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diff --git a/29305-h/29305-h.htm b/29305-h/29305-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f5364e --- /dev/null +++ b/29305-h/29305-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2746 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/> + + <title>Sielanka, an Idyll, by Henryk Sienkiewicz</title> + + <style type="text/css" media="screen"> + * {margin:0; padding:0;} /* "reset" -- so later classes work properly */ + body { width:80%; margin:0 10%; font-family:serif;} + h1, h2 {text-align:center; font-weight:normal;} + p {text-align:justify;text-indent:1em;line-height:1.5;} + blockquote {margin:1em 3em; font-size:.9em;} + ul {list-style-type: none;} + + #title_page, #verso {margin:2em 0; padding:2em 0;} + #title_page h1 {letter-spacing:.3em; margin:2em 0em;} + #title_page p, #verso p {text-align:center; text-indent:0em;} + #author {font-size:1.75em; line-height:2em; margin:2em 0em;} + #translators {font-variant:small-caps;margin:2em 0em;} + #publisher {font-size:1em;line-height:1.2;} + #device {margin:2em 0em;} + #contents {text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;} + + /* Page Numbering */ + .pagenum { position: absolute; left: 2em; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; color: gray; background-color: inherit; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-indent: 0em; } + /*a[title].pagenum:after { content: attr(title); }*/ /* Uncomment this instruction to show page numbers */ + + .story {margin:6em 0;} + .story > h2 {margin:2em 0;} + .subtitle {font-size:.8em;letter-spacing:normal;} + blockquote p {text-indent:0em;} + + hr.thoughtbreak { border:none; text-decoration:none; text-align:center; width:35%; margin:1.5em auto;} /* Breaks within an article that uses dots or stars */ + .thoughtbreak:before {content:"* * * * *"; font-size:1em; letter-spacing:.5em;} + + #the_beginning {border-top:1px gray solid;} + #the_end {border-bottom:1px gray solid;} + + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Sielanka: An Idyll, by Henryk Sienkiewicz + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Sielanka: An Idyll + +Author: Henryk Sienkiewicz + +Translator: Vatslaf A. Hlasko + Thos. H. Bullick + +Release Date: July 4, 2009 [EBook #29305] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIELANKA: AN IDYLL *** + + + + +Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div id="the_beginning"> </div> +<div id="title_page"><a class="pagenum" id="page1" title="1"> </a> + <h1>SIELANKA<br /> + <em class="subtitle">An Idyll</em></h1> + +<p id="author">BY<br /> +HENRYK SIENKIEWICZ</p> + +<p id="translators">TRANSLATED BY<br /> +VATSLAF A. HLASKO and THOS. H. BULLICK</p> +<p id="device"><img src="images/illo1.png" width="100" height="98" alt="" /></p> +<p id="publisher">R. F. FENNO & COMPANY : 9 AND 11 EAST <br /> +SIXTEENTH STREET : : NEW YORK CITY <br /> +1898</p> +</div> + +<div id="verso"><a class="pagenum" id="page2" title="2"> </a> + <p>Copyright, 1897<br /> + BY<br /> + R. F. FENNO & COMPANY</p> +</div> + +<div id="contents"> <!-- Contents added by transcriber --> + <ul> + <li><a href="#sielanka">Sielanka</a></li> + <li><a href="#orso">Orso</a></li> + </ul> +</div> + + +<div id="sielanka" class="story"><a class="pagenum" id="page3" title="3"> </a> + <h2>SIELANKA.<br /> + <em class="subtitle">An Idyll.</em></h2> + + <p>In the woods, in the deep woods, was + an open glade in which stood the house of + the forester Stephan. The house was + built of logs packed with moss, and the + roof was thatched with straw; hard by + the house stood two outbuildings; in + front of it was a piece of fenced-in ground, + and an old well with a long, crooked sweep; + the water in the well was covered with a + green vegetation at the edges.</p> + + <p>Opposite the windows grew sunflowers + and wild hollyhocks, high, stately, and + covered with blossoms as if with a swarm + of gorgeous butterflies; between the sunflowers + there peeped the red heads of the + poppy; around the hollyhocks entwined + <a class="pagenum" id="page4" title="4"> </a>sweet peas with pink blossoms and morning-glories; + close to the ground grew + nasturtiums, marigolds, primroses, and + asters, pale because they were shaded from + the sunlight by the leaves of the hollyhocks + and sunflowers.</p> + + <p>The fenced ground on either side of the + pathway leading to the house was planted + with vegetables—carrots, beets, and cabbage; + further off in a separate fenced-in + lot there waved with each breath of wind + the tender blue flower of the flax; still beyond + could be seen the dark green of the + potato patch; the rest of the clearing was + checkered with the variegated shades of + the different cereals that ran to the edge + of the lake which touched the glade on + one side.</p> + + <p>Near to the house a few trees were + growing. Some were cherry trees, and + one was a birch, with long, slender + branches which swayed in the wind, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page5" title="5"> </a>with every breeze its leaves touched the + dilapidated moss-covered straw thatch of + the roof; when the stronger gusts of wind + bent its boughs to the wall, and pressed + its twigs and the waves of leaves against + the roof, it would seem as if the tree loved + the house and embraced it.</p> + + <p>In this tree the sparrows made their + home; the rustling of the leaves and twigs + commingled with the chirp and joyous + noise of the birds; in the eaves of the + house the doves had built their nests, and + the place was filled with their speech, + cooing and calling to each other, entreating + and discussing as is customary between + doves, these noisy and talkative people.</p> + + <p>At times it happened that they were + startled by some unknown cause; then + around the house was heard a loud flapping, + the air was filled with the whirl of + wings and a multitude of white-feathered + breasts; you could hear tumult, noise and + <a class="pagenum" id="page6" title="6"> </a>excited cries—the whole flock flew out + suddenly, circled round the house, now + near, now far off. Sometimes they melted + in the blue, sometimes their white feathers + reflected the sunlight, again they hung + over the house, undulating in the air, and + alighting at last like a downfall of snowflakes + on the gray straw of the roof.</p> + + <p>If this occurred in the rosy morning or + in the splendor of the red setting sun, + then in the glory of the air these doves + were not white, but tinted pink, and + settled on the roof and birch tree as flames + or scattered rose leaves.</p> + + <p>At twilight, when the sun had hidden + itself beyond the woods, this cooing under + the roof and chirping in the birch tree + became gradually quiet. The sparrows + and the doves shook the dew from their + wings and prepared to sleep; sometimes + one of them gave voice once more, but + more rarely, more softly, more drowsily, + <a class="pagenum" id="page7" title="7"> </a>and then all was silent—the dusk was falling + from the heavens upon the earth. + The house, cherry trees, and birch were + losing their form, mingling together, + melting, and veiled in a mist which rose + from the lake.</p> + + <p>Around the glade, as far as the eye + could reach, there stretched the wall of + dark pine trees and thick undergrowth. + This wall was broken in one place by a + wide dividing line, which reached to the + edge of the lake. The lake was a very + large one, the opposite side was nearly + lost to view, and in the mist could be + hardly discerned the red roof and steeple + of a church, and the black line of the + woods closing the horizon beyond the + church.</p> + + <p>The pines were looking from the high + sandy banks upon their reflection in the + lake as if in a mirror, and it seemed as if + there was another forest in the water; and + <a class="pagenum" id="page8" title="8"> </a>when the trees were swaying on the earth + they were also swaying in the water, and + when they quivered on the earth they + seemed to quiver in the water; as they + stood in the still air motionless, then + every needle of the pines was painted distinctly + on the smooth, unruffled surface, + and the straight trunks of the trees standing + like rows of pillars reaching afar off + into infinity. In the middle of the lake + the water in the daytime reflected the + sun, and in the morning and the evening + the glories of its rising and its setting; at + night the moon and stars; and it seemed + to be as deep as the dome of the sky + above us is high, beyond the sun, moon, + and stars.</p> + + <p>In the house dwelt the forester, named + Stephan, and his daughter, Kasya, a + maiden of sixteen. Kasya was the light + of the household, as bright and fresh as + the morning. She was brought up in + <a class="pagenum" id="page9" title="9"> </a>great innocence and in the fear of God. + Her uncle, who was now dead, and who was + a poor but devout man, the organist of the + neighboring church, had taught her to + read her prayer book, and her education + was perfected by her communing with + nature. The bees taught her to work, + the doves taught her purity, the happy + sparrows to speak joyfully to her father, + the quiet water taught her peace, the + serenity of the sky taught her contemplation, + the matin-bell of the distant church + called her to devotion, and the universal + good in all nature, which reflected the + love of God, sank deep into her soul.</p> + + <p>Therefore the father and Kasya led a + peaceful and happy life, surrounded by + the silence and solitude of the woods.</p> + + <p>One noon, before Ascension Day, + Stephan came home to his dinner. He + had visited a large tract of the forest, so + he arrived weary, having returned through + <a class="pagenum" id="page10" title="10"> </a>the thickets of the swamp. Kasya placed + the dinner on the table, and after they + had finished and she had fed the dog and + washed the dishes, she said:</p> + + <p>“Papa.”</p> + + <p>“What is it?”</p> + + <p>“I shall go into the woods.”</p> + + <p>“Go, go,” adding jestingly, “and let + some wolf or wild beast devour you.”</p> + + <p>“I shall go and gather herbs. To-morrow + is Ascension Day and they will be + needed in the church.”</p> + + <p>“If so, you can go.”</p> + + <p>She covered her head with a yellow + kerchief embroidered with blue flowers, + and looking for her basket she began + singing:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“The falcon came flying, the falcon came grey.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The old man began to grumble: “If + you were as fond of working as you are of + singing.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page11" title="11"> </a>Kasya, who was standing on her tiptoes + to look on a shelf, turned her head to + her father, laughed merrily, and showing + her white teeth, sang again as if to tease + him:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“He hoots in the woods and the cuckoo’s his prey.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“You would be glad yourself to be a + cuckoo until a falcon came,” said the old + man. “Perhaps ’tis falcon who is at the + turpentine works? but this is folly. You + can’t earn a piece of bread by singing.”</p> + + <p>Kasya again sang:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“Hoot not thou, my falcon, unhappy thy quest, <br /> + In the depths of the lake thy cuckoo doth rest.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Then she said:</p> + + <p>“Wilt thou decorate the room with the + evergreens for to-morrow? I shall return + in time to milk the cows, but they should + be brought from the pasture.”</p> + + <p>She found her basket, kissed her father, + <a class="pagenum" id="page12" title="12"> </a>and went out. Old Stephan got his unfinished + fishing-net, and seated himself + on a bench outside the door. He gathered + his twine, and half-closing one eye + he tried to thread his netting needle; after + several attempts he succeeded and began + to work.</p> + + <p>From time to time he watched Kasya. + She was walking on the left side of the + lake; against the background of the sandy + banks she stood out in relief as if in a + picture. Her white waist and red striped + skirt and yellow kerchief glistened in the + sunlight like a variegated flower. Though + it was spring the heat was unbearable. + After she had gone about half a mile she + turned aside and disappeared into the + woods. The afternoon hours were hot in + the sun, but in the shade of the trees it + was quite cool. Kasya pressed forward, + suddenly stopped, smiled, and blushed like + a rose.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page13" title="13"> </a>In front of her in the pathway stood a + youth about eighteen years of age.</p> + + <p>This youth was the turpentine worker, + from the edge of the woods, who was now + on his way to visit Stephan.</p> + + <p>“The Lord be praised!” said he.</p> + + <p>“Forever and ever,” answered she, and + in her confusion she covered her face with + her apron, peeping shyly out of a corner + of it and smiling at her companion.</p> + + <p>“Kasya,” said he.</p> + + <p>“What is it, John?”</p> + + <p>“Is your father at home?”</p> + + <p>“He is.”</p> + + <p>The turpentine worker, poor fellow, + perhaps desired to speak of something + else beside the father, but somehow he + was frightened and unconsciously inquired + for him; then he became silent and waited + for Kasya to speak to him first. She + stood confused, twisting the corners of + her apron.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page14" title="14"> </a>At last she spoke.</p> + + <p>“John?”</p> + + <p>“What is it, Kasya?”</p> + + <p>“Does the turpentine works smoke to-day?” + She also wished to speak of something + else.</p> + + <p>“Why should it not? The turpentine + works never stop. I left lame Frank + there; but dost thou wish to go there?”</p> + + <p>“No, I go to gather plants.”</p> + + <p>“I will go with thee, and on our return, + if thou dost not chase me away, I + will come to thy house.”</p> + + <p>“Why should I chase thee away?”</p> + + <p>“If thou dost like me thou wilt not + chase me away, and if thou dost not, then + thou wilt. Tell me, Kasya, dost thou like + me?”</p> + + <p>“Fate, my fate,” and Kasya covered her + face with her hands. “What can I say + to thee? I like thee, John, very much I + like thee,” she whispered faintly.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page15" title="15"> </a>Then before he could reply she uncovered + her blushing face and cried out, + “Let us go and gather plants; let us + hurry.”</p> + + <p>And so went they, John and Kasya. + The radiance of love surrounded them, + but these simple children of nature dared + not speak of it. They felt it, although + they knew not what they felt; they were + embarrassed but happy. Never before + had the forest sung so wonderfully over + their heads, never was the wind so sweet + and caressing, never at any time had the + noises of the forest, the rustling of the + breeze in the trees, the voices of the birds, + the echoes of the woods, seemed to merge + into such an angelic choir, so sweet and + grand, as at this moment, full of unconscious + happiness.</p> + + <p>Oh, holy power of love! how good an + angel of light thou art, how rosy an + <a class="pagenum" id="page16" title="16"> </a>aureole in the dusk, how bright a rainbow + on the cloud of human tears!</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, in the woods resounded + echoes from pine to pine, the barking of + the dog, Burek, who had escaped from + the house and ran on the pathway after + Kasya. He came panting heavily, and + with great joy he jumped with his big + paws on Kasya and John, and looked from + one to the other with his wise and mild + eyes, as if wishing to say:</p> + + <p>“I see that you love one another; this + is good.”</p> + + <p>He wagged his tail and ran quickly + ahead of them, then circled round to them, + then stopped, barked once more with joy, + and rushed into the woods, looking back + from time to time on the boy and girl.</p> + + <p>Kasya put her hand to her forehead, + and looking upward upon the bright sun + between the leaves she said:</p> + + <p>“Just think, the sun is two hours beyond + <a class="pagenum" id="page17" title="17"> </a>noontime and we have not yet gathered + any plants. Go thou, John, to the + left side and I shall go the right, and let + us begin. We should hasten, for the dear + Lord’s sake.”</p> + + <p>They separated and went into the woods, + but not far from one another and in a + parallel direction, so that they could see + each other. Among the ferns between + the pine trees could be seen fluttering the + vari-colored skirt and yellow kerchief of + Kasya. The slender, supple maiden + seemed to float amid the berry-laden + bushes, mosses and ferns. You would + say it was some fairy <em>wila</em> or <em>rusalka</em> of + the woods; every moment she stooped and + stood erect again, and so, further and + further, passing the pine trees, she entered + deeper into the forest as some + spritely nymph.</p> + + <p>Sometimes the thick growth of young + hemlocks and cedars would conceal her + <a class="pagenum" id="page18" title="18"> </a>from view, then John stopped, and putting + his hand to his mouth would shout, + “Halloo! Halloo!”</p> + + <p>Kasya heard it; she stopped with a + smile, and pretending that she did not + see him, answered in a high, silvery + voice:</p> + + <p>“John!”</p> + + <p>The echo answers:</p> + + <p>“John! John!”</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Burek had espied a squirrel + up a tree, and, standing before it looking + upward, barked. The squirrel sitting on + a branch covered herself with her tail in a + mocking manner, lifted her forepaws to + her mouth and rubbed her nose, seemed + to play with her forefingers, make grimaces, + and laugh at the anger of Burek. + Kasya, seeing it, laughed with a resounding, + silvery tone, and so did John, and so + the woods were filled with the sound of + <a class="pagenum" id="page19" title="19"> </a>human voices, echoes, laughter and sunny + joy.</p> + + <p>Sometimes there was a deep silence, and + then the woods seemed to speak; the + breeze struck the fronds of the ferns, + which emitted a sharp sound; the trunks + of the pines swayed and creaked, and + there was silence again.</p> + + <p>Then could be heard the measured + strokes of the woodpecker. It seemed as + if some one kept knock—knocking at a + door, and you could even expect that + some mysterious voice would ask:</p> + + <p>“Who is there?”</p> + + <p>Again, the wood thrush was whistling + with a sweet voice; the golden-crowned + hammer plumed his feathers. In the + thicket the pheasants clucked and the + bright green humming birds flitted between + the leaves; sometimes on the top of + the pine tree a crow, hiding itself from + <a class="pagenum" id="page20" title="20"> </a>the heat of the sun, lazily flapped its + wings.</p> + + <p>On this afternoon the weather was most + clear, the sky was cloudless, and above the + green canopy of the leaves there spread + out the blue dome of the heavens—immense, + limitless, transparently gray-tinted + on the sides and deep blue above. In the + sky stood the great golden sun; the space + was flooded with light; the air was bright + and serene, and far-off objects stood out + distinctly, their forms clearly defined. + From the height of heaven the eye of the + great Creator embraced the whole earth; + in the fields the grain bowed to Him with + a golden wave, rustled the heavy heads of + the wheat, and the delicate tasseled oats + trembled like a cluster of tiny bells. In + the air, filled with brightness here and + there, floated the spring thread of the + spider’s web, blue from the azure of the + sky and golden from the sun, as if a veritable + <a class="pagenum" id="page21" title="21"> </a>thread from the loom of the Mother + of God.</p> + + <p>In the vales between the fields of the + waving grain stood dark-green meadows; + here and there were crystal springs, around + whose edges the grass was greener still; + the whole meadows were sprinkled with + yellow buttercups and dandelions which + struck the eye with a profusion of golden + brightness. In the wet places there thrived + cypress trees, which had an air of coldness + and moisture.</p> + + <p>In the woods among the pine trees there + were now both heat and silence. It seemed + as if a dreamy stillness enveloped the + whole world. Not a breath of wind stirred; + the trees, grain, and grass were motionless. + The leaves hung on the trees as if + rocked to sleep; the birds had ceased their + noises, and the moment of rest had come. + But this rest seemed to come from an ineffable + sweetness, and all nature seemed + <a class="pagenum" id="page22" title="22"> </a>to meditate. Only the great expanse of + heaven seemed to smile, and somewhere, + high in the unknowable depths of its blue, + the great and beneficent God was glad + with the gladness of the fields, the woods, + the meadows, and the waters.</p> + + <p>Kasya and John were still busy in the + woods collecting herbs, laughing gleefully + and speaking to each other joyfully. Man + is as artless as a bird; he will sing when + he can, for this is his nature. John now + began to sing a simple and touching song.</p> + + <p>As Kasya and John sang in unison the + last refrain of the song ended mournfully, + and as if in accompaniment the echo repeated + it in the dark depths of the woods; + the pines gave resonance as the words + ran between their trunks and died away in + the far distance like a sigh, less distinct, + light, ethereal; then silence.</p> + + <p>Later Kasya sang a more cheerful song, + beginning with the words:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page23" title="23"> </a>“I shall become a ring of gold now.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>This is a good song. A willful young + girl quarrels with her lover and enumerates + the means she intends to use to escape + from him. But it is useless. When she + says that she will be a golden ring and + will roll away on the road, he says that he + will quickly see and recover her. When + she wants to be a golden fish in the water + he sings to her of the silken net; when + she wants to be a wild fowl on the lake he + appears before her as a hunter. At last + the poor maiden, seeing she is unable to + hide herself from him on the earth, + sings:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“I shall become a star in heaven, <br /> + Light to earth by will be given. <br /> + My love to thee I shall not render, <br /> + Nor my sweet will to thee surrender.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>But the undaunted youth answers:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page24" title="24"> </a>“Then shall I pray to the saint’s grace <br /> + That the star may fall from its heavenly place. <br /> + Thy love to me thou then wilt render, <br /> + And thy sweet will to me surrender.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The maiden, seeing there is no refuge + either in heaven or on earth for her, + accepts the view of Providence and sings:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“I see, I see, fate’s decree doth bind me; <br /> + Where’er I hide, thou sure wilt find me. <br /> + My love to thee I must now render, <br /> + And my sweet will to thee surrender.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>John, turning to Kasya, said:</p> + + <p>“Do you understand?”</p> + + <p>“What, John?”</p> + + <p>He began to sing:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>“Thy love to me thou must now render, <br /> + And thy sweet will to me surrender.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Kasya was troubled, and laughed loudly + to cover her confusion; and wishing to + speak, she said:</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page25" title="25"> </a>“I have gathered a large lot of plants; + it would be well to dip them in water, for + in this heat they will wither.”</p> + + <p>Verily the heat was great; the wind had + entirely ceased. In the woods, though in + the shade, the air vibrated with moist + heat, the pines exuding a strong, resinous + odor. The delicate, golden-tinted + face of Kasya was touched with perspiration, + and her blue eyes showed traces of + weariness. She removed the kerchief + from her head, and began to fan herself. + John, taking the basket from her, said:</p> + + <p>“Here, Kasya, stand two aspen trees, + and between them a spring. Come, let us + drink.”</p> + + <p>Both went. After a short interval they + noticed that the ground of the forest + began to slope here. Among the trees, + instead of bushes, ferns and dry mosses, + there was a green, damp turf, then one + aspen tree, then another, and after them + <a class="pagenum" id="page26" title="26"> </a>whole rows. They entered into this dark, + humid retreat, where the rays of the sun, + passing through the leaves, took on their + color and reflected on the human face a + pale green light. John and Kasya descended + lower and lower into the shadows + and dampness; a chilliness breathed upon + them, refreshing after the heat of the + woods; and in a moment, between the + rows of the aspen trees, they espied in + the black turf a deep stream of water + winding its way under and through canes + and bushy thickets, and interspersed + with the large, round leaves of the water-lilies, + which we call “<em>nenufars</em>,” and by + the peasants are called “white flowers.”</p> + + <p>Beautiful was this spot, quiet, secluded, + shady, even somewhat sombre and solemn. + The transparent stream of water wound + its way between the trees. The <em>nenufars</em>, + touched by the light movement of the + water, swayed gently backward and forward, + <a class="pagenum" id="page27" title="27"> </a>leaning toward each other as if kissing. + Above their broad leaves, lying like + shields on the surface of the water, + swarmed indigo-colored insects with wide, + translucent, sibilant wings, so delicate and + fragile that they are justly called water-sprites. + Black butterflies, with white-edged, + mournful wings, rested on the + sharp, slender tops of the tamarack. On + the dark turf blossomed blue forget-me-nots. + On the edge of the stream grew + some alder trees, and under the bushes + peeped out heads of the lily-of-the-valley, + bluebells and honeysuckles. The + white heads of the <em>biedrzenica</em> hung over + the waters; the silvery threads of the + <em>strojka</em> spread out upon the current of + the stream and weaved themselves into + thin and long strands; besides—seclusion—a + wild spot, forgotten by men, peaceful, + peopled only with the world of birds, + flowers and insects.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page28" title="28"> </a>In such places generally dwell nymphs, + <em>rusalki</em>, and other bad or good forest + sprites. Kasya, who was in advance, + stood first on the banks of the stream and + looked upon the water in which was reflected + her graceful form. She verily appeared + as one of those beautiful forest + spirits as they are seen sometimes by the + woodsmen or lumber men who float on + their rafts down the rivers through the + woods. She had no covering upon her + head, and the wind gently played with + her locks and ruffled her ray-like hair. + Sunburned she was, blond-haired, and + her eyes, as blue as turquoise, were as + laughing as her lips. Besides, she was + a divinely tall, slender, and fairy-like + maiden. No one could swear, if she was + suddenly startled, that she would not jump + into the water—would not dissolve into + mist—into rainbow rays—would not turn + quickly into a water-lily or <em>kalina</em> tree, + <a class="pagenum" id="page29" title="29"> </a>which, when robbed of its flowers, remonstrates + with a voice so human, yet recalling + the sigh of the forest:</p> + + <p>“Don’t touch me.”</p> + + <p>Kasya, bending over the water so that + her tresses fell on her shoulders, turned + toward John and said:</p> + + <p>“How shall we drink?”</p> + + <p>“As birds,” answered John, pointing + to some silver pheasants on the opposite + side of the stream.</p> + + <p>John, who knew how to help himself + better than the birds, plucked a large leaf + from a tree, and, making a funnel out of + it, filled it with water and gave it to + Kasya.</p> + + <p>They both drank, then Kasya gathered + some forget-me-nots, and John with his + knife made a flute from the willow bark, + on which, when he had finished, he began + to play the air which the shepherds play + in the eventide on the meadows. The + <a class="pagenum" id="page30" title="30"> </a>soft notes floated away with ineffable tenderness + in this secluded spot. Shortly + he removed the flute and listened intently + as if to catch an echo returning from the + aspen trees, and it seemed that the clear + stream, the dark aspen trees, and the birds + hidden in the canes listened to these notes + with him.</p> + + <p>All became silent, but shortly, as if in + answer—as if a challenge—came the first + faint note of the nightingale, followed by + a stronger trill. The nightingale wanted + to sing—it challenged the flute.</p> + + <p>Now he began to sing. All nature was + listening to this divine singer. The lilies + lifted their heads above the water; the + forget-me-nots pressed closer together; the + canes ceased to rustle; no bird dared to + peep except an unwise and absent-minded + cuckoo, who with her silent wing alighted + near by on a dry bough, lifted her head, + <a class="pagenum" id="page31" title="31"> </a>widely opened her beak, and foolishly + called aloud:</p> + + <p>“Cuckoo! cuckoo!”</p> + + <p>Afterward it seemed as if she was + ashamed of her outbreak, and she quietly + subsided.</p> + + <p>Vainly Kasya, who stood on the edge of + the stream with the forget-me-nots in her + hand, turned to the side from whence + came the voice of the cuckoo and queried:</p> + + <p>“Cuckoo, blue-gray cuckoo, how long + shall I live?”</p> + + <p>The cuckoo answered not.</p> + + <p>“Cuckoo, shall I be rich?”</p> + + <p>The cuckoo was silent.</p> + + <p>Then John: “Cuckoo, gray cuckoo, + how soon will I wed?”</p> + + <p>The cuckoo replied not.</p> + + <p>“She cares not to answer us,” said + John; “let us return to the forest.”</p> + + <p>On returning they found the large stone + by which they had placed the basket and + <a class="pagenum" id="page32" title="32"> </a>bunches of herbs. Kasya, seating herself + beside it, began to weave garlands, and + John helped her. Burek lay near them, + stretched his hairy forepaws, lolled out his + tongue and breathed heavily from fatigue, + looking carefully around to see if he could + not spy some living thing to chase and + enjoy his own noise. But everything in + the woods was quiet. The sun was traveling + toward the west, and through the + leaves and the needles of the pines shot + his rays, becoming more and more red, + covering the ground of the woods in places + with great golden circles. The air was + dry; in the west were spreading great + shafts of golden light, which flooded all + like an ocean of molten gold and amber. + The wondrous beauties of the peaceful, + warm spring evening were glowing in the + sky. In the woods the daily work was + gradually ceasing. The noise of the woodpecker + had stopped; black and bronzed + <a class="pagenum" id="page33" title="33"> </a>ants returned in rows to their hills, which + were red in the rays of the setting sun. + Some carried in their mouths pine needles + and some insects. Among the herbs here + and there circled small forest bees, humming + joyfully as they completed their last + load of the sweet flower-dust. From the + fissures in the bark of the trees came + gloomy and blind millers; in the streams + of the golden light circled swarms of midgets + and gnats scarcely visible to the eye; + mosquitoes began their mournful song. + On the trees the birds were choosing their + places for the night; a yellow bird was + softly whistling; the crows flapped their + wings, crowding all on one tree and + quarreling about the best places. But + these voices were more and more rare, and + became fainter; gradually all ceased, and + the silence was interrupted by the evening + breeze playing among the trees. The + poplar tree tried to lift her bluish-green + <a class="pagenum" id="page34" title="34"> </a>leaves upward; the king-oak murmured + softly; the leaves of the birch tree slightly + moved—silence.</p> + + <p>Now the sky became more red; in the + east the horizon became dark blue, and all + the voices of the woods merged into a + chorus, solemn, deep and immense. + Thus the forest sings its evening song of + praise, and says its prayers before it sleeps; + tree speaks to tree of the glory of God, + and you would say that it spoke with a + human voice.</p> + + <p>Only very innocent souls understand + this great and blessed speech. Only very + innocent hearts hear and understand + when the first chorus of the parent oaks + begins its strain:</p> + + <p>“Rejoice, O sister pines, and be glad. + The Lord hath given a warm and peaceful + day, and now above the earth He makes + the starry night. Great is the Lord, and + mighty, powerful and good is He, so let + <a class="pagenum" id="page35" title="35"> </a>there be glory to Him upon the heights, + upon the waters, upon the lands, and upon + the air.”</p> + + <p>And the pines pondered a moment upon + the words of the oaks, and then they + raised their voices together, saying:</p> + + <p>“Now, O Lord, to thy great glory, we, + as censers, offer to Thee the incense of + our sweet-smelling balsam, strong, resinous + and fragrant. ‘Our Father, who art in + heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.’”</p> + + <p>Then the birches said:</p> + + <p>“Thy evening brightness illumines the + heavens, O Lord! and in Thy splendors + our small leaves golden are and burning. + Now with our golden leaves we sing to + Thee, O Lord, and our delicate twigs play + as the strings of the harp, O good Father + of ours!”</p> + + <p>Again the sorrowing cypress said:</p> + + <p>“Upon our sad foreheads, exhausted + with the heat, softly falls the evening dew. + <a class="pagenum" id="page36" title="36"> </a>Praise be to Thee, O Lord; brothers and + sisters rejoice, because there falls the cooling + dew.”</p> + + <p>Amid this chorus of trees the aspen + alone trembles and is afraid; for it gave + the wood for the Cross of the Saviour of + the world; at times it faintly groans:</p> + + <p>“O Lord, have mercy upon me. + Have mercy upon me, O Lord.”</p> + + <p>Again, sometimes, when the oaks and + pines cease for a moment, there rises from + under their feet a faint, modest voice, low + as the murmur of insects, silent as silence + itself, which says:</p> + + <p>“A small berry am I, O Lord, and + hidden in the moss. But Thou wilt hear, + discern and love me; though small, devout + am I, and sing Thy glory.”</p> + + <p>Thus every evening prays the forest, + and these orchestral sounds rise at every + sunset from earth to heaven—and float + high, high, reaching where there is no + <a class="pagenum" id="page37" title="37"> </a>creature, where there is nothing only the + silvery dust and the milky way of the + stars, and above the stars—God.</p> + + <p>At this moment the sun hides his + radiant head in the far-distant seas; the + farmer turns upward his plowshares and + hastens to his cottage. From the pastures + return the bellowing herds; the sheep + raise clouds of the golden dust. The twilight + falls; in the village creek the well + sweeps; later the windows shine, and + from the distance comes the barking of + the dogs.</p> + + <p>The sun had not gone beyond the woods + when Kasya had seated herself under the + mossy stone to weave her garlands. Its rays + were thrown upon her face, broken by the + shadows of the leaves and twigs. The + work did not proceed rapidly, for Kasya + was tired from heat and running in the + woods. Her sunburnt hands moved slowly + at her work. The warm breeze kissed her + <a class="pagenum" id="page38" title="38"> </a>temples and face, and the voices of the + forest lulled her to sleep. Her large eyes + became heavy and drowsy; her eyelashes + began to close slowly; she leaned her head + against the stone, opened her eyes once + more as a child looking upon the divine + beauty of the world; then the noise of the + trees, the rows of the stumps, the ground + full of pine needles, and the skies that + could be seen between the branches all + became indistinct, darkened, dissolved, + disappeared—and she smiled and slept. + Her head was hidden in a soft shade, but + the covering of her breast shone all rosy + and purple. Her soft breathing lifted + her bosom gently; so wonderful and + beautiful she looked in this quiet sleep in + the evening rays that John looked upon + her as if upon the image of a saint, glorious + with gold, and colored as the rainbow.</p> + + <p>Kasya’s hands were clinging yet to the + unfinished garland of herbs. She slept + <a class="pagenum" id="page39" title="39"> </a>with a sleep light and sweet, for she smiled + through her dreams as a child who speaks + with the angels. Perhaps she verily conversed + with angels, for pure she was as a + child, and had dedicated her whole day to + the service of God by gathering and weaving + the garlands for His temple.</p> + + <p>John was sitting by her side, but he did + not sleep. His simple breast could not + contain the feelings that arose there; he + felt as if his soul had got wings and was + preparing to fly away to the realms of + heaven. He knew not what was happening + to him, and he only raised his eyes to + the skies and was motionless; you would + say that love had transfigured him.</p> + + <p>Kasya slumbered on, and for a long + time they both remained there. Meanwhile + the dusk came. The remnants of + the purple light fought with the darkness. + The interior of the woods deepened—became + dumb. From the canes of the lake + <a class="pagenum" id="page40" title="40"> </a>near the glade with its cottage came the + buzzing of a night beetle.</p> + + <p>Suddenly on the other side of the lake + from the church rang out the Angelus + bell. Its tones floated on the wings of the + evening breeze over the face of the quiet + waters, clear, resonant, and distinct. It + called the faithful to prayer, and also proclaimed: + “Rest! Enough of work and + the heat of the day,” spoke the bell. + “Wrap yourself to sleep in the wing of + God. Come, come ye weary to Him—in + Him is joy! Here is peace! here gladness! + here sleep! here sleep! here sleep!”</p> + + <p>John took off his hat at the sound of + the bell, Kasya shook the sleep from her + eyes, and said:</p> + + <p>“The bell rings.”</p> + + <p>“For the Angel of the Lord.”</p> + + <p>Both kneeled near by the mossy stone + as if before an altar. Kasya began to + pray with a low, soft voice:</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page41" title="41"> </a>“The Angel of the Lord declared unto + Mary,”</p> + + <p>“And she conceived by the Holy + Ghost,” answered John.</p> + + <p>“Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; + may it be done to me according to Thy + word.”</p> + + <hr class="thoughtbreak" /> + + + <p>Thus kneeling, prayed these children of + God. The silent summer lightning shone + from the east to the west, and upon its + light flew down from heaven a radiant + host of winged angels, and hovered above + their heads. Then they blended with the + angels and were themselves as if angels, + for upon earth there were no two souls + more bright, more pure, more innocent.</p> +</div> + +<!-- <a class="pagenum" id="page42" title="42"> </a>[Blank Page] --> + + +<div id="orso" class="story"><a class="pagenum" id="page43" title="43"> </a> + <h2>ORSO.</h2> + + <p>The last days of autumn in Anaheim, a + town situated in Southern California, are + days of joy and celebration. The grape + gathering is finished and the town is + crowded with the vineyard hands. There + is nothing more picturesque than the + sight of these people, composed partly of + a sprinkling of Mexicans, but mainly of + Cahuilla Indians, who come from the + wild mountains of San Bernardino to earn + some money by gathering grapes. They + scatter through the streets and market + places, called lolas, where they sleep in + tents or under the roof of the sky, which + is always clear at this time of the year. + This beautiful city, surrounded with its + growths of eucalyptus, olive, castor, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page44" title="44"> </a>pepper trees, is filled with the noisy + confusion of a fair, which strangely contrasts + with the deep and solemn silence + of the plains, covered with cacti, just beyond + the vineyards. In the evening, when + the sun hides his radiant head in the + depths of the ocean, and upon the rosy + sky are seen in its light the equally rosy-tinted + wings of the wild geese, ducks, + pelicans and cranes, descending by the + thousands from the mountains to the + ocean, then in the town the lights are lit + and the evening amusements begin. The + negro minstrels play on bones, and by the + campfires can be heard the picking of + the banjo; the Mexicans dance on an out-spread + poncha their favorite bolero; Indians + join in the dance, holding in their + teeth long white sticks of kiotte, or beating + time with their hands, and exclaiming, + “E viva;” the fires, fed with redwood, + crackle as they blaze, sending up clouds + <a class="pagenum" id="page45" title="45"> </a>of bright sparks, and by its reflection + can be seen the dancing figures, and + around them the local settlers with their + comely wives and sisters watching the + scene.</p> + + <p>The day on which the juice from the + last bunch of grapes is trampled out by + the feet of the Indians is generally celebrated + by the advent of Hirsch’s Circus, + from Los Angeles. The proprietor of the + circus is a German, and besides owns a + menagerie composed of monkeys, jaguars, + pumas, African lions, one elephant, and + several parrots, childish with age—“<em>The + greatest attraction of the world.</em>” The + Cahuilla will give his last peso, if he has + not spent it on drink, to see not only wild + animals—for these abound in the San + Bernardino Mountains—but to see the + circus girls, athletes, clowns, and all its + wonders, which seem to him as “a great + medicine”—that is, magical feats, impossible + <a class="pagenum" id="page46" title="46"> </a>of accomplishment except by the aid + of supernatural powers.</p> + + <p>Mr. Hirsch, the proprietor of the circus, + would be very angry with any one who + would dare to say that his circus only attracted + Mexicans, Indians, and Chinese. + Certainly not; the arrival of the circus + brings hither not only the people of the + town and vicinity, but even those of the + neighboring towns of Westminster, Orange, + and Los Nietos. Orange Street is + crowded with buggies and wagons of divers + shapes, so that it is difficult to get through. + The whole world of settlers come as one + man. Young, bright girls, with their + hair prettily banged over their eyes, sitting + on the front seats, drive some of these + vehicles, and gracefully upset passing pedestrians, + chatter and show their white + teeth; the Spanish senoritas from Los + Nietos cover you with their warm, ardent + glances from under their lace mantillas; + <a class="pagenum" id="page47" title="47"> </a>the married women from the country, + dressed in their latest and best fashions, + lean with pride on the arms of the sunburned + farmers, who are dressed in old + hats, jean pants, and flannel shirts, fastened + with hook and eye, and without + neckties.</p> + + <p>All these people meet and greet each + other, gossip, and the women inspect with + critical eye the dresses of their neighbors, + to see if they are “very fashionable.”</p> + + <p>Among the buggies are some covered + with flowers, which look like huge bouquets; + the young men, mounted on mustangs, + bend from their high Mexican + saddles and peer under the hats of the + young girls; the half-wild horses, frightened + by the noise and confusion, look here + and there with their bloodshot eyes, curvet, + rear, and try to unseat their riders, but + the cool riders seem to pay no attention to + them.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page48" title="48"> </a>They all speak of “the greatest attraction,” + which was about to excel everything + that had been seen before. Truly + the flaming posters announced genuine + wonders. The proprietor, Hirsch, that + renowned “artist of the whip,” will in the + arena give a contest with a fierce, untamed + African lion. The lion, according to the + programme, springs upon the proprietor, + whose only defense is his whip. This + simple weapon in his hands (according to + the programme) will change itself into a + fiery sword and shield. The end of this + whip will sting as a rattlesnake, flash as + lightning, shoot as a thunderbolt, and + keep at a proper distance the enraged + monster, who vainly roars and tries to + jump on the artist. This is not the end + yet: sixteen-year-old Orso, an “American + Hercules,” born of a white father and Indian + mother, will carry around six people, + three on each shoulder; besides this, the + <a class="pagenum" id="page49" title="49"> </a>management offers one hundred dollars + to any man, regardless of color, who + can throw Orso in a wrestling match. A + rumor arose in Anaheim that from the + mountains of San Bernardino comes for + this purpose the “Grizzly Killer,” a + hunter who was celebrated for his bravery + and strength, and who, since California + was settled, was the first man who attacked + these great bears single-handed and armed + only with a knife. It is the probable victory + of the “Grizzly Killer” over the sixteen-year-old + athlete of the circus that + highly excites the minds of the males of + Anaheim, because if Orso, who until now, + from the Atlantic to the Pacific, had overthrown + the strongest Americans, will be + defeated, great glory will cover all California. + The feminine minds are not + less excited by the following number of + the programme: Orso will carry, on a pole + thirty feet high, a small fairy, the “Wonder + <a class="pagenum" id="page50" title="50"> </a>of the World,” of which the poster + says that she is the most beautiful girl + that ever lived on this earth since the beginning + of the “Christian Era.” Though + she is only thirteen years of age, the management + also offers one hundred dollars + to every maiden, “without regard to + color of skin,” who will dare to compete + and wrest the palm of beauty from this + “Aerial Angel.” The maidens of Anaheim, + both great and small, make grimaces + on reading this, and say that it would + not be ladylike to enter such a contest. + Nevertheless they gladly surrender the + comfort of their rocking chairs rather than + miss the show and the chance of seeing + their childish rival, in whose beauty, in + comparison with the sisters Bimpa, for instance, + none of them believed. The two + sisters Bimpa, the elder Refugio, and the + younger Mercedes, sitting gracefully in a + handsome buggy, are now reading the + <a class="pagenum" id="page51" title="51"> </a>posters; their faces show no trace of emotion, + though they feel that the eyes of + Anaheim are on them, as if supplicating + them to save the honor of the whole + county, and with a patriotic pride, founded + upon the conviction that there is none + more beautiful than these two California + flowers in all the mountains and cañons + of the whole world. Oh, beautiful indeed + are the sisters Refugio and Mercedes! + Not in vain does the pure Castilian blood + flow in their veins, to which their mother + constantly refers, showing her disdain + for all colored races, as well as for the + Americans.</p> + + <p>The figures of the sisters are slender, + subtle, and full of mysterious grace, quiet, + and so luxurious that they greatly impress + all young men who come near + them. From Donnas Refugio and Mercedes + exhales a charm as the fragrance + from the magnolia and the lily. Their + <a class="pagenum" id="page52" title="52"> </a>faces are delicate, complexions transparent + with a slight rosy tint, as if illumed with + the dawn; the eyes dark and dreamy, + sweet, innocent, and tender in their + glances. Wrapped in muslin rebosos, they + sit in their buggy adorned with flowers, + pure and innocent, unconscious of their + own beauty. Anaheim looked upon them, + devoured them with its eyes, was proud of + them, and loved them. Who then is this + “Jenny,” that can win victory over these? + “Truly,” the <cite>Saturday Review</cite> wrote, + “when little Jenny had climbed to the top + of the mast, resting on the powerful shoulders + of Orso, and from this eminence, + suspended above the earth, in danger of + death, she outstretched her arms and + poised like a butterfly, the circus became + silent and all eyes and hearts followed with + trembling the movements of this wonderful + child. That he who saw her on the + mast or on a horse,” concluded the <cite>Saturday + <a class="pagenum" id="page53" title="53"> </a>Review</cite>, “will never forget her, because + the greatest painter in the world, + even Mr. Harvey, of San Francisco, who + decorated the Palace Hotel, could paint + nothing equal to it.”</p> + + <p>The youths of Anaheim who were enamored + by the Misses Bimpa were skeptical + of this, and affirmed that it was a + “humbug,” but this question will be settled + in the evening. Meanwhile, the + commotion around the circus is increasing + each moment. From among the + long, low wooden buildings surrounding + the canvas circus there comes the roar of + the lions and elephant; the parrots, fastened + to rings hanging to the huts, fill the + air with their cries and whistles; the monkeys + swing suspended by their tails or + mock the public, who are kept at a distance + by a rope fence. At last, from the + main inclosure the procession emerges for + the purpose of whetting and astonishing + <a class="pagenum" id="page54" title="54"> </a>the curiosity of the public to a greater + extent. The procession is headed by a + gaudy band-wagon, drawn by six prancing + horses with fine harness, and feathers on + their heads. The riders on the saddles + are in the costume of French postilions. + On the other wagons come cages of lions, + and in every cage is seated a lady with an + olive branch in her hand. Then follows + an elephant, covered with a carpet, and a + tower on its back, which contains several + men arrayed as East Indian hunters. The + band is playing, the drums are beating, the + lions are roaring, the whips are cracking; + in a word, this cavalcade moves forward + with great noise and uproar. But this is + not all: behind the elephant there follows + a machine on wheels, with a locomotive + pipe, somewhat resembling an organ, + which, blown by steam, emits the most + discordant yells and whistles intended for + the national “Yankee Doodle.” The + <a class="pagenum" id="page55" title="55"> </a>Americans cry “Hurrah!” the Germans, + “Hoch!” the Mexicans, “E viva!” and + the Cahuillas howl for joy.</p> + + <p>The crowds follow the procession, the + place around the circus becomes deserted, + the parrots cease their chatter, and the + monkeys their gymnastics. But “the + greatest attractions” do not take part in + the procession. The “incomparable + artist of the whip,” the manager, the + “unconquerable Orso,” and the “Aërial + Angel, Jenny,” are all absent. All this is + preserved for the evening so as to attract + the crowds.</p> + + <p>The manager is somewhere in one of + the wooden buildings, or looks into the + ticket seller’s van, where he pretends to + be angry. Orso and Jenny are in the ring + practicing some of their feats. Under its + canvas roof reigns dust and silence. In + the distance, where the seats are arranged, + it is totally dark; the greatest part of the + <a class="pagenum" id="page56" title="56"> </a>light falls through the roof on the ring, + with its sand and sawdust covering. With + the help of the gray light which filters + through the canvas can be seen a horse + standing near the parapet. The big horse + feels very lonely, whisks the flies with his + tail, and often sways his head. Gradually + the eye, becoming accustomed to the dim + light, discerns other objects—for instance: + the mast upon which Orso carries Jenny, + the hoops pasted with paper for her to + jump through. All these lie on the + ground without order, and the half-lighted + arena and nearly dark benches give an + impression of a deserted building with + battened windows. The terrace of seats, + only here and there broken with a stray + glimmer of light, look like ruins. The + horse, standing with drooping head, does + not enliven the picture.</p> + + <p>Where are Orso and Jenny? One of the + rays of light that stream through an + <a class="pagenum" id="page57" title="57"> </a>aperture of the canvas, in which floats + the golden dust, falls on a row of distant + seats. This body of light, undulating + with the swaying canvas, at last falls upon + a group composed of Orso and Jenny.</p> + + <p>Orso sits on top of the bench, and near + to him is Jenny. Her beautiful childish + face leans against the arm of the athlete + and her hand rests on his neck. The + eyes of the girl are lifted upward, as if + listening intently to the words of her companion, + who bends over her, moving his + head at times, apparently explaining something.</p> + + <p>Leaning as they are against each other, + you might take them for a pair of lovers, + but for the fact that the girl’s uplifted + eyes express strong attention and intense + thought, rather than any romantic feeling, + and that her legs, which are covered + with pink fleshings, and her feet in + slippers, sway to and fro with a childish + <a class="pagenum" id="page58" title="58"> </a>abandon. Her figure has just begun to + blossom into maidenhood. In everything + Jenny is still a child, but so charming and + beautiful that, without reflecting upon + the ability of Mr. Harvey, who decorated + the Palace Hotel, of San Francisco, it + would be difficult even for him to imagine + anything to equal her. Her delicate face + is simply angelic; her large, sad blue eyes + have a deep, sweet and confiding expression; + her dark eyebrows are penciled with + unequaled purity on her forehead, white + and reposeful as if in deep thought, and the + bright, silky hair, somewhat tossed, throws + a shadow on it, of which, not only Master + Harvey, but a certain other painter, named + Rembrandt, would not have been ashamed. + The girl at once reminds you of Cinderella + and Gretchen, and the leaning posture + which she now maintains suggests timidity + and the need of protection.</p> + + <p>Her posture, which strongly reminds + <a class="pagenum" id="page59" title="59"> </a>you of those of Greuz, contrasts strangely + with her circus attire, composed of a short, + white muslin skirt, embroidered with + small silver stars, and pink tights. Sitting + in a golden beam of light with the + dark, deep background, she looks like + some sunny and transparent vision, and + her slender form contrasts with the square + and sturdy figure of the youth.</p> + + <p>Orso, who is dressed in pink tights, + appears from afar as if he were naked, + and the same ray of light distinctly reveals + his immense shoulders, rounded + chest, small waist, and legs too short in + proportion to the trunk.</p> + + <p>His powerful form seems as if it were + hewn out with an ax. He has all the features + of a circus athlete, but so magnified + that they make him noticeable; besides, + his face is not handsome. Sometimes, + when he raises his head, you can see his + face, the lines of which are regular, perhaps + <a class="pagenum" id="page60" title="60"> </a>too regular, and somewhat rigid, as + if carved from marble. The low forehead, + with the hair falling on it, like the + mane of a horse, straight and black, inherited + from his squaw mother, gives to + his face a gloomy and threatening expression. + He has a similarity to both the + bull and the bear, and he personifies a + terrible and somewhat evil force. He is + not of a good disposition.</p> + + <p>When Jenny passes by the horses, those + gentle creatures turn their heads and look + at her with intelligent eyes, and neigh and + whinny, as if wishing to say: “How do + you do, darling?” while at the sight of + Orso they shudder with fear. He is a + reticent and gloomy youth. Mr. Hirsch’s + negroes, who are his hostlers, clowns, minstrels, + and rope-walkers, do not like Orso + and tease him as much as they dare, and + because he is half-Indian they think nothing + of him, and plague and mock him. + <a class="pagenum" id="page61" title="61"> </a>Truly, the manager, who offers the hundred + dollars to any one who can defeat + him, does not risk much; he dislikes and + fears him, as the tamer of the wild animals + fears a lion, and whips him on the + slightest provocation.</p> + + <p>Mr. Hirsch feels that, if he does not + keep the youth in subjection by constantly + beating him, he will be beaten himself, + and he follows the principle of the Creole + woman, who considered beating a punishment, + and no beating a reward.</p> + + <p>Such was Orso. Recently he began to + be less sullen, because little Jenny had a + good influence over him. It happened + about a year ago that when Orso, who + was then the attendant of the wild animals, + was cleaning the cage of the puma, + the beast put its paws through the bars of + the cage and wounded his head severely. + Then he entered the cage, and after a terrible + fight between them, he alone remained + <a class="pagenum" id="page62" title="62"> </a>alive. But he was so badly hurt + that he fainted from loss of blood. He was + ill a long time, which was greatly aggravated + by a severe whipping which the + manager gave him for breaking the spine + of the puma.</p> + + <p>When he was ill Jenny took great care + of him, and dressed his wounds, and when + she had leisure, read the Bible to him. + That is a “good book” which speaks of + love, of forgiveness, of mercy—in a word, + of things that are never mentioned in Mr. + Hirsch’s circus. Orso, listening to this + book, pondered long in his Indian head + and at last came to the conclusion that if + it would be as good in the circus as in this + book, perhaps he would not be so bad. He + thought also that then he would not be + beaten so often, and some one would be + found who would love him. But who? + Not negroes and not Mr. Hirsch; little + Jenny, whose voice sounded as sweetly in + <a class="pagenum" id="page63" title="63"> </a>his ears as the voice of the mavis, might + be the one.</p> + + <p>One evening, under the influence of + this thought, he began to weep and kiss + the small hands of Jenny, and from this + time on he loved her very much. During + the performance in the evening, when + Jenny was riding a horse, he was always in + the ring and carefully watching over her + to prevent any accident. When he held + the paper hoops for her to jump through + he smiled on her; when to the sound of + the music be balanced her on the top of + the high mast, and the audience was + hushed with fright, he felt uneasy himself. + He knew very well if she should + fall that no one from the “good book” + would be left in the circus; he never removed + his eyes from her, and the evident + caution and anxiety expressed in his + movements added to the terror of the + people. Then, when recalled into the + <a class="pagenum" id="page64" title="64"> </a>ring by the storm of applause, they would + run in together, he would push her forward, + as if deserving of all the praise, and + murmur from joy. This reticent youth + spoke only to Jenny, and to her alone he + opened his mind. He hated the circus + and Mr. Hirsch, who was entirely different + from the people in the “good book.” + Something always attracted him to the edge + of the horizon, to the woods and plains. + When the circus troupe in their constant + wanderings chanced to pass through wild, + lonely spots, he heard voices awakening + the instincts of a captive wolf, who sees + the woods and plains for the first time. + This propensity he inherited not only + from his mother, but also from his father, + who had been a frontiersman. He shared + all his hopes with Jenny, and often narrated + to her how fully and untrammeled + live the people of the plains. Most of this + he guessed or gleaned from the hunters of + <a class="pagenum" id="page65" title="65"> </a>the prairies, who came to the circus with + wild animals which they had captured for + the menagerie, or to try their prowess for + the hundred-dollar prize.</p> + + <p>Little Jenny listened to these Indian + visions, opening widely her blue eyes and + falling into deep reveries. For Orso + never spoke of going alone to the desert; + she was always with him, and it was very + good for them there. Every day they + saw something new; they possessed all they + needed, and it seemed right to make all + their plans carefully.</p> + + <p>So now they sit in this beam of light, + talking to each other, instead of practicing + and attempting new feats. The horse + stands in the ring and feels lonely. Jenny + leans on Orso’s arm, thoughtfully contemplating + and looking with wistful, wondering + eyes into the dim space, swinging + her feet like a child and musing—how it + <a class="pagenum" id="page66" title="66"> </a>will be on the plains, and asking questions + from Orso.</p> + + <p>“How do they live there?” says she, + raising her eyes to the face of her friend.</p> + + <p>“There is plenty of oaks. They take + an ax and build a house.”</p> + + <p>“Well,” says Jenny, “but until the + house is built?”</p> + + <p>“It is always warm there. The + ‘Grizzly Killer’ says it is very warm.”</p> + + <p>Jenny begins to swing her feet more + lively, as if the warmth there has settled + the question in her mind; but shortly she + remembers that she has in the circus a + dog and a cat, and that she would like to + take them with her. She calls her dog + Mister Dog and her cat Mister Cat.</p> + + <p>“And will Mr. Dog and Mr. Cat go + with us?”</p> + + <p>“They will,” answers Orso, looking + pleased.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page67" title="67"> </a>“Will we take with us the ‘good + book’?”</p> + + <p>“We will,” says Orso, still more pleased.</p> + + <p>“Well,” says the girl in her innocence, + “Mr. Cat will catch birds for us; Mr. + Dog will drive away bad people with his + bark; you will be my husband and I will + be your wife, and they will be our + children.”</p> + + <p>Orso feels so happy that he cannot + speak, and Jenny continues:</p> + + <p>“There, there will be no Mr. Hirsch, + no circus, we will not work, and basta! + But no!” she adds a moment later, “the + ‘good book’ says that we should work, and + I sometimes will jump through one—through + the two hoops, the three, the four + hoops.”</p> + + <p>Jenny evidently does not imagine work + under any other form than jumping + through hoops.</p> + + <p>Shortly she says again:</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page68" title="68"> </a>“Orso, will I indeed be always with + you?”</p> + + <p>“Yes, Jen, for I love you very much.”</p> + + <p>His face brightens as he says so, and + becomes almost beautiful.</p> + + <p>And yet he does not know himself how + dear to him has become this small bright + head.</p> + + <p>He has nothing else in this world but + her, and he watches her as the faithful + dog guards his mistress. By her fragile + side he looks like Hercules, but he is + unconscious of this.</p> + + <p>“Jen,” says he after a moment, “listen + to what I tell you.”</p> + + <p>Jenny, who shortly before had got up + to look at the horse, now turns and, + kneeling down before Orso, puts her two + elbows on his knees, crosses her arms and, + resting her chin on her wrists, uplifts + her face and is all attention.</p> + + <p>At this moment, to the consternation of + <a class="pagenum" id="page69" title="69"> </a>the children, the “artist of the whip” + enters the ring in a very bad humor, because + his trial with a lion had entirely + failed.</p> + + <p>This lion, who was bald from old age, + desired only to be let alone, had no inclination + to attack the “artist,” and hid + himself from the lash of the whip in a far + corner of the cage. The manager thought + with despair that if this loyal disposition remained + with the lion until the evening the + contest with the whip would be a failure; + for to fight a lion who slinks away needs + no more art than to eat a lobster from his + tail. The bad temper of the proprietor + became still worse when he learned from + the ticket seller that he was disposing of + no seats in the “gods;” that the Cahuillas + evidently had spent all their money that + they had earned in the vineyards for drinks, + and that they came to his window and + offered their blankets, marked “U. S.,” + <a class="pagenum" id="page70" title="70"> </a>or their wives, especially the old ones, in + exchange for tickets of admission. The + lack of money among the Cahuillas was no + small loss for the “artist of the whip;” + for he counted on a “crowded house,” and + if the seats in the “gods” were not sold no + “crowded house” was obtainable; therefore + the manager wished at this moment + that all the Indians had but one back, and + that he might give an exhibition of his + skill with the whip on that one back, in the + presence of all Anaheim. Thus he felt as + he entered the ring, and seeing the horse + standing idle under the parapet, he felt + like jumping with anger. Where are Orso + and Jenny? Shading his eyes with his + hand he looked all around the circus, and + observed in a bright beam, Orso, and Jenny + kneeling before him with her elbows resting + on his knees. At this sight he let + the lash of his whip trail on the ground.</p> + + <p>“Orso!”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page71" title="71"> </a>If lightning had struck in the midst of + the children they could not have been + more startled. Orso jumped to his feet and + descended in the passageway between the + benches with the hasty movement of an + animal who comes to his master at his + call; behind him followed Jenny with eyes + wide open from fright, and clutching the + benches as she passed them.</p> + + <p>Orso, on entering the ring, stopped by + the parapet, gloomy and silent, the gray + light from above bringing into relief his + Herculean trunk upon its short legs.</p> + + <p>“Nearer,” cried out the manager in a + hoarse voice; meanwhile the lash of his + long whip moved upon the sand with a + threatening motion, like the tail of a + tiger watching his approaching prey.</p> + + <p>Orso advanced several steps, and for a + few minutes they looked into each other’s + eyes. The manager’s face resembled that + of the tamer who enters the cage, intending + <a class="pagenum" id="page72" title="72"> </a>to subdue a dangerous animal, and at + the same time watches it.</p> + + <p>His rage overcame his caution. His + legs, incased in elk riding breeches and + high boots, pranced under him with anger. + Perhaps it was not the idleness alone of + the children which increased his rage. + Jenny, from above, looked at both of them + like a frightened hare watching two + lynxes.</p> + + <p>“Hoodlum! dog catcher, thou cur!” + hissed the manager.</p> + + <p>The whip with the velocity of lightning + whistled through the air in a circle, + hissed and struck. Orso winced and + howled a little, and stepped toward the + manager, but the second stroke stopped + him at once, then the third, fourth—tenth. + The contest had begun, although + there was no audience. The uplifted + hand of the “great artist” scarcely moved, + but his wrist revolved, as if a part of some + <a class="pagenum" id="page73" title="73"> </a>machinery, and, with each revolution, the + sharp point of the lash stung the skin of + Orso. It seemed as if the whip, or rather + its poisonous fang, filled the whole space + between the athlete and the manager, who + in his increasing excitement reached the + genuine enthusiasm of the artist. The + “master” simply improvised. The cracking + end flashing in the air twice had + written down its bloody trace on the bare + neck of the athlete. Orso was silent in + this dance. At every cut he stepped one + step forward and the manager one step + backward. In this way they circled the + arena, and at last the manager backed out + of the ring as a conqueror from the cage, + and disappeared through the entrance to + the stables, still as the conqueror. As he + left his eye fell on Jenny.</p> + + <p>“Get on your horse,” he cried; “I will + settle with you later.”</p> + + <p>His voice had scarcely ceased before her + <a class="pagenum" id="page74" title="74"> </a>white skirt flashed in the air, and in a + moment she was on the back of the horse. + The manager had disappeared, and the + horse began to gallop around the ring, occasionally + striking the side with its hoofs.</p> + + <p>“Hep! Hep!” agitatedly said Jenny to + the horse with her childish voice: “Hep! + hep!” but this “hep, hep,” was at the + same time a sob. The horse increased his + speed, clattering with his hoofs as he + leaned more and more to the center. The + girl, standing on the pad with her feet + close together, seemed scarcely to touch it + with the ends of her toes; her bare rosy + arms rose and fell as she maintained her + balance; her hair and light muslin dress + floated behind her supple figure, which + looked like a bird circling in the air.</p> + + <p>“Hep! hep!” she kept exclaiming. + Meanwhile her eyes were filled with tears, + and to see she had to raise her head; the + movement of the horse made her dizzy; + <a class="pagenum" id="page75" title="75"> </a>the terrace of seats and the ring seemed to + revolve around her; she wavered once, + twice, and then fell down into the arms of + Orso.</p> + + <p>“Oh! Orso, poor Orso!” cried the child.</p> + + <p>“What’s the matter, Jen? why do you + cry? I don’t feel the pain, I don’t feel + it.”</p> + + <p>Jenny threw both her arms around his + neck and began to kiss his cheeks. Her + whole body trembled, and she sobbed + convulsively.</p> + + <p>“Orso, oh, Orso,” she sobbed, for she + could not speak, and her arms clung closer + to his neck. She could not have cried more + if she had been beaten herself. So, in the + end, he began to pet and console her. + Forgetting his own pain he took her in his + arms and pressed her to his heart, and his + nerves being excited by the beating, he + now felt for the first time that he loved + her more than the dog loved his mistress. + <a class="pagenum" id="page76" title="76"> </a>He breathed heavily, and his lips panted + out the words:</p> + + <p>“I feel no pain. When you are with + me, I am happy, Jenny, Jenny!”</p> + + <p>When this was transpiring the manager + was walking in the stables, foaming with + rage. His heart was filled with jealousy. + He saw the girl on her knees before Orso; + recently this beautiful child had awakened + the lower instincts in him, but as yet undeveloped, + and now he fancied that she + and Orso loved each other, and he felt revengeful, + and had a wild desire to punish + her—to whip her soundly. This desire + he could not resist. Shortly he called to + her.</p> + + <p>She at once left Orso, and in a moment + had disappeared in the dark entrance to + the stables. Orso stood stupefied, and + instead of following her he walked with + unsteady steps to a bench, and, seating + himself, began to breathe heavily.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page77" title="77"> </a>When the girl entered the stables she + could see nothing, as it was much darker + there than in the ring. Yet, fearing that + she would be suspected of having delayed + her coming, she cried out in a faint voice:</p> + + <p>“I am here, master, I am here.”</p> + + <p>At the same moment the hand of the + manager caught hers, and he hoarsely + said:</p> + + <p>“Come!”</p> + + <p>If he had shown anger or badly scolded + her she would have felt less frightened + than at this silence with which he led her + to the circus wardrobe. She hung back, + resisting him, and repeating quickly:</p> + + <p>“Oh, dear Mr. Hirsch, forgive me! forgive + me!”</p> + + <p>But forcibly he dragged her to the long + room where they stored their costumes, + and turned the key in the door.</p> + + <p>Jenny fell down on her knees. With + uplifted eyes and folded hands, trembling + <a class="pagenum" id="page78" title="78"> </a>as a leaf, the tears streaming down her + cheeks, she tried to arouse his mercy; in + answer to her supplications, he took from + the wall a wire whip, and said:</p> + + <p>“Lie down.”</p> + + <p>With despair she flung herself at his + feet, nearly dying from fright. Every + nerve of her body quivered; but vainly she + pressed her pallid lips to his polished + boots. Her alarm and pleading seemed to + arouse the demon in him more than ever. + Grasping her roughly, he threw her + violently on a heap of dresses, and in an + instant, after trying to stop the kicking + of her feet, he began beating her cruelly.</p> + + <p>“Orso! Orso!” she shouted.</p> + + <p>About this moment the door shook on + its hinges, rattled, creaked and gave way, + and half of it, pushed in with a tremendous + force, fell with a crash upon the + ground.</p> + + <p>In this opening stood Orso.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page79" title="79"> </a>The wire whip fell from the hand of the + manager, and his face became deadly pale, + because Orso looked ferocious. His eyes + were bloodshot, his lips covered with + foam, his head inclined to one side like a + bull’s, and his whole body was crouched + and gathered, as if ready to spring.</p> + + <p>“Get out!” cried the manager, trying to + hide his fear behind a show of authority.</p> + + <p>The pent-up dam was already broken. + Orso, who was usually as obedient to every + motion as a dog, this time did not move, + but leaning his head still more to one side, + he moved slowly and threateningly toward + the “artist of the whip,” his iron muscles + taut as whipcords.</p> + + <p>“Help! help!” cried the manager.</p> + + <p>They heard him.</p> + + <p>Four brawny negroes from the stables + ran in through the broken door and fell + upon Orso. A terrible fight ensued, upon + which the manager looked with chattering + <a class="pagenum" id="page80" title="80"> </a>teeth. For a long time you could see + nothing but a tangled mass of dark bodies + wrestling with convulsive movements, + rolling on the ground in a writhing heap; + in the silence which followed sometimes + was heard a groan, a snort, loud short + breathing, the gritting of teeth.</p> + + <p>In a moment one of the negroes, as if + by a superhuman force, was sent from + this formless mass, whirling headlong + through the air, and fell at the feet of the + manager, striking his skull with great + force on the ground; soon a second flew + out; then from the center of this turbulent + group Orso’s body alone arose, covered + with blood and looking more terrible than + before. His knees were still pressing + heavily on the breasts of the two fainting + negroes. He arose to his feet and moved + toward the manager.</p> + + <p>Hirsch closed his eyes.</p> + + <p>The next moment he felt that his feet + <a class="pagenum" id="page81" title="81"> </a>had left the ground, that he was flying + through the air—then he felt nothing; + his whole body was dashed with monstrous + force into the remaining half of the door, + and he fell to the earth unconscious.</p> + + <p>Orso wiped his face, and, coming over + to Jenny, said:</p> + + <p>“Let us go.”</p> + + <p>He took her by the hand and they + went.</p> + + <p>The whole town was following the circus + procession and the steam calliope, playing + “Yankee Doodle,” and the place around + the circus was deserted. The parrots + only, swinging in their hoops, filled the + air with their cries. Hand in hand, Orso + and Jenny went forward; from the end of + the street could be seen the immense plains, + covered with cacti. Silently they passed + by the houses, shaded by the eucalyptus + trees; then they passed the slaughter-houses, + around which had gathered thousands + <a class="pagenum" id="page82" title="82"> </a>of small black birds with red-tipped + wings. They jumped over the large irrigation + ditches, entered into an orange + grove, and on emerging from it found + themselves among the cacti.</p> + + <p>This was the desert.</p> + + <p>As far as the eye could reach these + prickly plants rose higher and higher; + thick leaves growing from other leaves + obstructed the path, sometimes catching + on Jenny’s dress. In places they grew to + such a great height that the children + seemed to be as much lost here as if they + were in the woods, and no one could find + them there. So they kept threading + their way through them, now to the right + and then to the left, but careful always to + go from the town. Sometimes between the + cacti they could see on the horizon the + blue mountains of Santa Ana. They + went to the mountains. The heat was + great. Gray-colored locusts chirped in + <a class="pagenum" id="page83" title="83"> </a>the cacti; the sun’s rays poured down + upon the earth in streams; the dried-up + earth was covered with a network of + cracks; the stiff leaves of the cacti seemed + to soften from the heat, and the flowers + were languid and half-wilted. The children + proceeded, silent and thoughtful. + But all that surrounded them was so new + that they surrendered themselves to their + impressions, and for the moment forgot + even their weariness. Jenny’s eyes ran + from one bunch of cacti to another; again + she looked to the farther clusters, saying + to her friend:</p> + + <p>“Is this the wilderness, Orso?”</p> + + <p>But the desert did not appear to be + deserted. From the farther clumps came + the calling of the male quail, and around + sounded the different murmurs of clucking, + of twittering, of the ruffling of + feathers: in a word, the divers voices of + the small inhabitants of the plains. Sometimes + <a class="pagenum" id="page84" title="84"> </a>there flew up a whole covey of + quail; the gaudy-topped pheasants scattered + on their approach; the black squirrels + dived into their holes; the rabbits disappeared + in all directions; the gophers were + sitting on their hind legs beside their + holes, looking like fat German farmers + standing in their doorway.</p> + + <p>After resting an hour the children proceeded + on their journey. Jenny soon felt + thirsty. Orso, in whom had awakened + his Indian inventive faculties, began to + pluck cactus fruits. They were in abundance, + and grew together with the flowers + on the same leaves. In plucking them + they pricked their fingers with the + sharp points, but the fruit was luscious. + Their sweet and acid flavor quenched at + once their thirst and appeased their + hunger. The prairies fed the children + as a mother; thus strengthened they could + proceed further. The cacti arose higher, + <a class="pagenum" id="page85" title="85"> </a>and you could say that they grew on the + head of one another. The ground on + which they walked ascended gradually and + continuously. Looking backward once + more they saw Anaheim, dissolving in the + distance and looking like a grove of trees + upon the low plains. Not a trace of the + circus could be distinguished. They still + pressed steadily onward to the mountains, + which now became more distinct in the + distance. The surroundings assumed + another phase. Between the cacti appeared + different bushes and even trees; + the wooded portion of the foothills of + Santa Ana had commenced. Orso broke + one of the saplings, and, clearing off its + branches, made a cudgel of it, which, in + his hands, would prove a terrible weapon. + His Indian instincts whispered to him + that in the mountains it was better to be + provided, even with a stick, than to go + unarmed, especially now that the sun had + <a class="pagenum" id="page86" title="86"> </a>lowered itself into the west. Its great + fiery shield had rolled down far beyond + Anaheim, into the blue ocean. After a + while it disappeared, and in the west there + gleamed red, golden, and orange lights, + similar to ribbons and gauzy veils, stretched + over the whole sky. The mountains uplifted + themselves in this glow; the cacti + assumed different fantastical shapes, resembling + people and animals. Jenny felt + tired and sleepy, but they still hastened to + the mountains, although they knew not + why. Soon they saw rocks, and on reaching + them they discovered a stream; they + drank some water and continued along its + course. The rocks, which were at first + broken and scattered, then changed into + a solid wall, which became higher and + higher, and soon they entered into a + cañon.</p> + + <p>The rosy lights died away; deeper and + deeper dusk enveloped the earth. In + <a class="pagenum" id="page87" title="87"> </a>places immense vines reached from one + side of the cañon to the other, covering + it like a roof, and making it dark and uncanny. + On the mountain side, above + them, could be heard the voices of the + swaying and creaking forest trees. Orso + implied that now they were in the depths of + the wilderness, where certainly there were + many wild animals. From time to time + his ear detected suspicious sounds, and + when night fell he distinctly heard the + hoarse mewing of the lynxes, the roar of + the pumas, and the melancholy howling of + the coyotes.</p> + + <p>“Are you afraid, Jen?” asked Orso.</p> + + <p>“No,” replied the girl.</p> + + <p>But she was already very tired, and + could proceed no farther, so Orso took her + in his arms and carried her. He went + forward with the hope that he would reach + the house of some squatter, or should meet + some Mexican campers. Once or twice it + <a class="pagenum" id="page88" title="88"> </a>seemed to him that he saw the gleam of + some wild animal’s eyes. Then with one + hand he pressed Jenny, who had now + fallen asleep, to his breast, and with the + other he grasped his stick. He was very + tired himself; notwithstanding his great + strength Jenny began to prove heavy to + him, especially as he carried her on his + left arm; the right one he wished to have + free for defense. Occasionally he stopped + to regain his breath and then continued + on. Suddenly he paused and listened + intently. It seemed to him as if he heard + the echoes of the small bells which the + settlers tie for the night to the neck of + their cows and goats. Rushing forward, + he soon reached a bend in the stream. + The sound of the bells became more distinct, + and joined with them in the distance + was heard the barking of a dog. + Then Orso was sure that he was nearing + some settlement. It was high time that + <a class="pagenum" id="page89" title="89"> </a>he did, for he was exhausted by the events + of the day, and his strength had begun to + fail him. On turning another bend he + saw a light; as he moved forward his + quick eyes discerned a campfire, a dog, + evidently tied to a stump, tearing and + barking, and at last the figure of a man + seated by the fire.</p> + + <p>“God send that this may be a man + from the ‘good book’!” thought he.</p> + + <p>Then he resolved to awaken Jenny.</p> + + <p>“Jen!” called he, “awake, we shall + eat.”</p> + + <p>“What is it?” asked the girl; “where + are we?”</p> + + <p>“In the wilderness.”</p> + + <p>She was now wide awake.</p> + + <p>“What light is that?”</p> + + <p>“A man lives there; we shall eat.”</p> + + <p>Poor Orso was very hungry.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile they were nearing the fire. + The dog barked more violently, and the + <a class="pagenum" id="page90" title="90"> </a>old man, sitting by the fire, shaded his + eyes and peered into the gloom. Shortly + he said:</p> + + <p>“Who is there?”</p> + + <p>“It is us,” answered Jenny in her + delicate voice, “and we are very hungry.”</p> + + <p>“Come nearer,” said the old man.</p> + + <p>Emerging from behind a great rock, + which had partly concealed them, they + both stood in the light of the fire, holding + each other’s hands. The old man looked + at them with astonishment, and involuntarily + exclaimed:</p> + + <p>“What is that?”</p> + + <p>For he saw a sight which, in the + sparsely populated mountains of Santa + Ana, would astonish any one. Orso and + Jenny were dressed in their circus attire. + The beautiful girl, clothed in pink tights + and short white skirt, appearing so suddenly + before him, looked in the firelight + like some fairy sylph. Behind her stood + <a class="pagenum" id="page91" title="91"> </a>the youth with his powerful figure, covered + also with pink fleshings, through which + you could see his muscles standing out + like knots on the oak.</p> + + <p>The old squatter gazed at them with + wide-open eyes.</p> + + <p>“Who are you?” he inquired.</p> + + <p>The girl, relying more on her own eloquence + than on that of Orso, began to + speak.</p> + + <p>“We are from the circus, kind sir! + Mr. Hirsch beat Orso very much and then + wanted to beat me, but Orso did not let + him, and fought Mr. Hirsch and four + negroes, and then we ran off on the plains, + and went a long distance through the + cacti, and Orso carried me; then we came + here and are very hungry.”</p> + + <p>The face of the old man softened and + brightened as he listened to her story, and + he looked with a fatherly interest on this + charming child, who spoke with great + <a class="pagenum" id="page92" title="92"> </a>haste, as if she wished to tell all in one + breath.</p> + + <p>“What is your name, little one?” he + asked.</p> + + <p>“Jenny.”</p> + + <p>“Welcome, Jenny! and you, Orso! + people rarely come here. Come to me, + Jenny.”</p> + + <p>Without hesitation the little girl put + her arms around the neck of the old man + and kissed him warmly. He appeared + to her to be some one from the “good + book.”</p> + + <p>“Will Mr. Hirsch find us here?” she + said, as she took her lips from his face.</p> + + <p>“If he comes he will find a bullet here,” + replied the old man; then added, “you + said that you wanted to eat?”</p> + + <p>“Oh, yes, very much.”</p> + + <p>The squatter, raking in the ashes of the + fire, took out a fine leg of venison, the + <a class="pagenum" id="page93" title="93"> </a>pleasant odor of which filled the air. + Then they sat down to eat.</p> + + <p>The night was gorgeous; the moon came + out high in the heavens above the cañon; + in the thicket the mavis began to sing + sweetly; the fire burned brightly, and + Orso was so filled with joy that he chanted + with gladness. Both he and the girl ate + heartily. The old man had no appetite; he + looked upon little Jenny, and, for some + unknown cause, his eyes were filled with + tears.</p> + + <p>Perhaps he had been once a father, or, + perhaps, he so rarely saw people in these + deserted mountains.</p> + + <hr class="thoughtbreak" /> + + <p>Since then these three lived together.</p> + +</div> +<div id="the_end"> </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Sielanka: An Idyll, by Henryk Sienkiewicz + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIELANKA: AN IDYLL *** + +***** This file should be named 29305-h.htm or 29305-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/3/0/29305/ + +Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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