The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-26
What the Holland Giant Did For Hans
and WiIheImina.

ana papa haven't the money to give as to
get a boat. neither"
Willie made no reply. but turned her
gaze on the line of distant blue sky.
where 1t dipped Into the bluer sea. Then
she heayed a little sigh of longing,
Just then a heavy step was heard be-
mind them, and looking back the children
saw sight which made their blood run
cold. Coming at mile-ength strides across
the country was mighty giant, SO tall
that bis head was quite out of sight
among the white clouds. Hans dropped
himself below some weeds and marsh
grass. whispering TO Willie to do the
same But the giants powerful eye de-
tected them as they lay hidden like little
specks behind the poor weeds and grass.
Then be bent his head to within a quar-
ter OF mile Of their faces, and said in a
voice surprisingly gentle, considering its
terrible volume and roar:
You need have no fear OF me, little
ones. I'm the Holland giant, and I've
roamed about over Its soil for centuries.
I'm about 800 or 900 years old, and am
beginning to feel as though / were not
quite so young as | used to be 300 or
400 years ago. But am still quite young
enough to understand the longing of little
children like yourselves. AS / was sit
ting on peak of the Alps a few days
ago | caught your wish as It was waited
upward on the air. You both longed 10
see something more OF this world. which
Is so very big to you. Am ! not rlghti
As he asked the question the giant
stroked the top OF Hans head with the
tip OF his little finger, thus winning the
little fellows confidence and banishlng his
fear. Raising his head Hans looked away
up Into the great smiling face above him
and saw two clear blue eyes which at
that distance seemed to be each as large
as the moon.
Eyes, SIR. we've been very anxious to
go over both land and water. but we
have no money to travel In the coaches
and none to build a boat WITH
Upon hearing her brother address the
monstrous giant little Wilhelmina dared
bring herself from the weeds and grass
and peeped up at the towering figure
which cast Its shadow all about them
and cut out the sun. Seeing the almost
gentle smile on the giants countenance
she-like Hans-felt confidence In him,
and Joined In the conversation, Eyes,
Mister Giant. we've wanted so much to
go across the country toward the east
and see what strange sights are there
Then we wish very. very much to go
across the sea to the country called Great
treble, which must have sounded quite
like the chirp of bird In the giants
huge ear.
"Ah, ha," he answered. "Then you
may satisfy those longings. my little
friends. Just because / am a giant does
not signify that ! am ill-disposed toward
small people. The fact is, | get very
lonely without companions of any kind.
You see, | am the only great giant now
In the world. Others that go by the
name are mere dwarfs compared to me.
So | must pass the time away in doing
good to others while | live. But II you
wish to go with me come, step on my I'm
gers, and I'll raise you to my shoulders,
where you will find quite space to sit
on or to run about and play while we
travel. AT night I'll put you In one OF
my pockets to Sleep"
"Oh, that will be lovely" declared
Hans, but Wilhelmina held back.
Don't you want to go, little one7"