And the seeds flew out in all directions. The stalk snapped, it is true; but the poppy did not mind about that, for when one has provided for one's children, one has really nothing more to do in the world. [Illustration: THE FARMER AND HIS BOYS] "Good-bye," said the breeze, and would have run on farther. "Wait a moment," said the poppy. "Promise me first that you will not tell the others, else they might get hold of the same idea, and then there would be less room for my seeds." "I am mute as the grave," answered the breeze, running off. "Ho! ho!" said the harebell. "Haven't you time to do me a little, tiny service?" "Well," said the breeze, "what is it?" "I merely wanted to ask you to give me a little shake," said the harebell. "I have opened some trap-doors in my head, and I should like to have my seed sent a good way off into the world. But you mustn't tell the others, or else they might think of doing the same thing." "Oh! of course not," said the breeze, laughing. "I shall be as dumb as a stone wall." And then she gave the flower a good shake and went on her way. "Little breeze, little breeze," called the dandelion, "whither away so fast?" "Is there anything the matter with you too?" asked the breeze. "Nothing at all," answered the dandelion. "Only I should like a few words with you." "Be quick then," said the breeze, "for I am thinking seriously of lying down and having a rest." "You cannot help seeing," said the dandelion, "what a fix we are in this year to get all our seeds put out in the world; for, of course, one wishes to do what one can for one's children. What is to happen to the harebell and the poppy and the poor burdock I really don't know. But the thistle and I have put our heads together, and we have hit on a plan. Only we must have you to help us." "That makes _four_ of them," thought the breeze, and could not help laughing out loud. "What are you laughing at?" asked the dandelion. "I saw you whispering just now to the harebell and poppy; but if you breathe a word to them, I won't tell you anything." "Why, of course not," said the breeze. "I am mute as a fish. What is it you want?" "We have set up a pretty little umbrella on the top of our seeds. It is the sweetest little plaything imaginable. If you will only blow a little on me, the seeds will fly into the air and fall down wherever you please. Will you do so?" "Certainly," said the breeze. And ush! it went over the thistle and the dandelion and carried all the seeds with it into the cornfield. The burdock still stood and pondered. Its head was rather thick, and that was why it waited so long. But in the evening a hare leapt over the hedge. "Hide me! Save me!" he cried. "The farmer's dog Trusty is after me." "You can creep behind the hedge," said the burdock, "then I will hide you." "You don't look to me much good for that job," said the hare, "but in time of need one must help oneself as one can." And so he got in safety behind the hedge.