One wintry day a Woodman
tramping home from his work when he saw something black lying on the snow.
When he came closer he saw it was a Serpent to all appearance dead.
But he took it up and put it in his bosom to warm while he hurried home.
As soon as he got indoors he put the Serpent down on the hearth before the fire.
The children watched
slowly come to life again.