took some breakfast up to the woman, and
brought her baby to be nursed. She seemed greatly refreshed and
said she was able to get up. "Don't you stir, honey," said Hetty,
"unless you is real able, if you is, Mrs. Allen wants to see you in de
library." Having dressed herself and attended to her baby's wants,
Hetty took her downstairs.
Mrs. Allen asked the woman's name and questioned as to the reason
for selecting this house in which to take refuge.
"Indeed, ma'am, I'll tell you how it was, but first let me thank you;
sure it's no wonder the station-man spoke so highly of your charity."
"Say nothing about that; I only wish I had it in my power to do
more." "Well," continued the woman, "my name is Mary Ryan. My
husband was killed a month ago; he fell off a scaffolding while
painting a house. I stayed with his people after his death, but they
soon let me see I wasn't welcome, so I went to an intelligence office
to look for a place. The man made me pay him a dollar, then he
gave me the address of a Mrs. Clarkson out here near the station.
He said they especially wanted a woman with a child because such
are willing to stay in the country.
"I paid my fare out and got here at three o'clock, it was daylight
then, and I hunted high and low for Mrs. Clarkson, but no one had
ever heard of such a person. I didn't know where to go, so I
remained in the station as it was snowing hard. The watchman was
so kind. He gave me a sandwich and asked me if I had nowhere to
stop for the night. I told him just how it was with me. He said: 'A
friend of mine just happens to be outside with his sleigh and I'll tell
him to take you where you'll be well treated.'
"I didn't know but what it was a lodging house he was taking me to;
when he came to your gate he just put me on the boardwalk and
told me to go up to the door."
"Well, Mary, you are welcome, poor child; we will do what we can for
you. Have you a valise?" "Yes, ma'am; the man at the station has
care of it." "I will send our man for it as soon as the sleigh comes
back." "Oh, God bless you ma'am!" "Don't say any more, dear; your
name is Mary; you and your child were in need of shelter, like the
divine Mother Mary. I consider it a privilege to be allowed to share
the comforts our Lord has given me with any one in need."
"Go to Hetty now, she will take care of you. I know of just a place
that will suit you, and in a few days when the roads are somewhat
better, I will take you there."
In the excitement about the baby, the children forgot to look at their
presents early in the day, but after Mass all were eager to see what
old Santa had brought them. Amy received several gifts she had
been longing for. Bolax got what he prized more than anything, viz:
—a whole set of Father Finn's books.
The Christmas dinner was indeed a mirthful one. All the love gifts, as
Mrs. Allen called those that were made expressly for each member
of the family, had been placed on the tree behind the ornaments. Mr.
Allen entered into the spirit of the evening, saying he would act the
wizard's part, and by means of long wand detached the various
treasures from the tree and gave them to their owners, whose
names they bore.
Great was the delight of the children, when after a hard tussle to
detach a large bundle, down it came on Mr. Allen's head. It proved
to be a beautiful smoking robe, which had been made and
embroidered by Mrs. Allen, Lucy and little Amy.
The good man was so charmed that he declared he would not use
his wand again until he had full five minutes to admire it. Amy
received a lovely pair of bed-room slippers, the work of Aunt Lucy;
Mrs. Allen, a sofa cushion made by her sister in New York; Aunt
Lucy, a blue silk waist, embroidered in white roses. Uncle Dick, a
smoking cap, made by Mrs. Allen; Bolax, a pair of silk and woolen
mitts, knit by Aunt Lucy. Bo gave Hetty a work box, which he made
with his tools, and Amy, a needlebook, on which she had
embroidered, "Hetty, dear." Pat too, received a little "love gift," but
both faithful domestics had had a substantial present from the
"Master."
Mr. Allen put on his robe and cap to please the children, strutting up
and down the library floor, saying he was sure he resembled a
Chinese Mandarin in his gorgeous robe. Now let us end the day with
some of your spirited Yule-tide airs: "Strike the Harp" and "With
Glory Lit the Midnight Air." Every one sang with hearty good will to
the accompaniment of piano and violin.
That night when the family sought their pillows, all felt that they had
passed a very happy and holy Christmas.

January Sixth.
Bolax ran into the library covered with snow, his two dogs with him
making a pretty mess on the rugs. Mamma called out: "Look at the
condition of your boots, child." Hetty happened to be on hand with
the broom. "Dat's easy cleaned up," said she. "Bo don't think
sometimes, but his heart is in de right place after all," which "after
all" was known to refer to a spirit of fun and a tendency to mischief
such as most lively boys possess.
"Does anyone remember that tomorrow is my birthday?" exclaimed
Bolax. "Whew," echoed Uncle Dick, "is that a fact? What will be the
number of your years tomorrow?" "Eleven. Hetty has made me a
splendid cake, but I'm not to have a party because Papa is not well."
"Oh, but you're going to have your chums," observed Amy. "Yes, our
jolly seven will be here, and Hetty says that enormous cake must be
eaten at one sitting." "You have made a mistake, brother, that very
large cake is for the crippled children in St. Luke's Hospital; there are
eighteen of them in the ward and we are to take it there ourselves
and divide it." "That's so, I had almost forgotten about the poor
children. We had better go there early in the morning and have the
afternoon for our company."
"Children," said Uncle Dick, "Would you like to hear the story of the
first time a cake was cut on King's Day?" "Yes, yes, let us have it
please," exclaimed both at once.

Uncle Dick's Story.

The three Wise men, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspard, were kings,
living in countries widely separated; yet each one saw a wonderful
brilliant star, such as had never before appeared, and a heavenly
messenger told them to follow this star, that it would lead them to a
new-born king, who was to be greater than all the rulers of the
earth. So the wise men or Magi set out bearing gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh, which they were to give to the wonderful
child, whose star they had seen in the "East."
They had traveled such a long time and were tired sitting on their
camels, so they came to a halt near a dense forest. It had been
raining for several hours and now the sound of distant thunder and
the fury of the wind warned them to seek shelter for the night. Their
followers took refuge in a cave and refused to go a step further; so
the kings were compelled to continue their journey alone. After
walking for a long time almost famished with cold and wet to the
skin, they came to a little village and determined to ask hospitality at
the first house they saw. This house, or I should say hut, was
situated at the entrance of the forest, and belonged to a poor
woodcutter named Japhet.
The kings knocked very loudly, Japhet and his wife opened the door,
wondering who could want them at such a late hour. Our
distinguished travelers begged a shelter from the storm and some
food. The woodcutter was startled when he saw such grand people,
and hesitated about letting them into his cabin, big Melchior,
however, settled the question by pushing back the door, then all
entered.
"Now," said Gaspard, "do give us some supper and a place to rest,
we will pay well." "Alas! honored, Sirs," answered Japhet. "I have
but one bed, and as for supper, we have nothing to offer but black
bread and water. But, we will do the best we can to make you
comfortable for the night."
So the tired out kings sat down and were glad enough to eat of the
black bread, and satisfy their thirst with water. Japhet then made a
big fire and the kings having dried their clothes, laid themselves
upon the clean straw bed, which the good wife had made for them.
When morning light shone through the chinks of the cabin wall, the
kings arose and prepared to continue their journey. Balthazar, who
was the most generous, said: "My good people I want to give you
something in return for your hospitality." "Oh, never mind," said
Japhet. "The little we had, we gave with a good heart, but we did
not expect anything in return." At the same time the poor fellow
held out his hand.
"I have no money," explained Balthazar, "but I will leave you a
souvenir, which will be of infinitely more value." Saying this, he
searched in his pocket, drew out a little flute, and presented it to
Japhet, who received it with a look of disappointment on his face.
"You see," continued Balthazar, "if you make a wish while playing a
tune, it will be immediately granted. Take the flute; do not abuse its
gifts, and above all never refuse a shelter or food to the poor
wayfarer."
As soon as the three kings had left the hut, Japhet said to his wife:
"Well, it seems to me, such rich-looking people could have given us
something better than a toy, nevertheless I will try its power; should
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