LITTLE Mary in the picture is afraid of Jacob, the chimney-sweep. He
does look black and ugly; but he is a good boy, for all that, and Mary
ought not to be afraid of him.
His parents died when he was very small, and he was bound out to a
master, who taught him how to clean chimneys. Jacob did not like the
work at first, and was afraid to go up the chimney; but now that he has
got used to it, he likes it quite well. He sometimes sings a merry song
while he is at work.
[Illustration]
Mary's mother has sent for him to come and clean out her chimney; for it
is choked up with soot, and she cannot make her fire burn.
LEONORA, from the German.
[Illustration]