AFTER THE STORY . `` How much did the pitcher hold ? '' asked Sweet Fern . `` It did not hold quite a quart , '' answered the student ; `` but you might keep pouring milk out of it , till you should fill a hogshead , if you pleased . The truth is , it would run on forever , and not be dry even at midsummer , -- which is more than can be said of yonder rill , that goes babbling down the hillside . '' `` And what has become of the pitcher now ? '' inquired the little boy . `` It was broken , I am sorry to say , about twenty-five thousand years ago , '' replied Cousin Eustace . `` The people mended it as well as they could ; but , though it would hold milk pretty well , it was never afterwards known to fill itself of its own accord . So , you see , it was no better than any other cracked earthen pitcher . '' `` What a pity ! '' cried all the children at once . The respectable dog Ben had accompanied the party , as did likewise a half-grown Newfoundland puppy , who went by the name of Bruin , because he was just as black as a bear . Ben , being elderly , and of very circumspect habits , was respectfully requested , by Cousin Eustace , to stay behind with the four little children , in order to keep them out of mischief . As for black Bruin , who was himself nothing but a child , the student thought it best to take him along , lest , in his rude play with the other children , he should trip them up , and send them rolling and tumbling down the bill . TANGLEWOOD PLAY-ROOM . The golden days of October passed away , as so many other Octobers have , and brown November likewise , and the greater part of chill December , too . At last came merry Christmas , and Eustace Bright along with it , making it all the merrier by his presence . And , the day after his arrival from college , there came a mighty snow-storm . Up to this time , the winter had held back , and had given us a good many mild days , which were like smiles upon its wrinkled visage .
The grass had kept itself green , in sheltered places , such XXXXX the nooks of southern hill-slopes , and along the lee of the stone fences .
AFTER about as at by from on than though to