Original subtitles

Up in the fells, villages are few and far between.

The nearest neighbor is often many miles away.

It is a hard life for the people up there.

In the old days, crop failure meant starvation.

The snow lay after midsummer.

Potatoes were blighted, corn wilted.

Rather than die of hunger, people left their homes

with their elder children. They set out to beg for bread.

The parish took charge of the children left behind,

placing them out with farmers who were paid a small sum for them,

but who most often let them starve.

-What will happen to the children? -Don't worry about them, Britta.

They'll be alright. There's always the parish.

The big ones may manage, but what about the little ones?

We'll send them out to some of the farms. The parish pays for them.

No, I don't want that!

They are treated very well.

It's time I was getting along. Emma will be along to help soon.

Take it easy now, Britta. You'll soon be well again. Good day.

Don't worry about us, Mother.

Oh, Ante, darling.

They'll take you whether you like it or not.

We'll go away, Mother. We'll take the little girls on the sled and go

from farm to farm in the country, like the grown-ups do.

But, Ante--

Kalle's father says that they got

barley and potatoes down in the villages. There'll be some for us, too.

As long as God's blessing gives you bread, you'll never be without.

-What about Gullspira? -She'll come with us. Don't worry.

I'm not worrying. You've set my mind at rest, little Ante.

It seems so bright around you...

All around.

Sing for me that old song you know so well.

None can we safer call

Than God's little children all

The star not in the firmament

The bird is not in the known nest

The Lord his faithful caregivers...

That lad Ante can come with me. He's big enough to be of some use.

Okay. The others are no good to me.

No, they'll cost the parish dearly.

We can't be wasting money like that. The parish must tighten the belt.

-That's a true word, that is. -You should fetch them at once.

-We'll take them to the poorhouse. -We can talk again later.

-What about this? -We can't carry any more. Hurry up.

Hurry! They're coming!

Monke, go fetch Gullspira.

Come on, Gullspira!

-Do you think they saw us? -Quiet, I said! Get back.

What's this?

That's funny, not a soul here.

And all neat and tidy.

The fire's out. Do you think they've cleared out?

-Where to? The outhouse? -Yes, with the goat. Of course!

And it's a goat worth having. I think I'll put in a bid for it.

-Mommy! -Quiet! They're coming here.

Look in there. I'll see if they're over here.

-Looks like they're gone. -The goat, too?

-Yes. -Do you think they are hiding?

No, they've cleared out, no doubt. Scared of the poorhouse.

Maybe. They'll be back. Hunger and cold will see to that.

I only hope they bring the goat back with them!

Never mind, Gullspira. You can use your horns another time.

-Have we no bread left? -No, they've had the last.

I can't bear it any longer. Try Gullspira again, Anna-Lisa.

-She's not got a drop left. -Try all the same.

You must help us, Gullspira! The children are starving.

-Can I have some, too? -And me.

You ought to be ashamed, big lads like you, whining.

-I'm not so big. -You're nearly seven, aren't you?

We big lads shouldn't give up. Hold Gullspira, that'll warm your hands.

Here you go!

-That was hardly anything. -We'll get some food at a farm soon.

Push the sled, Maglena.

Hark at the wolf!

Oh, I heard it, alright! Why didn't we stay at home?

And go to the poorhouse? With Crazy Lasse and the others?

But they're not hungry or freezing to death.

Aren't we there yet?

Ante, I'm so hungry. I can't go on.

Stop whining! Let's sing to pass the time. You start, Maglena.

-Who lives here? -I don't know.

-Come in! -I'll stay here with Gullspira.

Wipe your feet!

Shut the door!

We've come to the ogre's house.

He'll gobble us up!

I'm going out to Monke.

What sort of folk are you, stepping in without so much as a good day?

Who has been fool enough to send children out in this weather

with the wolf howling around every corner?

Nobody sent us out. We set out ourselves,

for there's neither father nor mother at home in our cottage.

Can't the parish help? Our parish will have to see you home again.

No, please! No one will have us unless they're paid.

That's what Mother was afraid of.

What about the poorhouse?

There are some really nice poorhouses, strange as it may sound.

In ours, they do nothing but quarrel, and there's nobody there

who can teach the little ones what Mother would have them know.

And Crazy Lasse is there. He uses such ugly words.

Is that so?

I suppose you're all hungry?

I thought so.

I have a bit of cold porridge and some herring.

-You won't say no to hot coffee? -Shall I grind the coffee?

-I'll get more wood! -And I'll lay the table.

-Can you grind coffee? -Yes.

That'll have to do.

Can I help lay the table?

Lay the table? You poor little thing.

Close the door!

You can't come in. No!

Have you got a goat with you?

You should have auctioned it off.

The children wouldn't have made it without her.

And I promised Mother.

She would pine away if she went to anybody else.

Good day, sir. Good day. Don't drive Gullspira away.

-She's kind. She'll eat anything. -So are there more little ones?

There's another. Any more of you outside?

No. Come, Per-Erik.

-Hello. -Hello.

Where will the goat sleep tonight? Are there more animals out there?

-No. Just the one. -Where does she usually sleep?

It depends. When it was really cold at home,

she came into the bed with us. It was warmer that way.

-She didn't freeze in the cold shed. -I see. We'll make a bed for her.

She's not so particular.

Let her see what's available, then.

Thank you.

Come in, Gullspira. Help yourself, the master says.

Gullspira, shall I milk you? Give me the bowl, Ante.

Have you anything left?

Oh, she knew we were hungry.

Aha, she knows these things?

Yes. We'll get cream for the coffee.

Here.

On you go, I'll come soon.

Per-Erik.

God gives food, we give thanks.

God bless our food. Amen.

That should be enough for both man and beast.

Have you eaten up?

You can all sleep together there.

Don't use those. We have lots of clothes.

I have more in there, so take these. Lay them there.

Can I lie here, too?

A little man like you who's been at it all day deserves a real drink.

I always drink from the bottle, but you might not be used to that.

That'll set you right.

You don't know how good this is for you, do you?

-No. -Here's to you!

Please, Master. I'd rather not.

What? Don't you have the wits to accept a drink when it's offered?

By my poor mother,

I promised her I'd not be a drinker.

A drinker?

Because you take one drink?

The first one was the danger, she said.

This would be the first.

Where's Gullspira?

Awake at last!

She wanted out, so I let her go.

Gullspira!

Gullspira!

Gullspira!

Don't scare me so! We must stick together!

Come now.

Thank you, Lord, for the good food.

-Thank you for the food, sir. -Thank you.

-What will you do now? -We'll be on our way.

-Thank you! -Thank you!

Thank you, sweetheart.

It's done.

Not walking weather.

No.

May we stay till it passes?

Yes. There's not much else to it!

-We'll clean up a bit. -Clean up?

-Maybe it could do with a cleanup. -It could! We'll wash up and mop.

I'll take this.

-Where should we put the boots? -Put them on the sofa.

On the sofa.

-There you go. -Thanks. But look at your foot!

Is it sore, you poor thing? Let's have a look.

Oh, dear! No winter shoes, these.

-Can I put the hay in this? -Yes.

A little frostbite.

We'll soon set that right.

-Is there any hot water here? -Yes.

-Do you have another bucket, sir? -Yes. There's one outside.

Is that nice? Let's have a look at the other one.

See if those toes are okay.

Oh, dear! Let's put them in, too!

You stay there.

No, you mustn't! Let it go!

I'll give you something nice.

I'd better keep a little in case someone else falls ill.

Let's dry your little foot off.

Quiet!

They're coming here!

-It's Big John from the village! -He's after us! What shall we do?

Get in there, all of you. Take your things with you.

Hurry up!

But the floor--

He'll never notice. Get in!

It's so obvious! Please help us. Can't you scrub the floor?

-What? Me?! -Please, don't let us get caught!

Alright, get in there!

Well, I never, Pelle the Cobbler. Have you gotten finicky?

-Are you scrubbing the floor? -Well, it was a mess.

-You're not ill, are you? -Can't a man clean his house?

-Calm down. Are my boots ready? -I'll have a look.

-You can have them in a few days. -I'll get them on the way home.

Listen, Pelle. Have you seen any youngsters from the village?

They had a goat with them.

No.

Would they come this way? Wouldn't they keep to the streams?

Kristina! Where is Kristina? Wait!

-Well, I haven't seen any strays. -Keep an eye out, they may pass by.

-The parish wants to get ahold of them. -I see.

-But why did they take the goat? -To sell, perhaps?

Money's tight these days.

Damn brats! Nothing but trouble!

Nice trouble to have, I'd say.

The big lad's due a beating, then I'll put him to work.

-He's the only one of use. -The girls can scrub the floor, no?

Or was it only boys?

No, there were girls, too.

-What was that? -Just the door banging.

-Very drafty when it's stormy. -But--

-Coffee before you go, perhaps? -Coffee?

-Something stronger would be nice. -Of course.

Well done.

Quiet now!

-Am I drinking alone? -I just had one.

-Doesn't usually stop you. -Now that you mention it, cheers!

-The boots will be ready for me? -Yes, indeed.

-Thank you and goodbye. -Goodbye.

He's gone!

Thank you kindly, sir.

-We fooled him! -Yes.

That bad man wanted

to take you all away!

You could've stayed another day. It looks like more snow, I'm afraid.

Thank you, sir, but we've already stayed two days.

-Do you have the buns? -Yes, thanks.

-Thank the master for the boots. -Thank you, Master.

Thank you. I hope your little toes won't be cold anymore.

-We'll come back if we get tired. -Do that, yes.

-Goodbye. -Thank you all. Thanks.

-I can't see the road. -Just walk between the markers.

How's it going?

-Kristina! -She's gone! Britta-Kajsa, wake up!

-We have to go back. -You go on, keep yourselves warm.

-Where's Kristina? -Do as I say before you freeze.

I'll be back soon.

Where have you lost her?

She was with us at the crossroads!

Okay!

Mommy!

Mommy!

Now, now, now, poor thing, out here in the wilderness.

There, there, poor darling! I'm not a bad man.

Don't cry now. Oh, you're freezing!

Okay, let's get a move on!

There, there, dear.

Kristina!

Kristina!

Kristina!

Kristina!

Welcome back, Artur! Such horrid weather!

It wasn't too bad. Don't catch a cold. Get Dordi to help me.

-Dordi! -Yes, missus. You go inside.

Mommy!

Good gracious, Master! What's this?

May I hold her? May I? Poor thing, what have they done to you?

-Where did you find her? -By the road. Get inside now.

-Come, we'll get you some food. -There you go.

Artur! Come here a minute.

Little Kristina here is almost done with her second pancake.

Really? Aren't you a good girl?

-Are you full up now? -Yes.

Thank you, Lord, for the good food. Amen.

Oh, you're so sweet! Can't we keep her for now?

Well, what can we do? We can't throw her out again.

-Thank God the wolves missed her. -Lucky you shot two the other day.

Bath time, then beddy-byes!

Look, a little boat! There it is!

Okay, time to get out.

-Does she have anything to wear? -Just a blanket. I'll fix her clothes.

-Aren't you going to Bergmora today? -Yes, I better be going.

-Do you want to hold her? -Me?

There we go.

I brought these out and these goatskins, too.

Thank you, Dordi. I'll look through them later.

-Hurry up, she's getting cold. -I'm coming.

-There you go! -Wasn't that nice?

That's good, isn't it?

So nice.

-Little darling. -Don't cry.

-There, there. -There, little one.

That's right.

Don't cry! Let's turn you over.

You found your thumb!

If no one claims her, can we keep her?

-She must have relatives. -Yes, but if--

I don't mind at all. It'll be more work for you to take care of her.

Me? I've been longing for this.

-Anyway, you can help me sometimes. -Well,

if I have time.

I'm leaving. We can do no more.

Come now, Britta. Leave him alone. He might fall asleep.

-Rest up and I'll be back tonight. -Thank you, Mother Anna.

Hello! What a lot of children! Where are you from?

From Frostmo Fell.

With all these little ones? But where are your parents?

They're dead. We left home when Mother died.

We didn't want the young ones to go to the poorhouse.

Come here, my girl. Let me look at you.

-What's your name? -Anna-Lisa.

Anna-Lisa? Can it be true?

Oh, it's true, alright. She was named after Grandmother.

Our girl was called Anna-Lisa.

But we didn't get to keep her.

-How is he now? -The same.

-Has he slept? -No, he's delirious.

-Has Mother Anna been here? -Yes, she'll be back tonight.

Said she could do no more.

He's delirious. I suppose we'll lose him, too.

No lack of children here, I see.

They're just some strays.

Well, be off with you to stray! Don't sit here!

-Anders! -And shut the door!

You're being mean and cruel!

If we can't keep our own, we may as well send away others'.

They're orphans. That can't be easy either.

Come in again, children.

Don't be scared. The master's not angry anymore.

Sit down, I'll bring some food.

He's mean. Do we dare stay here?

Quiet!

-Come, I don't want to be alone. -What do you want?

Anna-Lisa, Anna-Lisa!

-What is it you want? -Please don't leave me.

I won't.

Try to sleep. I'll sing for you.

He's sleeping.

No one's made us happier than you!

Do you want to stay with us, Anna-Lisa?

-Don't you want to? -You won't have to freeze or starve.

It'll be like a real home.

But my brothers and sisters,

should they wander the land while I live in comfort?

Sir! Anna-Lisa must be hungry! We've all had food.

That's right, little man. Go in, girl. We'll talk later.

Come on!

-Are you all full? -Yes, thanks!

Thank you.

Thank you.

You're a fine little man. Have you also walked from Frostmo Fell?

I'm not so little. I'm nearly seven.

Is that so? Would you like to stay here, too?

If the others can cope without you, that is.

Shall we ask big brother?

It'd be awfully good if Per-Erik

could stay with Anna-Lisa.

She's so good with the little ones.

Then you're welcome, Per-Erik!

Thank you, sir.

Kristina! Where have you been?

She's freezing to death.

Where have you been, Kristina?

What a nice fur! And the hat. Where did you get them?

-Artur! Come and see! -What's the racket in the kitchen?

It's Kristina's siblings. I met them at the village shop.

-No! Where are they from? -They're from Frostmo Fell.

They ran off to get away from the poorhouse.

And you've brought them all here? Oh, you're impossible!

So Gullspira has been with you all the way.

Oh, my, so many children! Please sit, we'll say hello later.

Such a big family all at once!

-Yes, indeed. Do you all have food? -Yes, thank you.

There's another little one! What's your name?

Britta-Kajsa.

-Come on! -Yes, off you go.

Then I'll go.

She's going to show off all the things she has.

Take a look.

This one.

Artur, have you heard the saying:

"The pot that boils for one

boils just as easily for two"?

Indeed.

But we must talk to the others before we boil the pot.

And the Great Master

from Nazareth did say:

"Allow the little children to let them come unto me,

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Others may turn you away, but He never will.

Come to Him and stay with Him

even when you have grown up.

He shall teach you how to live righteously,

and he will invite you

into His great home in Heaven.

Let's go. Monke!

Maglena, come on!

Stina! More coffee!

Clear up here!

Move over, Grandfather! You've had all you should.

What do you want? We have no more food than we can eat.

-Kajsa! Have we nothing to spare? -Quiet, you!

Stina, give them the cold porridge and the leftovers.

Right you are. We must go to the wedding party with the milk.

Everyone else is there already. But there's never any order here.

Children! Get plates and spoons! Or can you do nothing yourselves?

Aren't you ready? Move it, Granddad!

Go and help him.

Thank you, my boy. Thank you.

Leave him alone. He can manage.

-Are you ready to go? -There's no rush.

-The others are there already. -We'll drink up first.

We'll get nothing there anyway. Cheers!

Don't trust these people. Not even the children.

It's always been so here.

They're rotten. Drinking, misery.

That's all there is here, on this farm.

You'll see when you get older.

You'll see.

-Shall I fetch Granddad some water? -No, that's okay.

-Go in and get some food. -Thank you.

Hey, you! We're going to the wedding tonight.

Britta's taking the milk, and we're tagging along.

-How nice for you. -For us? Nice for you, too.

-We can't go, it's a wedding. -Anyone can go.

It's a party, and no doubt there'll be a fight. That's always a laugh!

But we can't. Monke and Maglena are tired. They're going to bed.

It was they who wanted to go!

Can't we go and look at the bride?

-If you're not tired, I don't mind. -On you go. I'll see you later.

Here you are, Erik.

Thank you for the presents.

Would you like a taste?

Thank you, Uncle Janne. Have a caramel.

Come, children.

-Will you want a taste? -Yes, plase.

-Where are you from? -Frostmo Fell.

All that way? It's good luck when strays come by on a day like this.

-Kristina? See that they get food. -I will.

Eat your fill now.

-How's Johan-Olof? -He's off to the city.

Really? I have the feeling there'll be another wedding soon, then!

That's fun.

-Here are more small guests! -They're strays from the fells.

-From Frostmo Fell. -Is that so? But then

-weren't there more of you? -Yes.

The ones with Ranger Grape and Big Anders from Moviken?

In that case, let me tell you that they are doing very well.

-Thank you. -Come now, children.

-Hurry along now. You must be hungry. -Yes.

You're to eat as much as you can.

Sit down.

Anna? May we have some milk?

And see to it that they have a good bundle of food when they leave.

We'll see to that.

Thank you. Wait a second.

Take this.

Thank you.

-Ante, I heard Gullspira! -What? All the way up here?

And over all the music? Where's Monke?

Come!

-Monke! Monke, wake up. -We're leaving.

Let's dance the bride's crown off!

-Didn't we leave her here? -Someone's taken her!

-Where can she be? I heard her! -Come on, she must be somewhere.

What if they've killed her?

Gullspira!

That's not Gullspira, it's a sheep!

Nobody will see us here.

Let's slaughter her now before she's recognized.

It's blunt. Let's go sharpen it.

-If they ask where I got the meat? -Say you killed one of your own.

-Gullspira, how are you? -Have they hurt you?

Quiet!

Was that the goat? Hurry!

-Hurry, Ante! -I can't untie her!

Good enough. Let's go.

Take her to the woods. I'll get our things.

No, go this way.

-Damn it! They've taken her! -They can't have gotten far.

Get the dog. He can track them.

They've set a dog on us. Come on!

Well, they're not here anyway.

Wait for me!

Seek!

Quiet!

They're over there. Let's hide here somewhere.

-What happened? -The fox was at our buns.

-All of them? -No, just the one.

-Where's Gullspira? -I don't know.

-Come here, girl. I'll milk you. -Good morning!

What a sight! What have you done?

-Ante, give me the basket. -Leave me alone!

-You're no cleaner yourself. -I'm washing you, like it or not.

Let me go. I can wash myself.

Monke, get some water. We'll clean you if you can't do it.

Can I have the bowl?

Yes, yes.

How are you? Did they hurt you?

If we'd come home any later, you'd have been slaughtered.

No, Ante.

What would we have done if you'd died?

Ante, can't we stay here?

You can make spoons, and I'll make whisps and boxes and things.

Then we can sell them for food and come back here.

-Well-- -Then we could stop wandering.

But there's no food here. And what we have won't last.

I got some money yesterday.

-May I have a cloth? -Yes.

-Why are you scratching me? -You don't have eyes back here.

Then I can scratch you later, you've no eyes there either!

Give me the comb! If I can wash myself, I can comb myself, too!

-Monke, remember it's Sunday! -We're going to church soon.

Well, that doesn't stop me from combing myself.

"The bells peal the day of rest, the week draws to its close."

"The Sabbath approaches, labor's laid aside."

"We thank Thee, Eternal Father, for health and peace

and merciful gifts in times of need."

Thank you, God, for helping us so that Gullspira may still be with us.

Thanks, too, that the fox didn't get all our food. One bun is no loss.

God bless the little ones, let the people be kind to them. Amen.

-Our own church, here in the woods. -And a farm.

-Take this. I'll explore the path. -Wait a moment.

-Here, in case you find a farm. -Okay.

Monke! I'll have to sew that up!

-Don't go anywhere! -We won't! Off with your trousers!

-Must I? Can't you do it anyway? -Okay, come here, then.

Monke, why don't we read

the first chapter of the Catechism?

-I know that one. -Do you? Lie down.

Off you go, then!

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

-Ouch! -Be quiet!

-Get the things! Hurry! -Why? Do we have to go?

Yes, can't you hear the dog? Get Gullspira, quick!

No, we'll go through the stream, the dog will lose our scent.

Ante, Ante! I can't run anymore!

-Would you rather stay here? -Wait, take Gullspira!

-Maglena, help me. -Yes.

Quiet, Monke.

-What are you up to? -A mean dog was after us.

-Blixt here won't hurt you. -It was one from the village.

-And you want to cross the river? -Yes, if we may.

Of course. Come on.

Kristina! Do we have any food we can offer?

Food? But you've just--

We have hungry little guests.

Well, well, it's my friends from the wedding. Good day!

-Have you walked all the way? -Yes.

-Then you must be tired and hungry. -Yes.

How about you, young man? Oskar, can you fetch some milk?

I'll get some food.

Go help her.

Ante? My feet are aching.

Go sit with Gullspira, then.

You must be tired, too.

-Where's the little fellow? -He's happy where he is.

Well, well.

And that's the one who wasn't tired!

Monke!

Let him sleep. Get him inside before the flies eat him up.

Eat now, children.

The walk just about finished you off.

You can untie the goat. It'll do no harm to let her graze.

Here comes the vanquished hero.

Oh, poor thing. It must be rough.

Going from door to door, taken in or driven off.

Yes!

And look at these rags. I'll fix some clothes tomorrow.

-They can help in the garden. -Yes, it does want weeding.

Monke, here's another heap.

-Good day! Thank you, sir! -Why are you thanking me?

-For these. -My old trousers. Not bad!

Aren't they a little big?

The old ones were bigger.

You'll grow into them.

-How are you, my dear? -Fine, thanks. You? Tired?

Thirsty. How have the children been?

Oh, they've been great. They've almost finished the garden.

-Children, food's ready! -Thank you!

-There's not much left to do. -Monke, come here.

-Oh, can't you leave me alone? -Stand still.

You came home too soon. We're not quite done yet!

-Monke! -Oh, sorry.

Bread and butter God will find, that must we always keep in mind.

Amen.

-Thanks for the food. -Are you full?

Yes, but the children outdid me!

-Come and see now! -We're coming. Such a good boy.

My dear...

that boy has no parents, and we have no children.

Doesn't that make you think?

I was just thinking, actually.

It pains me to think of him back on the road roughing it.

Let's go and talk to him.

Eat now while you have the chance.

Monke?

-How would you like to stay with us? -I'd like some help and company.

Why don't you have any children?

Well, we haven't had time yet.

Don't you want to?

I don't think I can.

But just think-- you'd never be cold or hungry.

You'd have a real bed with pillowcases and all.

-Gullspira couldn't do without me. -The goat won't mind who she's with.

She'll do just fine with the others.

Not at night. We sleep in barns

and she needs me then, I know it.

No, she'll forget all about you.

-Listen, you'll get a nice knife. -A whittling knife?!

Yes, and a little axe so you can help me chop wood for Mother.

-An axe! -And a rake to tidy the garden.

-A green one? -Sure, we'll paint it green.

And then when you've slept in bed,

eaten your fill and gotten dressed,

you can come out here with your knife in your belt like a real man!

What are you staring at? Go away!

Oskar, you're driving the boy mad.

He's a loyal little one.

He won't leave that goat.

Ante! Maglena!

Look at him!

Don't worry, Gullspira.

We'll always be friends. I won't leave you.

-What if Monke stayed with us? -As though he were our child.

It's very kind of you to want him. He'd have a good life here.

He won't leave the goat, though. Would you sell her to us?

We'd build a pen she could run in, and Monke could take care of her.

I'll give you 12 riksdaler for her.

-It's not the money. -I promise she'd be treated well.

Then I'll sell her.

Are you crazy, Ante?

Have you lost your mind, Maglena?

You'd be just as well selling me, too!

Think about what you're saying.

I am. Gullspira has been mine

since Anna-Lisa gave her up.

I've milked her, and you sell her, just like that!

Don't you see she'll be better off here than tied up with us?

-She's not tied up in the forest. -But we're coming into town now.

All the fields and pastures. Would you like to walk through rows

of butter and cheeses on one side

and bread on the other

and not be allowed to eat it, no matter how hungry you were?

No.

-See? You said she's getting thin. -She is.

Well, isn't it good that they take her and Monke, then?

-Are you mad at me for pinching you? -Not at all.

Maglena, you can stay, too,

if you can't leave Monke and Gullspira.

Thank you, but I can't leave Ante either,

so I'll stay with him.

Goodbye. Come and visit sometime.

Monke.

Do you remember "Our Father"?

"Our Father, who art in Heaven"...

-Then I know the rest! -Don't forget "Thy will be done."

You always do, but think of "where there's a will" to remind you.

Remember, Mother said

that everyone should know that prayer.

Know it by heart so it's easier to fly up to Heaven.

It opens the gates.

That prayer takes everyone to Heaven

both rich and poor, like us.

-Monke, walk with us a while. -No. Goodbye.

He's a bit sad, but it'll pass.

Wait! Monke, wait!

-You'll need this. -Why? Are you trying to kill me?

Gullspira and I will manage very well without it!

Gullspira, you'll be both Ante and Maglena to me now.

Monke, poor Monke, don't cry. Please.

I'll stay with you, too.

Monke, take care of Maglena now.

Yes, I promise.

Ante! Visit us soon, promise!

-What are you doing? -Teaching the cat to swim.

-Why are you tying its legs? -It's funnier that way.

Let the cat go! You swim instead! Give me the cat!

You rascal! Hit my boy, would you?

What's wrong, boy?

Why are you crying?

That's no good. Dry your eyes so you look like a man.

There you go.

Tell me your worries now.

-You've always been so brave. -Brave? Me?

Sure.

You've helped your brothers and sisters find good homes.

-I promised Mother I would. -And you kept that promise.

Where are the other two?

They're with Oskar Niva.

Well, then they've found nice people, too.

You see, if you're nice to people, they're nice back.

Not everyone. We've been chased off and hunted by dogs.

At the wedding, they tried to kill Gullspira, our goat.

You're right. Not everyone is nice, I'm afraid.

It's like everything else-- one must learn.

And not everyone has had a mother to teach them

what's right and wrong, like you.

But there's nobody so mean that he can't become good and kind.

That's what I try to teach people.

I'd like to do that, too.

Would you?

Yes. I'd like to be a priest.

-What's your name? -Ante.

You know, Ante, it's no coincidence that we should meet.

It was the work and the will of God.

I see now that we should follow the path your mother's prayers prepared.

Don't you think?

-Do you mean that I-- -Exactly!

How would you like to read with me?

Then you could go to town

and study at the college.

College? I'm not bright enough.

-It wouldn't work. -Of course it would.

If you really give everything you have for something you want,

it can happen. I'll help you as much as I can.

-Thank you, Reverend. -Reverend? Call me Father.