The boys watched the pot unceasingly, but when the potatoes began to burst apart, first one and then another, they were frightened and called aloud for Elsli.

She speedily reassured them, explaining that the bursting only meant that they were good potatoes and that they were done.

Then she threw away the water that remained in the pot, and poured the potatoes out into a big round dish.

She carried the plates into the other room, and made the table ready against the father's arrival.
The old grandfather, who had watched the proceedings from his corner, called Elsli to him.
"You are good, and very handy too," he said; "can you come again to-morrow ?" Elsli promised to come.
"Look, I am lame," he went on, "and ever since my daughter has been sick, I have not been able to get out into the sun, because there is no one for me to lean on; the children are too little.

Will you help me to-morrow to get out-of-doors ?" She promised that too.