They made them dizzy with their fluttering and drove them to
distraction with their cries of "Shame, shame, swans!"
The attack of the small birds lasted but a moment. When they were gone
and the swans came to their senses, they saw that the geese had risen
and flown over to the other end of the bay.
THE NEW WATCH-DOG
There was this at least to be said in the swans' favour--when they saw
that the wild geese had escaped, they were too proud to chase them.
Moreover, the geese could stand on a clump of reeds with perfect
composure, and sleep.
Nils Holgersson was too hungry to sleep.
"It is necessary for me to get something to eat," he said.
At that time, when all kinds of things were floating on the water, it
was not difficult for a little boy like Nils Holgersson to find a craft.
He did not stop to deliberate, but hopped down on a stump that had
drifted in amongst the reeds. Then he picked up a little stick and began
to pole toward shore.
Just as he was landing, he heard a splash in the water. He stopped
short. First he saw a lady swan asleep in her big nest quite close to
him, then he noticed that a fox had taken a few steps into the water and
was sneaking up to the swan's nest.
"Hi, hi, hi! Get up, get up!" cried the boy, beating the water with his
stick.
The lady swan rose, but not so quickly but that the fox could have
pounced upon her had he cared to.
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