Chapter I: Foreword

The story of _Vinzi_ is one of the freshest and most attractive to be found in modern literature, yielding not at all to the author’s better-known _Heidi_. It is sure to delight all children and as many of their elders as have retained their youthful sympathies. The revival of other stories by Madame Spyri has shown that her simple charm never fails to win an increasing audience, but in _Vinzi_ her gift is positively at its best. In none of her books is the interest centered and sustained more perfectly.

There are few things more enjoyable or profitable for children than to learn how children live in other countries. It stimulates their imaginations and enlarges their emotional powers in the healthiest manner possible. For this purpose the Swiss background of Madame Spyri’s books is particularly good, with its flood of sunlight over Alpine peaks and flowery meadows. And as the background, so the people; there is an unforced kindliness and heartiness in the characters that makes them lovable in a special way of their own. Their foibles and limitations merely increase the genuineness of their appeal.

Two themes are stressed in _Vinzi_, trust and the power of music. Both of these are timely today. We hardly need Monsieur Coué to tell us that a brave confidence in the future is one of the most valuable qualities of character, especially for a child. Philosophers, both theoretical and practical, dilate on the importance of freeing ourselves from fear and discouragement as early in life as possible. This is just what the story of _Vinzi_ tends to do by presenting the small hero as a natural example of the well-known principle. No less practical is the influence of good music upon children, the value of which is just beginning to be properly recognized in school and home.

But no moralizing ever interferes with the course of the narrative, which flows along with a delicate intuition as to suspense and climax. The boy Vinzi’s love of music and his father’s determination to make a farmer of him provide the central motive. It is noteworthy that the father, who with a less skilful author would be the villain of the tale, is never made to lose our respect. But the best feature of the book is the joyous life of the children, which occupies by far the most space. Madame Spyri’s panacea for the ills of life is an old one, but it is doubtful whether anything better can be found than her combination, which is: Faith in God, active helpfulness toward all around, love of beauty, fresh mountain air, and good food. Surely so much happiness has seldom been packed within the covers of a children’s book as may be found in _Vinzi_.

CHARLES WHARTON STORK.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. IN LEUK 13

II. ON THE PASTURE 31

III. UNLOOKED-FOR EVENTS 53

IV. A DEPARTURE AND AN ARRIVAL 75

V. BANISHMENT 98

VI. HIGHER UP THE MOUNTAIN 134

VII. STILL MORE MUSIC 166

VIII. UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS 199

IX. SURPRISES, BUT NOT ONLY FOR RUSSLI 225

X. OLD FRIENDS AND NEW LIFE 240

XI. THE OLD SONG ONCE MORE 272

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

When Vinzi Sat on His Threshold He Had a Great Many
Things to Think Over _Frontispiece_

The Shiny Black Cow Was Going in Big Leaps Toward the
Rushing Stream 34

Vinzi Stared at Her Fingers as if Her Playing Were a Miracle 48

“What Will It Be When It’s Finished?” Asked Russli 121

Vinzi, Taking Up His Pipe, Had Begun to Play a Melody 157

“What Is It, Vinzi?” She Asked, Terribly Frightened on
Hearing His Sobs and Groans 209

Stefeli Always Spread Out Their Lunch Under the Ash Tree 255

Rich, Powerful Tones Floated Through the Quiet Church 285