"Why," Rip Wondered, "Why is he carrying- am I Carrying this little barrel up the montain? why? where are we
going?" but he did not dare to ask. they went between the rocks and cameto a small open space. it was shut in
by high roctks on every side, and trees grew over it, hiding the sky.
He found it hard to walk: his legs were
painful. at lasthe came to the place
where he had climbed up with the old
man.
With some difficulty he found his way to his own house. he
went up to it very quietly because he was afraid he would
hear the angry voice of his wife. but the windows were
broken. there was no door. He went into the house. His wife
had always kept it very clear, with everything in ist right place.
But there was nothing there - no chairs, tables - nothing. it
was not lived in now. it has not been lived in for a long time.
He called for his wife and children. But there was no answer.
Solution
The old man pointed to the barrel and showed rip that he must give a
drink to all the men.
Rip went on living as he had done in the past. Many of his friends ere very old,
and he found friends among the younger people. They liked him very much.
Spaces.
he did not look after his own land and
his garden. long grass grew in his field
Through an opening inthe tress he coul
see down as far asthe hudson river.
As they went on, they came to a very narrow passage
between high rocks.