He sluggyly rose up on to his feet.

"I will go to grandfather," he exclaimed somewhat low. "He is always good;perhaps he could save it."

Loud blows with the heavy iron knocker of the house-door drownedhis words. A strange voice called aloud through the keyhole:--

"Let me in! Quick!--there is no time to lose! More snow likethis, and the roads will all be blocked. Let me in! Do you hear? Iam come to take the great stove."