Chapter II: Preparation

How Hans helped his father work in the forest, and how he left home to work in a big city.

Talk of work in a forest and in the city.

Narration.

LEAVING HOME.

By and by, when Hans grew to be a tall, strong lad, he used to go with his father to the forest to chop wood and thus help earn money which went to buy food and clothes for his mother and his three younger brothers. For Hans’ father was poor, and money was scarce in his family.

After a time, when Hans had grown so tall that you and I would call him a young man, his father said to him, “Hans, my boy, it is time now that you started out to hunt some work for yourself. Your next younger brother can help me with the wood-chopping and the smaller ones can help the mother in the work about the house. You must go out into the world and learn how to take care of yourself; and perhaps, some day, you may have to take care of your mother and me, when we grow too old to work.”

So Hans’ mother packed his clothes in a little bundle; and, as she kissed him good-bye, she said, “Hans, my precious son, always be brave and true, and the good God will take care of you.” Hans then bade farewell to his father and his younger brothers and started on his journey.

Suggestions.

1. Question to emphasize the thought of the story.

2. Reproduction.

3. A talk of how each one in this family had his share of the work.

Talk about the mother’s parting words to Hans.

MOTTO: _Be brave and true._