In their mountains and valleys they have fought against the enemies who would have destroyed them, and the tyrants who would have made them slaves. They have driven out their foes again and again, for their cause was noble and unselfish, and to-day the republic formed by them can teach other countries many wise and worthy lessons. How the stories of William Tell and Arnold von Winkelried stir our hearts whenever we hear them repeated! These were only two of many heroes who have made the country famous for its bravery and unselfishness. Surely we shall be glad to turn our minds for a while to its fertile valleys, beautiful lakes, and the noble mountains among which the good monks live with their trusty dogs, that they may give aid and comfort to unfortunate travellers overtaken by cold and storm. Contents CHAPTER PAGE I. CARL'S HOLIDAY 9 II. THE MOUNTAIN PASTURE 27 III. THE SCHOOLMASTER'S VISIT 43 IV. THE BRAVE ARCHER 51 V. THE HAYMAKERS 63 VI. THE MARMOT 76 VII. GLACIER AND AVALANCHE 92 VIII. SANTA CLAUS NIGHT 105 IX. THE WONDERFUL ABBEY 110 List of Illustrations PAGE CARL _Frontispiece_ THE CHALET 30 "'FOLLOWING ITS MASTER ABOUT JUST LIKE A DOG'" 49 CLIMBING THE MATTERHORN 79 "IT WAS A RIVER OF SOLID ICE!" 95 ON THE LAKE 121 Our Little Swiss Cousin CHAPTER I. CARL'S HOLIDAY "TO-MORROW, to-morrow!" Carl kept repeating to himself. He was standing at the window of the little cottage and looking out toward the great mountain. He had lived under its shadow all his life. Its snowy summit was coloured a fiery red as it stood against the sky in the sunset light. People in far-away lands would give a great deal to see such a glorious sight. But Carl saw another picture in his mind. It was the grand procession of the next day, that would celebrate the close of school before the summer vacation. Thousands of children would march in the line. They would carry the flag of Switzerland,--the white cross on a red ground. It was the emblem of their country's freedom, and they loved it well. There would be bands of music; there would be a speech by the mayor of the city. Feasts would be spread, to which all the children were invited. Yes, the glorious day was near, and Carl was very happy. "Carl, my boy, are you thinking of the good time to-morrow?" said a voice at the other side of the room. Carl started, and, turning round, he saw his father standing in the doorway.