As he talked, they passed the willow-bushes, and came to the taller trees that stood near together; and quite close to the water, wedged tightly in between two of these trees, stood a small hut, so low and gray with moss, that it could scarcely be distinguished from the trees.
"Here," said the boy, and drew Elsli with him into the house.

It was pleasant and clean within, though low and small.

The sun was streaming in through the little window in the corner.

Against the wall was a bedstead, where the sick mother lay, staring with big, wide-open eyes at the new-comer.

In the sunny corner sat an old man with snow-white hair.
He looked up wonderingly at Elsli and the children.