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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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: Evening Tales</p> -<p>Author: Jean Baptiste Frédéric Ortoli</p> -<p>Release Date: December 10, 2017 [eBook #56153]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EVENING TALES***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by Larry B. Harrison, David Edwards,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/cu31924027805864"> - https://archive.org/details/cu31924027805864</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class="figcenter newpage hideepub"> - <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" /> -</div> - - - -<hr /> - -<h1>EVENING TALES</h1> - -<p class="center bold in0"><span class="large">Done into English from the French of<br /> -Frédéric Ortoli</span><br /> -<span class="vspace"> </span><br /> -BY<br /> -<span class="xlarge">JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS</span><br /> -AUTHOR OF "UNCLE REMUS"<br /> -<span class="vspace"> </span><br /> -<span class="large"><i>AUTHORIZED EDITION</i></span><br /> -<span class="vspace"> </span><br /> -<span class="large">NEW YORK</span><br /> -<span class="xlarge">CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</span><br /> -<span class="large">1919</span></p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p class="center bold in0"><span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1893, <span class="smcap">by</span><br /> -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">iii</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"> </td> - <td class="tdr"><span class="xsmall">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">I</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A French Tar-Baby</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">II</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Teenchy Duck</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">III</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mr. Snail and Brother Wolf</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">IV</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Lion's Secret</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">V</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The King and the Lapwings</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">VI</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Rooster, the Cat, and the Reap-Hook</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">VII</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Mysterious Island</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">iv</a></span>VIII</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Brother Tiger and Daddy Sheep</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">IX</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl">"<span class="smcap">Jump in My Sack!</span>"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">X</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Search for a Friend</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">XI</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Child of the Roses</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">XII</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The King of the Lions</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">XIII</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Vizier, the Monkey, the Lion, and the Serpent</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">XIV</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Enchanted Princess</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc">XV</td> - <td class="tdr"> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Loony John</span>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">v</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time Mr. Wendell P. -Garrison, the literary editor of <i>The Nation</i>, -sent me a picture he had found in a -catalogue of French books. It represented -a very interesting scene. There were -the Tar-Baby and Brother Rabbit as -natural as life; but Brother Fox was missing. -His place had been supplied by -Brother Billy Goat, whose formidable -horns and fierce beard seemed to add to -the old episode a new danger for poor -Brother Rabbit.</p> - -<p>The picture was an advertisement of -<i>Les Contes de la Veillée</i>, by Frédéric -Ortoli. After a while the book itself -came to hand, forwarded no doubt by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">vi</a></span> -some thoughtful American tourist who -had been interested in the Tar-Baby in -French. The volume was examined, and -in some sort relished, laid aside for future -reference, and then forgotten.</p> - -<p>But one night after supper the children -of the household were suddenly missing. -There was no romping going on in the -hall. There were no voices to be heard -on the lawn. There was no rippit taking -place in the bedrooms. What could the -matter be? Had the storm-centre moved -in the direction of our innocent neighbors? -The silence was so unusual that it -created a sudden sense of loneliness.</p> - -<p>But the investigation that followed -showed that the youngsters had merely -made a temporary surrender of their privileges. -Their mother was reading to them -some of the stories in M. Ortoli's book, -and they were listening with an interest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">vii</a></span> -that childhood can neither affect nor disguise. -I begged permission to make one -of the audience.</p> - -<p>"But you have writing to do," said one -of the lads.</p> - -<p>"It will disturb you," said one of the -girls.</p> - -<p>Nevertheless, the lady, who was and is -the centre of this family circle, graciously -made room for one more listener; and -thus it happens that this little volume of -M. Ortoli's stories is in the nature of a -family affair. The lady, for the benefit of -the intruder, was pleased to go over the -stories again, and to read them more slowly, -and thus they were put in their present -form. Most frequently I have preserved -the swift and piquant rendering, -the fluent interpretation that fell from the -lady's lips.</p> - -<p>My apologies are perhaps due to M.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">viii</a></span> -Ortoli for a certain freedom of treatment -that has been deemed necessary in some -of the stories. I trust this has not been -carried too far; but in some instances it -has been necessary to English the characters -and incidents as well as the text. -Nevertheless, an effort has been made to -preserve something of the individuality of -M. Ortoli, and I think that at least the -flavor of it will be found in the stories -that follow.</p> - -<p class="sigright">J. C. H.</p> - -<p class="sigleft in0"><span class="smcap">West End, Atlanta, Ga.</span></p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">1</a></span></p> - -<p class="center bold in0 p3b"><span class="xxlarge">EVENING TALES</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">I<br /> -<span class="small">A FRENCH TAR-BABY</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>In the time when there were hobgoblins -and fairies, Brother Goat and Brother -Rabbit lived in the same neighborhood, -not far from each other.</p> - -<p>Proud of his long beard and sharp horns, -Brother Goat looked on Brother Rabbit -with disdain. He would hardly speak to -Brother Rabbit when he met him, and his -greatest pleasure was to make his little -neighbor the victim of his tricks and -practical jokes. For instance, he would -say:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">2</a></span></p> - -<p>"Brother Rabbit, here is Mr. Fox," and -this would cause Brother Rabbit to run -away as hard as he could. Again he would -say:</p> - -<p>"Brother Rabbit, here is Mr. Wolf," -and poor Brother Rabbit would shake and -tremble with fear. Sometimes he would -cry out:</p> - -<p>"Brother Rabbit, here is Mr. Tiger," -and then Brother Rabbit would shudder -and think that his last hour had come.</p> - -<p>Tired of this miserable existence, Brother -Rabbit tried to think of some means by -which he could change his powerful and -terrible neighbor into a friend. After a -time, he thought he had discovered a way -to make Brother Goat his friend, and so -he invited him to dinner.</p> - -<p>Brother Goat was quick to accept the -invitation. The dinner was a fine affair, -and there was an abundance of good eating.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span> -A great many different dishes were -served. Brother Goat licked his mouth -and shook his long beard with satisfaction. -He had never before been present at such -a feast.</p> - -<p>"Well, my friend," exclaimed Brother -Rabbit, when the dessert was brought in, -"how do you like your dinner?"</p> - -<p>"I could certainly wish for nothing better," -replied Brother Goat, rubbing the -tips of his horns against the back of his -chair; "but my throat is very dry and a -little water would hurt neither the dinner -nor me."</p> - -<p>"Gracious!" said Brother Rabbit, "I -have neither wine-cellar nor water. I am -not in the habit of drinking while I am -eating."</p> - -<p>"Neither have I any water, Brother -Rabbit," said Brother Goat. "But I have -an idea! If you will go with me over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> -yonder by the big poplar, we will dig a -well."</p> - -<p>"No, Brother Goat," said Brother Rabbit, -who hoped to revenge himself—"no, -I do not care to dig a well. At daybreak -I drink the dew from the cups of the -flowers, and in the heat of the day I milk -the cows and drink the cream."</p> - -<p>"Well and good," said Brother Goat. -"Alone I will dig the well, and alone I -will drink out of it."</p> - -<p>"Success to you, Brother Goat," said -Brother Rabbit.</p> - -<p>"Thank you kindly, Brother Rabbit."</p> - -<p>Brother Goat then went to the foot of -the big poplar and began to dig his well. -He dug with his forefeet and with his -horns, and the well got deeper and deeper. -Soon the water began to bubble up and -the well was finished, and then Brother -Goat made haste to quench his thirst. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> -was in such a hurry that his beard got in -the water, but he drank and drank until -he had his fill.</p> - -<p>Brother Rabbit, who had followed him -at a little distance, hid himself behind a -bush and laughed heartily. He said to -himself: "What an innocent creature you -are!"</p> - -<p>The next day, when Brother Goat, with -his big beard and sharp horns, returned to -his well to get some water, he saw the -tracks of Brother Rabbit in the soft earth. -This put him to thinking. He sat down, -pulled his beard, scratched his head, and -tapped himself on the forehead.</p> - -<p>"My friend," he exclaimed after a while, -"I will catch you yet."</p> - -<p>Then he ran and got his tools (for -Brother Goat was something of a carpenter -in those days) and made a large doll -out of laurel wood. When the doll was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> -finished, he spread tar on it here and there, -on the right and on the left, and up and -down. He smeared it all over with the -sticky stuff, until it was as black as a -Guinea negro.</p> - -<p>This finished, Brother Goat waited -quietly until evening. At sunset he placed -the tarred doll near the well, and ran and -hid himself behind the trees and bushes. -The moon had just risen, and the heavens -twinkled with millions of little star-torches.</p> - -<p>Brother Rabbit, who was waiting in his -house, believed that the time had come -for him to get some water, so he took his -bucket and went to Brother Goat's well. -On the way he was very much afraid that -something would catch him. He trembled -when the wind shook the leaves of the -trees. He would go a little distance and -then stop and listen; he hid here behind a -stone, and there behind a tuft of grass.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span></p> - -<p>At last he arrived at the well, and there -he saw the little negro. He stopped and -looked at it with astonishment. Then he -drew back a little way, advanced again, -drew back, advanced a little, and stopped -once more.</p> - -<p>"What can that be?" he said to himself. -He listened, with his long ears pointed forward, -but the trees could not talk, and the -bushes were dumb. He winked his eyes -and lowered his head:</p> - -<p>"Hey, friend! who are you?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>The tar-doll didn't move. Brother Rabbit -went up a little closer, and asked again:</p> - -<p>"Who are you?"</p> - -<p>The tar-doll said nothing. Brother Rabbit -breathed more at ease. Then he went -to the brink of the well, but when he -looked in the water the tar-doll seemed to -look in too. He could see her reflection<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> -in the water. This made Brother Rabbit -so mad that he grew red in the face.</p> - -<p>"See here!" he exclaimed, "if you -look in this well I'll give you a rap on the -nose!"</p> - -<p>Brother Rabbit leaned over the brink of -the well, and saw the tar-doll smiling at -him in the water. He raised his right -hand and hit her—bam! His hand -stuck.</p> - -<p>"What's this?" exclaimed Brother Rabbit. -"Turn me loose, imp of Satan! If -you do not, I will rap you on the eye with -my other hand."</p> - -<p>Then he hit her—bim! The left hand -stuck also. Then Brother Rabbit raised -his right foot, saying:</p> - -<p>"Mark me well, little Congo! Do you -see this foot? I will kick you in the -stomach if you do not turn me loose this -instant."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span></p> - -<p>No sooner said than done. Brother -Rabbit let fly his right foot—vip! The -foot stuck, and he raised the other.</p> - -<p>"Do you see this foot?" he exclaimed. -"If I hit you with it, you will think a -thunderbolt has struck you."</p> - -<p>Then he kicked her with the left foot, -and it also stuck like the other, and Brother -Rabbit held fast his Guinea negro.</p> - -<p>"Watch out, now!" he cried. "I've -already butted a great many people with -my head. If I butt you in your ugly face -I'll knock it into a jelly. Turn me loose! -Oho! you don't answer?" Bap!</p> - -<p>"Guinea girl!" exclaimed Brother Rabbit, -"are you dead? Gracious goodness! -how my head does stick!"</p> - -<p>When the sun rose, Brother Goat went -to his well to find out something about -Brother Rabbit. The result was beyond -his expectations.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span></p> - -<p>"Hey, little rogue, big rogue!" exclaimed -Brother Goat. "Hey, Brother -Rabbit! what are you doing there? I -thought you drank the dew from the cups -of the flowers, or milk from the cows. -Aha, Brother Rabbit! I will punish you -for stealing my water."</p> - -<p>"I am your friend," said Brother Rabbit; -"don't kill me."</p> - -<p>"Thief, thief!" cried Brother Goat, -and then he ran quickly into the woods, -gathered up a pile of dry limbs, and made -a great fire. He took Brother Rabbit -from the tar-doll, and prepared to burn -him alive. As he was passing a thicket -of brambles with Brother Rabbit on his -shoulders, Brother Goat met his daughter -Bélédie, who was walking about in the -fields.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going, papa, muffled -up with such a burden? Come and eat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> -the fresh grass with me, and throw wicked -Brother Rabbit in the brambles."</p> - -<p>Cunning Brother Rabbit raised his long -ears and pretended to be very much frightened.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, Brother Goat!" he cried. -"Don't throw me in the brambles. They -will tear my flesh, put out my eyes, and -pierce my heart. Oh, I pray you, rather -throw me in the fire."</p> - -<p>"Aha, little rogue, big rogue! Aha, -Brother Rabbit!" exclaimed Brother -Goat, exultingly, "you don't like the -brambles? Well, then, go and laugh in -them," and he threw Brother Rabbit in -without a feeling of pity.</p> - -<p>Brother Rabbit fell in the brambles, -leaped to his feet, and began to -laugh.</p> - -<p>"Ha-ha-ha! Brother Goat, what a simpleton -you are!—ha-ha-ha! A better bed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -I never had! In these brambles I was -born!"</p> - -<p>Brother Goat was in despair, but he -could not help himself. Brother Rabbit -was safe.</p> - -<p>A long beard is not always a sign of intelligence.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>II<br /> -<span class="small">TEENCHY DUCK</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time there lived in a village -in some country (I do not know -where, but certainly nowhere near here), -an old man and an old woman who were -very poor indeed. They had never been -able to save a single penny. They had no -farm, not even a garden. They had nothing -but a little Duck that walked around -on her two feet every day, singing the -song of famine. "Quack! quack! Who -will give me a piece of bread? Quack! -quack! Who will give me a piece of -bread?" This little Duck was so small -that she was named Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>It so happened one day that Teenchy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span> -Duck was paddling in the water near the -river's edge when she saw a fine purse -filled with gold. At once she began to -flap her wings and cry: "Quack! quack! -Who has lost his beautiful money? -Quack! quack! Who has lost his beautiful -money?"</p> - -<p>Just at that moment the Prince of the -Seven Golden Cows passed along the -road. He was richer than all the kings -and emperors, but he was mean and miserly. -He walked along with a stick in -his hand, and as he walked he counted in -his mind the millions that he had stored -away in his strong-box.</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Who lost his beautiful -money? Quack! quack! Who lost -his beautiful money?" cried Teenchy -Duck.</p> - -<p>"I have lost it," brazenly exclaimed the -Prince of the Seven Golden Cows, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> -then he seized the purse full of money that -Teenchy Duck held in her bill, and went -on his way.</p> - -<p>The poor Puddle Duck was so astonished -at this that she could scarcely stand -on her feet.</p> - -<p>"Well, well!" she exclaimed, "that -rich lord has kept all for himself and -given me nothing. May he be destroyed -by a pestilence!"</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck at once ran to her master, -and told him what had happened. -When her master learned the value of -what Teenchy Duck had found, and the -trick that had been played on her by the -Prince of the Seven Golden Cows, he -went into a violent rage.</p> - -<p>"Why, you big simpleton!" he exclaimed, -"you find money and you do not -bring it to us? You give it to a big lord, -who did not lose it, when we poor people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> -need it, so much. Go out of this house -instantly, and don't dare to come back -until you have brought me the purse of -gold!"</p> - -<p>Unfortunate Teenchy Duck trembled in -all her limbs, and made herself small and -humble; but she found voice to say:</p> - -<p>"You are right, my master! I go at -once to find the Prince of the Seven -Golden Cows."</p> - -<p>But once out of doors the poor Puddle -Duck thought to herself sorrowfully: -"How and where can I find the Prince -who was so mean as to steal the beautiful -money?"</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck was so bewildered that -she began to strike her head against the -rocks in despair. Suddenly an idea came -into her mind. She would follow his -tracks, and the marks that his walking-stick -made in the ground until she came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> -to the castle of the Prince of the Seven -Golden Cows.</p> - -<p>No sooner thought than done. Teenchy -Duck went waddling down the road in the -direction taken by the miserly Prince, crying, -with all her might:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money! Quack! quack! Give -me back my beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>Brother Fox, who was taking his ease a -little way from the road, heard Teenchy -Duck's cries, and knew her voice. He -went to her and said:</p> - -<p>"What in the world is the matter with -you, my poor Teenchy Duck? You look -sad and broken-hearted."</p> - -<p>"I have good reason to be," said -Teenchy Duck. "This morning, while -paddling in the river, I found a purse -full of gold, and gave it to the Prince of -the Seven Golden Cows, thinking it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -his. But now, here comes my master and -asks me for it, and says he will kill me if -I do not bring it to him pretty soon."</p> - -<p>"Well, where are you going in this -style?" asked Brother Fox.</p> - -<p>"I am going straight to the Prince of -the Seven Golden Cows," said Teenchy -Duck.</p> - -<p>"Shall I go with you?" asked Brother -Fox.</p> - -<p>"I'd be only too glad if you would," -exclaimed Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"But how can I go?" said Brother -Fox.</p> - -<p>"Get in my satchel," said Teenchy -Duck, "and I'll carry you the best I know -how."</p> - -<p>"It isn't big enough," said Brother -Fox.</p> - -<p>"It will stretch," said Teenchy Duck. -So Brother Fox got in the satchel, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -Teenchy Duck went waddling along the -road, crying: "Quack! quack! Give me -back my beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>She had not gone far when she met -Brother Wolf, who was passing that way.</p> - -<p>"What are you crying so for?" he inquired. -"One would think you were going -to die on the journey."</p> - -<p>"It is only too true," said Teenchy -Duck, and then she told Brother Wolf -about finding the money-purse, just as she -had told Brother Fox.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I can be of some service to -you," said Brother Wolf. "Shall I go with -you?"</p> - -<p>"I am willing," said Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"But how can I go so far?" Brother -Wolf asked.</p> - -<p>"Get in my satchel," said Teenchy -Duck, "and I'll carry you as I can."</p> - -<p>"It is too small," said Brother Wolf.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span></p> - -<p>"It will stretch mightily," said Teenchy -Duck.</p> - -<p>Then Brother Wolf went to keep company -with Brother Fox.</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck went on her way again. -She didn't walk very fast, for her satchel -was heavy; but she never ceased crying: -"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money."</p> - -<p>Now it happened, as she was going -along, she came up with a Ladder, which -said, without asking after her health:</p> - -<p>"My poor Teenchy Duck! You do -not seem to be very happy."</p> - -<p>"I should think not!" exclaimed -Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"What can the matter be?" the Ladder -asked.</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck then told her story over -again.</p> - -<p>"I am not doing anything at present,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -said the Ladder; "shall I go with -you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"But how can I go, I who never walk?" -inquired the Ladder.</p> - -<p>"Why, get in my satchel," said Teenchy -Duck, "and I'll carry you the best I know -how."</p> - -<p>The Ladder was soon in the satchel -with Brother Fox and Brother Wolf, and -Teenchy Duck went on her way, following -the tracks of the Prince of the Seven -Golden Cows, and always crying:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>Going along and crying thus, Teenchy -Duck came to her best and oldest friend, -the River.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing here?" said the -River, in astonishment, "and why are -you crying so? When I saw you this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> -morning you seemed to be very happy."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said Teenchy Duck, "would you -believe it? I have not eaten since yesterday."</p> - -<p>"And why not?" asked the sympathetic -River.</p> - -<p>"You saw me find the purse of gold," -said Teenchy Duck, "and you saw the -Prince seize it. Ah, well! my master will -kill me if I do not get it and return it to -him."</p> - -<p>"Sometimes," the River replied, "a -little help does a great deal of good. Shall -I go with you?"</p> - -<p>"I should be very happy," said Teenchy -Duck.</p> - -<p>"But how can I follow you—I that -have no limbs?" said the River.</p> - -<p>"Get in my satchel," said Teenchy -Duck. "I'll carry you as I can."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span></p> - -<p>Then the River got in the satchel by the -side of the other friends of Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>She went on her journey, keeping her -eyes on the ground, so as not to lose sight -of the tracks of the thief, but still crying -for her beautiful money. On her way she -came to a Bee-Hive, which had a mind to -laugh because Teenchy Duck was carrying -such a burden.</p> - -<p>"Hey, my poor Teenchy Duck! What -a big, fat satchel you have there!" said the -Bee-Hive.</p> - -<p>"I'm not in the humor for joking, my -dear," said Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"Why are you so sad?"</p> - -<p>"I have been very unfortunate, good -little people," said Teenchy Duck, addressing -herself to the Bees, and then she -told her story.</p> - -<p>"Shall we go with you?" asked the -Bees.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, yes!" exclaimed Teenchy Duck. -"In these days of sorrow I stand in need -of friends."</p> - -<p>"How shall we follow you?" asked the -Bees.</p> - -<p>"Get in my satchel," said Teenchy -Duck. "I'll carry you the best I know -how."</p> - -<p>Then the Bees shook their wings for -joy and swarmed into the satchel along -with the other friends of Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>She resumed her journey, always crying -for the return of her beautiful money. -She walked and walked without stopping -to rest a moment, until her legs almost -refused to carry her. At last, just as -night was coming on, Teenchy Duck saw -with joy that the tracks of the Prince of -the Seven Golden Cows stopped at the -iron gate that barred the way to a splendid -castle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah!" she exclaimed, "I have arrived -at my journey's end, and I have no need to -knock on the gate. I will creep under."</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck entered the grounds and -cried out: "Quack! quack! Give me my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>The Prince heard her and laughed scornfully. -How could a poor Teenchy Duck -compel a great lord to return the purse of -gold?</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck continued to cry:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>It was night, and the Prince of the -Seven Golden Cows ordered one of his -servants to take Teenchy Duck and shut -her up in the hennery with the turkeys, -the geese, and the chickens, thinking that -these fowls would kill the stranger, and -that her disagreeable song would forever -be at an end.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span></p> - -<p>This order was immediately carried out -by the servant, but no sooner had Teenchy -Duck entered the hennery than she exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Brother Fox, if you do not come to -my assistance I am lost!"</p> - -<p>Brother Fox came out of the satchel -promptly, and worked so well at his trade -that of all the fowls he found there not -one remained alive.</p> - -<p>At break of day the servant-girl, whose -business it was to attend to the poultry-yard, -opened the door of the hennery, -and was astounded to see Teenchy -Duck come out, singing the same old -song:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>The astonished girl immediately ran and -told her master, the Prince, what had happened, -and the wife of the Prince, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -had at that moment learned all, said to her -husband:</p> - -<p>"This Duck is a Witch. Give her the -money, or it will bring us bad luck."</p> - -<p>The Prince of the Seven Golden Cows -refused to listen to any advice. He believed -that the fox had only happened to -enter his hennery by accident.</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck made herself heard all -day, and at night the Prince said to his -servants:</p> - -<p>"Take this squaller and throw her in -the stable under the feet of the mules and -horses. We will see in the morning what -she will say."</p> - -<p>The servants obeyed, and Teenchy Duck -immediately cried:</p> - -<p>"Brother Wolf, if you do not come -quickly to my aid I shall be killed."</p> - -<p>Brother Wolf made no delay, and it -was not long before he had destroyed the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> -horses and the mules. Next morning, -before day, the servants went to get the -animals to put them to the ploughs and -wagons; but when they saw them lying -dead their astonishment was indescribable. -In the stable Teenchy Duck stood alone, -singing, in her most beautiful voice:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>When the Prince of the Seven Golden -Cows heard of this disaster he became -white with rage, and in his fury he wanted -to give his servants a thousand lashes for -not having taken necessary precautions -against the Wolf. But his wife calmed -him little by little, saying:</p> - -<p>"My husband, give back to Teenchy -Duck this purse you have taken, or else -we shall be ruined."</p> - -<p>"No," cried the Prince, "she shall -never have it!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span></p> - -<p>All this time Teenchy Duck was promenading -up and down, to the right and to -the left, singing, at the top of her voice:</p> - -<p>"Quack! quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>"Heavens!" said the Prince, stopping -his ears, "I am tired of hearing this ugly -fowl squall and squawk. Quick! throw -her in the well or the furnace, so that we -may be rid of her."</p> - -<p>"What shall we do first?" the servants -asked.</p> - -<p>"It matters not," said the Prince, "so -long as we are rid of her."</p> - -<p>The servants took Teenchy Duck and -threw her in the well, thinking this the -easiest and the quickest way to dispose of -her.</p> - -<p>As Teenchy Duck was falling, she cried: -"Come to my assistance, good Ladder, or -I am undone."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span></p> - -<p>The Ladder immediately came out of -the satchel, and leaned against the walls -of the well. Teenchy Duck came up the -rounds, singing:</p> - -<p>"Quack, quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>Everybody was astonished, and the -Prince's wife kept saying: "Give this -witch her money."</p> - -<p>"They would say that I am afraid of a -Teenchy Duck," said the Prince of the -Seven Golden Cows. "I will never give -it up." Then, speaking to his servants, -he said: "Heat the oven; heat it to a -white heat, and throw this witch in."</p> - -<p>The servants were compelled to obey, -but they were so frightened that none -dared touch her. At last, one bolder than -the rest seized her by the end of the wing -and threw her in the red-hot oven. Everybody -thought that this was the end of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> -Teenchy Duck, but she had had time to -cry out:</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear friend River, come to -my assistance, or I shall be roasted."</p> - -<p>The River rushed out and quenched the -fire and cooled the oven.</p> - -<p>When the Prince went to see what was -left of Teenchy Duck, she met him, and -began to repeat her familiar refrain:</p> - -<p>"Quack, quack! Give me back my -beautiful money!"</p> - -<p>The Prince of the Seven Golden Cows -was furious.</p> - -<p>"You are all blockheads!" he cried to -his servants. "You never knew how to -do anything. Get out of here! I will -drive you off the place! Hereafter I will -take charge of this fiend myself."</p> - -<p>That night, before retiring, the Prince -and his wife went and got Teenchy Duck, -and prepared to give her such a beating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> -as they had no doubt would cause her -death.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, Teenchy Duck saw the -danger and cried out:</p> - -<p>"Friend Bees! come out and help me."</p> - -<p>A buzzing sound was heard, and then -the Bees swarmed on the Prince and his -wife, and stung them so terribly that they -became frightful to behold.</p> - -<p>"Return the money to this ugly witch," -groaned the unfortunate wife. "Run, or -we are done for."</p> - -<p>The Prince did not wait to be told -twice. He ran and got the purse full of -gold, and returned it to Teenchy Duck.</p> - -<p>"Here," said he, "I am conquered. -But get out of my grounds quickly."</p> - -<p>Full of joy, Teenchy Duck went out -into the road singing: "Quack, quack! -I have got my beautiful money! Quack, -quack! Here is my beautiful money!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span></p> - -<p>On her way home she returned the -friends that had aided her to the places -where she had found them, thanking them -kindly for their assistance in time of need.</p> - -<p>At break of day Teenchy Duck found -herself at her master's door. She aroused -him by her loud cries. After that, the -family was rich, but the master and mistress -were not happy, for they knew the -money did not belong to them.</p> - -<p>Teenchy Duck was well taken care of, -and grew to be large and fat. If she went -to the village pond at all, it was only to -take a bath with her comrades and to tell -a certain Duck of her remarkable exploit -of recovering the beautiful money.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>III<br /> -<span class="small">MR. SNAIL AND BROTHER WOLF</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>One night, in the season when the hawthorn -flowers were blooming and perfuming -the air, Brother Wolf came out of the -woods, and ran down the hill in a brisk -gallop. A little Snail saw Brother Wolf—a -little Snail, who, to accommodate himself, -carried his house on his back and his horns -on his head. He was a very funny little -Snail; and, as Brother Wolf was passing, -he laughed aloud—</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha, ha! He, he, he!"</p> - -<p>Hearing this, Brother Wolf paused, -turned around, and said:</p> - -<p>"Why do you laugh, little Snail?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why do I laugh?" exclaimed Mr. -Snail.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Brother Wolf. "Do you -see anything ridiculous about me?"</p> - -<p>"No, Brother Wolf," said Mr. Snail; -"on the contrary, you make a very fine -appearance. You have on your Sunday -clothes, and you are handsome indeed. -No, Brother Wolf, you are not at all ridiculous."</p> - -<p>"Why, then, this laughter?" inquired -Brother Wolf. "Answer me at once, for -I am in a hurry. Speak this instant, or it -will not be well for you."</p> - -<p>"Do not get angry, Brother Wolf; it is -not worth while. I only laughed to see -you running so fast when neither dogs nor -men were pursuing you. Where are you -going in such a hurry?"</p> - -<p>"I am going to the city," said Brother -Wolf.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span></p> - -<p>"To the city?" exclaimed Mr. Snail. -"What do you propose to do there?"</p> - -<p>"I want to see my brother, who is sick -in the menagerie. He has written me to -come to him."</p> - -<p>"That is very queer," said Mr. Snail. -"I am going to the city also."</p> - -<p>"Bosh!" exclaimed Brother Wolf, contemptuously. -"Hens will have teeth and -sows side-pockets before you get there."</p> - -<p>Mr. Snail felt himself somewhat insulted -at Brother Wolf's remark, and replied:</p> - -<p>"I do not know how long it takes a -hen to have teeth; but one thing I do -know, and that is, that I will arrive in the -city before you do."</p> - -<p>"You have no legs, and you carry your -house on your back," said Brother Wolf; -"how will you manage to get there?"</p> - -<p>"Don't trouble about that," said Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -Snail. "My house is mine, and I do not -need legs. I will be in the city before -you."</p> - -<p>"You make me very tired with your -talk," said Brother Wolf. "If you are -not joking, let us wager a breakfast that -you do not get there first—that is, if you -are not joking."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then," said Mr. Snail, "let -it be a breakfast. I even give you three -jumps in advance, and after that you may -gallop."</p> - -<p>While Brother Wolf was making ready -for the start, Mr. Snail crawled up on his -tail. When the signal was given, the -Wolf hurried on, going very rapidly and -without a moment's rest. He arrived in -the city the next day; but found the gates -closed. Brother Wolf knocked very hard, -and waited for some one to come and -admit him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span></p> - -<p>During this time Mr. Snail dropped on -the ground and climbed on the wall.</p> - -<p>"Is that you, my friend?" he exclaimed. -"I have been waiting for you a -long time. I am hungry now, and want -my breakfast."</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>IV<br /> -<span class="small">THE LION'S SECRET</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time there were two brothers, -who were orphans. The oldest was -named Mahobane and the youngest Lovallec. -These unfortunate children had -been beggars since they were six years of -age. They went from house to house and -from village to village, on mountains and -in valleys, but wherever they went their -cry was the same:</p> - -<p>"Good friends! give us alms! Kind -friends! help the unfortunate!"</p> - -<p>Their lot was a hard one, even as children, -but it was harder as they grew older, -for when the oldest was twenty they discovered -that they had only succeeded, after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -all their efforts, in keeping soul and body -together. Finally, one day, Mahobane -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I know what I shall do to make a -great deal of money in a very short time."</p> - -<p>"What is it?" cried Lovallec.</p> - -<p>"One of us," said the eldest, "will have -to become blind and lead the other by the -hand, going from house to house and -along the public highways asking for alms -from the people and from the travellers."</p> - -<p>"You are right," said Lovallec, "but, -alas! neither one of us is blind."</p> - -<p>"It will be easy enough," said the other, -"to become so."</p> - -<p>"How can that be?" asked Lovallec.</p> - -<p>"Oh, easy enough," said the elder. -"One of us will have to put out his eyes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no!" exclaimed the younger; -"that would make one of us suffer too -much."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah," said Mahobane, to the younger, -"you are timid, you are tender-hearted: -What is a little suffering in comparison -with the happy times we should have? the -soft beds we should sleep in, the fine meats -that will be offered us, and the good wines -we have not tasted in so long? But it -does not follow that you are to be blind," -continued Mahobane; "the lot may fall to -me instead of you."</p> - -<p>"So be it," said the younger; "let us -draw straws."</p> - -<p>Mahobane prepared the straws, and arranged -very cleverly to cheat his younger -brother. He had no sooner carried his -point than he put out his brother's eyes -with a thorn.</p> - -<p>Lovallec screamed loudly under the -pain of this operation, but the only sympathy -he got from his cruel brother was -this:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span></p> - -<p>"Cry louder, my brother! cry louder! -for here the people are passing, and when -they behold your condition they will give -us money."</p> - -<p>It was even so. Silver and pennies fell -into the wooden bowl they carried, and -this success was continued for more than a -year. Then a wicked thought entered the -head of Mahobane, the eldest, and he -made up his mind to get rid of his unfortunate -brother. So one day he carried -him into the great forest and left him to -wander alone and find his way out as best -he could; but, being blind, this he was unable -to do.</p> - -<p>"Where am I, my dear brother? -Where are you?" But there was no answer -to his heart-rending cries. The cowardly -brother, who had deserted him, was -already far away. It was long before Lovallec, -the blind one, would believe that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -his brother could be cruel enough to desert -him. He called and cried for the absent -brother, but the only answer he heard -was in the mocking echoes. Night came, -and he was tired, hungry, and thirsty. -Despair seized him and he continued his -lamentations.</p> - -<p>"Ah, my brother! my brother! how -cruel you have been to forsake me! Is it -my fate to die of hunger at the foot of -this tree, or become the prey of the ravenous -beasts that roam through this forest? -No! Better a thousand times that I -should die at once."</p> - -<p>With this the unfortunate brother -climbed the tree, at the foot of which he -found himself, groping his way up the -trunk, and was preparing to throw himself -to the ground to end his existence then -and there, when he heard in the forest, -near at hand, the terrible roaring of a lion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -At this sound the leaves and branches of -the tree trembled, and the blind unfortunate -paused. The roaring of the Lion, -as it seemed, was a call to the Wolf, who -soon made his appearance at the foot of -the tree.</p> - -<p>"You are late, Wolf!" exclaimed the -Lion; "where do you come from?"</p> - -<p>"I have been at Offemborough," said -the Wolf, "where I have tasted human -flesh. There everyone is dying of thirst, -and the people are too weak to protect -themselves. That is why I am late." At -this the Lion laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>"I know," said he, "how water can be -procured for the inhabitants of this city."</p> - -<p>"But how can this be done?" the Wolf -inquired.</p> - -<p>"It is easy enough," said the Lion, in his -positive way; "take a small piece of the -root of this very tree under which we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -standing, and strike three times on the -rock in the middle of the city, saying:</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"'Come, gentle Dew, from the skies,</div> -<div class="i0">Refreshing Fountains rise,</div> -<div class="i0">Oh, Rivers! greet men's eyes!'</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="in0">and immediately water, fresh and clear as -crystal will flow, and it will flow in sufficient -abundance to satisfy the needs of -all."</p> - -<p>"You are wise," said the Wolf. "Can -you not give me some other useful information?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the lion, "I can tell you a -remedy that will cure all sorts of maladies -and infirmities."</p> - -<p>"What is that?" said the Wolf.</p> - -<p>"To succeed in the art of medicine," -said the Lion, shaking his mane and beard, -"one has only to take the inner bark of -this same tree, and apply it to the seat of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span> -the disease. For example, if one is blind, -a portion of the inner bark of the tree -would have to be applied to the eyes."</p> - -<p>"That is very strange," said the Wolf, -"and I will remember it. But now tell -me from whence you come: I have not -seen you for many days."</p> - -<p>"I have just arrived from the city of -the famous King, whose beautiful daughter -now lies dangerously ill."</p> - -<p>"And how did the famous King's beautiful -daughter come to be ill?" inquired -the Wolf.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the Lion, "as I was passing -over the mountain of Aventin, I met -the King's daughter riding on a palfrey. -She was smiling on all, and giving alms to -every unfortunate she met. She was so -beautiful, with her great blue eyes, and so -simple and so good, that it made me lonely -and lovesick, so I caused to be sent her a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -terrible malady which will consume her, -and to-day she should be dying."</p> - -<p>"Do you think," said the Wolf, "that -the inner bark of this tree would cure the -sick princess?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the Lion. "It would not -be sufficient in this case, for the princess -has an evil spirit for an enemy, and she -will have to be treated differently. To be -cured, she must be given the blood of a -frog mixed with muscadine wine, and the -second day she must eat the frog's heart -cooked in the juice of a fig."</p> - -<p>Here the Lion paused, and the Wolf -inquired:</p> - -<p>"Have you no more good news for me, -good friend?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the Lion.</p> - -<p>"Then good-by until next year," said -the Wolf, "when we will meet at the same -time and place."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span></p> - -<p>The Wolf and the Lion parted, each -going his way through the forest.</p> - -<p>"So, then," exclaimed Lovallec, the -blind man, who had been sitting in the -tree, "I have not been deserted by Providence -after all. These beasts have told -me secrets that will surely be useful to me -hereafter."</p> - -<p>The sun had arisen, and the birds began -to sing. Lovallec came down from the -tree and took a piece of the inner bark -thereof and rubbed it on his eyes. Suddenly -he found that his eyesight had been -restored to him, and the happy man danced -around in a transport of joy. He saw the -skies, the birds, the flowers, and, above -all, the sun. He was happy once more. -He placed the bark in his bosom and -pressed it there, after securing a quantity -of the precious medicine. He did not forget, -also, to procure a piece of the root of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> -the tree, in order that he might be able to -give water to the unfortunate inhabitants -of Offemborough.</p> - -<p>After making these preparations the -young man started on his journey. He -travelled for many days and crossed many -rivers. He was nearly at the end of his -journey, but he was as poor now as when -he started, and his clothes were in tatters. -He had no money, but his riches were -all in his heart. He met a priest.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, parson," said he; "can -I enjoy your hospitality?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the priest, "my house is -too small and I have no place for you."</p> - -<p>He met the mayor.</p> - -<p>"Good-day, Mr. Mayor," Lovallec exclaimed, -"will you give me something to -eat?"</p> - -<p>"Go away, you tramp, or I will have -you arrested this instant," cried the mayor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span></p> - -<p>He met the lord of the castle.</p> - -<p>"Good-day," said the traveller. "I am -cold, your lordship; can you give me some -clothing to wear—something to hide my -nakedness?"</p> - -<p>Then the lord of the castle called to -his servants and directed them to give the -beggar a hundred lashes, and the unfortunate -young man was beat and left for dead -on the way.</p> - -<p>A poor girl, passing by, saw him lying -on the ground, and bent over him tenderly. -Then she called assistance, and -had him carried to her home, where she -watched over him constantly, weeping and -praying that he might recover.</p> - -<p>At last Lovallec recovered, and said to -the young girl who had rescued him:</p> - -<p>"My guardian angel, what has happened -since I have been ill? What is the -news in the city?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span></p> - -<p>"There is nothing new," said the young -girl. "Every one is the victim of the -water-famine."</p> - -<p>"What a misfortune!" cried the young -man; "let us go at once to the relief of -these poor people!"</p> - -<p>Although Lovallec was scarcely able to -walk, he leaned on the arm of the young -girl, and was preparing to go, when, all of -a sudden, he remembered the pieces of -bark he had secreted in his bosom. He -took a portion of this, rubbed himself, and -at once the pains in his limbs disappeared, -and he was made whole again.</p> - -<p>The young girl was astonished at this -sudden change, as well she might be, and -her surprise continued until they had arrived -in the centre of the great city. -Once there, however, the young man recognized -the rock that had been described -by the Lion. Without loss of time he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> -took the piece of the root of the tree that -he had procured, and struck the rock three -times, crying:</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"Come, gentle Dew, from the skies,</div> -<div class="i0">Refreshing Fountains rise,</div> -<div class="i0">Oh, Rivers! greet men's eyes!"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>At once there was a mysterious noise -in the rock. It parted in twain, and the -water gushed forth in an abundant supply. -The news of this miracle spread abroad in -the city, and the inhabitants came with -their jugs and vessels to obtain a supply of -water. All quenched their thirst, and -were happy; they embraced each other -and made ready for celebrating the event -with festivities. They were so grateful -that they could talk of nothing else but -the miracle that had given them an abundance -of water.</p> - -<p>But in the midst of their congratulations<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -and rejoicings a voice rose above the tumult:</p> - -<p>"Friends, let us not be ungrateful. To -whom do we owe this abundance of water -that has given us renewed strength and -life?"</p> - -<p>When Lovallec heard these words he -made an effort to escape the notice of the -crowd, but the young girl could not resist -a desire to make him known to the people. -She cried out:</p> - -<p>"Here is the saviour of Offemborough!"</p> - -<p>At this the young man was surrounded -by the priest, the mayor, and the lord of -the castle, and they wanted to carry him -off in triumph. They offered him great -sums of money as a reward for the service -he had rendered them; but simple and -modest as the young man was, he answered:</p> - -<p>"No, no! keep all your money. I will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> -have none of that. I was without a shelter, -and you drove me from your door; I -was dying of hunger, and you refused me -even the scraps that you fed to your -dogs; I was shivering with cold, and all -the clothing you gave me was a beating, -and I was left for dead on the pavement. -Ah! keep your honors; keep your -money!"</p> - -<p>At these sad words, and, fearing that -the young man would destroy the source -of their water as quickly as he had discovered -it, the men, women, and children -fell on their knees before him and begged -for mercy. He bade them rise, and he -was weeping as he spoke:</p> - -<p>"Your kindness is my best revenge."</p> - -<p>Then the people asked Lovallec to make -his home among them.</p> - -<p>"No! no!" he answered, "I have a -great deal of good to do as I journey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> -through the world, and those who are suffering -cannot afford to wait."</p> - -<p>The people of Offemborough, however, -persuaded him to accept a magnificent carriage -and horses; they clothed him in fine -linen and gave him money to go on his way.</p> - -<p>"When will you return to us?" inquired -the people.</p> - -<p>"Very soon, perhaps, my friends," cried -Lovallec, and with that his driver whipped -up the horses, and the young man was -soon lost to view.</p> - -<p>After so long a time, Lovallec, arriving -at the city of the famous King, went immediately -to the palace-door and knocked.</p> - -<p>"What will you have?" said the King, -who went to the door.</p> - -<p>"Living in a far-off country I heard -that your daughter is sick, and I have -come to cure her."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" cried the King, "you have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> -come in vain. All the great physicians of -the world have exhausted their science in -her behalf, and I am in despair."</p> - -<p>"You must have courage," said the -young man; "your daughter will be cured -in a few days."</p> - -<p>"Stranger," said the famous monarch, -"if you can work such a wonderful miracle -as this, all that I have is yours. The -riches that will fall to you will be beyond -computation. You shall have millions of -gold pieces, a hundred towns and ten -provinces shall be yours, and you may -even command my crown if you succeed -in curing my daughter."</p> - -<p>Then Lovallec thanked the famous -King and said:</p> - -<p>"Leave me alone a little while, as it is -necessary that I should gather some herbs -that belong to the medicine which I desire -to give your daughter."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span></p> - -<p>Then the famous King went weeping -to his daughter's bedside. The -young man went down into the garden -and caught a frog, and went to the -apartments that had been provided for -him.</p> - -<p>"Quick!" he exclaimed to one of the -servants, "bring me a knife and a plate -and some green figs; and you," he said to -another, "make a big fire, and don't forget -to fetch a frying-pan."</p> - -<p>Everything was ready in a short time, -and Lovallec went to work, having first -made sure that there was nobody near to -watch him. He first killed the frog and -mixed its blood with muscadine wine. -Then he took out the heart, and cooked it -as the Lion had said. This mixture prepared, -the young man went before the -King's daughter.</p> - -<p>"Powerful princess!" he exclaimed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -"drink of this wine, for it is renewed life -that I give you."</p> - -<p>The princess drank one swallow, and -immediately pushed the cup from her.</p> - -<p>"I am poisoned!" she cried; "I feel -that I am dying."</p> - -<p>"Drink, princess, drink!" exclaimed -the young man, "for it is an evil spirit that -possesses you."</p> - -<p>Then the young girl took the rest -of the draught, and was immediately relieved.</p> - -<p>"Ah! I am better," she exclaimed. -"I feel my strength returning. Thanks! -thanks! my benefactor!"</p> - -<p>The next day Lovallec presented her -with the heart of the frog, cooked according -to the Lion's directions.</p> - -<p>"Eat this meat," the young man said, -"and all your troubles will be over."</p> - -<p>Then the sick girl ate bravely of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> -queer morsel, and was immediately restored -to health.</p> - -<p>"My father! my father!" she cried, -"here is your daughter who is restored to -you. See my bright eyes and my rosy -cheeks." Then she laughed and sang, and -with a smile she again thanked her benefactor.</p> - -<p>The old King was nearly crazed with -joy, and more than once he went to the -young man and embraced him; but that -seemed insufficient as an expression of the -gratitude that he owed the doctor, and he -was loaded with presents of all sorts. He -had caskets of gold, precious stones, villages -and castles, and more riches than he -could wish for. One day the King said to -him:</p> - -<p>"My son, I want to give you my daughter's -hand in marriage, and my crown, if -you will accept it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span></p> - -<p>"Your Majesty," said Lovallec, "permit -me to think over your proposition. I desire -to return to a foreign country to arrange -my affairs, and later I can give you -an answer."</p> - -<p>"Go, my son," said the King, "but return -quickly. The hours seem long to -those who love and wait."</p> - -<p>The young man went away that very -day. Where he was going he alone knew, -but his horses seemed to know where his -heart turned, and he soon found himself -on the way to Offemborough, where one -poor woman had had pity on him. It -was not long before he had reached the -end of his journey. He stopped at the -best hotel and had a magnificent dinner -set before him. After dining he said to -the landlord:</p> - -<p>"My friend, what is new in the city?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing," said the landlord, "except<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> -that the marvellous palace, built for the -saviour of this city has been completed."</p> - -<p>"What is his name?" inquired Lovallec.</p> - -<p>"Alas! no one knows," said the landlord. -"He was merely passing through -this land to a foreign country, where he -had other good deeds to perform. When -he returns we hope to have him remain -with us, and it is our purpose to give him -the most beautiful woman of the country -for his bride."</p> - -<p>"Good-night, good-night," said Lovallec, -with a smile, and went to bed.</p> - -<p>But the news of his arrival spread -through the village, and on all sides the -grateful people came to see him and congratulate -him. The mayor of the town -called on him, made a beautiful speech, -and invited him to take possession of the -marvellous palace.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span></p> - -<p>"What will I do with it?" asked Lovallec. -"I am alone and have no family."</p> - -<p>"Then get you a wife," said the mayor.</p> - -<p>"You are right," said Lovallec. "To-morrow -I will choose me a wife from the -beautiful girls of this village."</p> - -<p>The next day the maidens were gathered -on the lawn before the church. The young -man inspected them carefully, but he could -not find among them the girl who had befriended -him, and for whom he was searching.</p> - -<p>The day after, the working-girls were -ranged on the lawn, and among these, the -simplest and the most beautiful, he found -the maiden who had given him aid in the -hour of need. This maiden he selected -to be his wife in preference to the princess -in the far country.</p> - -<p>He married her and was living happily, -when one day a beggar, clothed in rags,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -made his appearance at the castle-door and -asked for alms.</p> - -<p>"You seem to have seen trouble," -Lovallec said.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the beggar, "and I have -deserved it all."</p> - -<p>With that he went on to relate, amid -tears and sobs, how, many years before, -he had robbed a brother of his eyesight. -Lovallec had already recognized him, but -he permitted the poor man to tell his -story, and then made himself known. -And after that they both lived happily -together in the palace which the gratitude -of the people had provided.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>V<br /> -<span class="small">THE KING AND THE LAPWINGS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>One day the great King of the Magicians -and Sorcerers was leaving his country to -visit a neighboring Queen. He was leaning -on his walking-stick, having been travelling -since the break of day, when the -sun rose and spread his beneficent rays -over all nature. The birds sang blithely, -and the little crickets in the grass made -themselves noisy; but the King, while enjoying -the scene and the sounds around -him, went forward without delay. The -sun shone brightly, the birds were joyous, -and all nature seemed to be happy, but the -King suffered from fatigue. Great beads -of perspiration broke out on his forehead,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> -and he longed for a cloud that would give -shade and coolness. The earth seemed to -be a furnace. The sun spread its great -rays of light and the cloud came not. The -King begged for a clump of woods that -he might have the benefit of shade, and -for a stream of cool and sparkling water -that he might quench his thirst. The -road was long and dusty, and the wells -were dry.</p> - -<p>But in the air, far away, appeared the -King of the Lapwings. He bore in -his beak a draught of water, and his -wings were dripping wet. Faster than -the wind he made his way to the dying -King.</p> - -<p>"Ah," said the bird, "it was indeed time -that I came;" and with the end of his wing, -as tenderly as would a mother, he washed -the face of the unfortunate King, and -placed between his lips the water he held<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -in his beak. The King revived and -opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Ah, thou," he exclaimed, "who gave -me back my life! I am hereafter under -all obligations to you."</p> - -<p>"Wait a moment, your majesty," said -the King of the Lapwings; "thirst still devours -you, but have hope. Behold in the -distance my faithful subjects, who come -forth, each one carrying at the end of its -wings the delightful refreshment you have -longed for."</p> - -<p>The lapwings arrived on all sides. Each -one deposited in the mouth of the unfortunate -King the fresh water for which he -thirsted.</p> - -<p>"Ah, this is better than bread," said the -King, reviving; "what can I do to show -my gratitude?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing," said the King of the Lapwings. -"Nothing," responded the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -birds. "Continue your journey, and you -will find yourself hereafter under the -shadow of our wings."</p> - -<p>Then the King resumed his journey. -Night came, and he found himself near -the palace of the Queen whom he had -intended to visit. The lapwings still continued -with him. No matter how bright -the sun shone, no matter how suffocating -the heat as he journeyed on, a gentle lapwing -came to his assistance. Touched by -the solicitude of these birds the King -said:</p> - -<p>"I cannot leave you, my friends, you -who had pity on me when I was forsaken -by all, without giving you a substantial -evidence of my gratitude. Tell me, what -can I do for you? How can I show you -how grateful I am?"</p> - -<p>At these words the King of the Lapwings -advanced and spoke to the King:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span></p> - -<p>"We desire, your majesty, to be the -most beautiful of birds. We want a -golden crown on our heads, so that we -may be placed before the peacock, who is -so proud of his plumage, and before the -gay nightingale, who is so proud of his -song."</p> - -<p>At these words a great sadness filled -the heart of the King, who could read the -future, and he responded, shaking his -head:</p> - -<p>"Ah! you foolish birds, larger of heart -than of mind! you do not know the weight -of a crown and of the numberless dangers -to which it exposes those who possess it. -A golden diadem, say you? Alas! it will -bring you misfortune; ambition without -bounds is wicked and perilous. Dear -friends, demand of me something else."</p> - -<p>"No, no," cried the lapwings, on all -sides, young and old, little and big, "that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> -is the only gift we desire—a crown on our -heads. Ah, what happiness! We will -fly in the air and each bird will envy us."</p> - -<p>The King then saw that nothing he -could say would convince his companions. -He had promised to satisfy their first request, -and his word was sacred.</p> - -<p>"Come with me," said he, "to my -friend, the magician Zacchar. No one is -more expert in the working of metal. At -his touch iron becomes more supple, silver -becomes malleable, and gold is mere paste. -Come! and you shall have the diadem -you long for."</p> - -<p>During three days the magician worked -pure gold. The bellows blew and the -hammers thumped. During three nights -he chased the marvellous crowns that were -to adorn the heads of the lapwings. At -the dawn of the fourth day the King arrived, -with a sad smile on his face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span></p> - -<p>"Friends," said he to the birds, "my -promise is fulfilled. Take these diadems; -take these diadems, which are masterpieces -of art, and go whither your destiny calls -you."</p> - -<p>At these words the lapwings uttered -loud cries of joy.</p> - -<p>"Go, go," cried the King, "escape from -man or you are lost."</p> - -<p>Without understanding his warning, but -obeying the command of the powerful -King, the lapwings took flight, filled with -joy and happiness. They went here and -there, flying to the tops of the mountains -and descending to the depths of the valleys, -telling of their good fortune to all -their friends both far and wide.</p> - -<p>When the other birds saw the crowns -with which the heads of the lapwings were -encircled they paid due homage to the -symbols. Whenever there was a feast or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -an important funeral the lapwings and -their friends walked in the place of honor, -before the eagles and the peafowls, leaving -far behind them the humming-bird -(that living flower), the linnet, and the -nightingale.</p> - -<p>But, unfortunately, it happened one day -that a lapwing came too near the abode -of man, and a hunter saw it and killed it.</p> - -<p>"What is this?" exclaimed the sportsman, -perceiving the golden crown. Seizing -it, he ran quickly to the jeweller's.</p> - -<p>"Worker in metals!" said he, "see this -marvellous diadem the lapwing carries! -Of what metal is it made?"</p> - -<p>The jeweller took the crown, turned it -on all sides, and looking at it with greedy -eyes, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"It is of pure gold, and if you will part -with it I will pay you an hundred shekels."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span></p> - -<p>When the other sportsmen found out -the value of the ornament that the lapwings -wore on their heads, they made -haste to go into the country, and they pursued -the lapwings, wherever they could find -them. New weapons were invented, and -the hunters watched day and night, killing -all the lapwings that were so unfortunate -as to appear in sight.</p> - -<p>"Lord, have mercy on us!" exclaimed -the lapwings, "and blind the eyes of the -cruel men who are killing us!"</p> - -<p>But the crown of the lapwings was so -brilliant that it resembled the sun's rays, -and even in the darkness it shone like the -stars. There was no rest or escape for -these unfortunate birds. The dark night, -even, was as fatal to them as the day. -The huntsmen pursued them with so much -vigor that only ten remained alive.</p> - -<p>"What shall we do?" asked the King<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -of the Lapwings, who had not yet been -destroyed. "Let us go and implore the -great King to relieve us of these golden -crowns that are the cause of all our misfortunes."</p> - -<p>Immediately the lapwings started on -their journey in search of the great King. -Some of them stopped by the way, so that -only a few reached the King's throne, -where they were welcomed, the powerful -ruler talking to them kindly as he would -have talked to faithful friends.</p> - -<p>"Lapwings with the golden diadems! -My dear companions, what can I do to -please you this day?"</p> - -<p>"Great Prince!" they replied, "you can -give us our lives by removing these unfortunate -gifts that adorn our heads—by taking -away these golden crowns that have -been the cause of all our misfortunes."</p> - -<p>"I will grant your desire," said the great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> -King; "but in remembrance of your kindness -to me you shall hereafter wear a diadem -of feathers; but bear in mind that -happiness is not in the gift of the great or -the rich, but that it only belongs to those -who earn it."</p> - -<p>Thereafter the lapwings were no longer -pursued by man, and they were happier -with their modest tuft of feathers than -they had been with their golden diadem.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>VI<br /> -<span class="small">THE ROOSTER, THE CAT, AND THE<br /> -REAP-HOOK</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center bold in0 p3t p2b"><i>The Story of the Rooster</i></p> - -<p>Once on a time there were three -brothers, who were orphans. The oldest -was called Jack, the second was called -John, and the youngest was known as -Jack-John. Their father was a poor laborer, -who was compelled to get up in the -morning when the roosters crew for daylight, -and he worked all day, and until very -late in the night. He found it a hard -matter to earn his daily bread, and it was -only with a great deal of toil and trouble -that he could provide for his little children. -When the mother was alive they could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -manage to make both ends meet, but after -she died it seemed that everything was -changed. The ground was less fertile, and -the rains were less frequent, and the crops -were smaller than they had been. In -short, matters were in such a condition -that the family had fallen into the most abject -want; and to add to all this, during a -very cold winter, their father died, leaving -them alone. As may be supposed, the -children cried and mourned a long time, -but, at last, as is natural with children, they -ceased to grieve. After a while, when all -had ceased to mourn, the oldest said:</p> - -<p>"The land has been a curse to us. Let -us divide the inheritance of our father and -go abroad. Perhaps we can make our -fortunes elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"What inheritance do you speak of? -What riches have we?" inquired Jack-John.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span></p> - -<p>"I know not, my dear brother," said the -eldest. "Let us make an inventory and -then we will see."</p> - -<p>The inventory was made without any -trouble, and, after paying a few just debts -there was nothing left but a cat, a rooster, -and a reap-hook. The brothers thereupon, -in order to be perfectly fair, had to draw -lots. The short straw gave the rooster to -Jack, the cat to John, and the reap-hook -to Jack-John.</p> - -<p>Then the three brothers embraced each -other affectionately, and promised to meet -at the old homestead as soon as they had -made their fortune; and each took a different -road.</p> - -<p>After travelling a long time in the -plains and on the mountains, always keeping -ahead, Jack, the eldest, reached a -great kingdom belonging to Prince Calamor. -Jack's journey had been a long one,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -and the sun was disappearing little by -little, and the night coming on rapidly.</p> - -<p>"Ah, how tired I am!" exclaimed -Jack. "If I could only find a tavern -where I could rest!"</p> - -<p>He had hardly ceased to speak when, at -a turn in the road he saw a beautiful castle, -built on a rock, like an eagle's nest, -and flanked on both sides by twelve -towers.</p> - -<p>"This is the very thing," said the tired -traveller, and he announced his arrival by -lifting the heavy knocker of a brass door.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" said a voice -from the inside.</p> - -<p>"I want a lodging-place," said Jack, -"for myself and my little companion."</p> - -<p>"The master of this house," said the -porter, opening the door, "never refuses -hospitality to those who demand shelter. -Come in, and make yourself at home."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span></p> - -<p>When Jack had entered, the friendly -porter inquired:</p> - -<p>"My friend, have you dined this afternoon?"</p> - -<p>"My faith, no!" exclaimed Jack. "My -wallet is empty, and it has been empty -since morning."</p> - -<p>"Come to the table, then," exclaimed -the porter, pushing Jack along the wide -hall-way. "Eat and drink and spare nothing, -for you are the guest of his most powerful -majesty King Calamor."</p> - -<p>Jack did not wait for a second invitation. -He hurried to the dining-room and -ate his fill, and his rooster—the rooster -with the golden feathers—ate heartily of -the crumbs that fell from the table. As -it was already late, the porter made haste -to prepare a bed for the wayfarer, and -Jack soon fell asleep, with the rooster -perched on the headboard of his bed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span></p> - -<p>It so happened that in that country -those who served King Calamor had to go -and search for Day every morning. They -not only had to search for Day, but they -had to hunt for the place where it could -be found. Jack slept but lightly, and he -heard the conversation of the servants, -who were in the same room.</p> - -<p>"Get up!" said one; "it is time for us -to be going. We must be hunting for -Day."</p> - -<p>"Wait a little," said the other, "I am -very sleepy."</p> - -<p>"No, no," said the first, "we must -make haste, or some one who rises earlier -might seize the Sun and carry it away, and -then the King, our master, would be very -angry."</p> - -<p>"Is the wagon ready?" asked another.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and the axles are all well greased. -It is early, and the wagon will not break,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> -as it did last week, and we will be able to -go much faster."</p> - -<p>All this time Jack was thinking to himself -in this wise: "Truly this is a queer -country that the King's people have to go -off to hunt Day." The servants were up -and ready to go, when Jack cried out:</p> - -<p>"Friends, get back to bed, and I will -take charge of your work. I will fetch -the Day."</p> - -<p>"What! you!" said a servant. "Only -one man! And do you pretend that you -can do what ten horses can hardly accomplish? -You are making game of us."</p> - -<p>"I make game of no one. You will -soon see that I mean what I say," said -Jack.</p> - -<p>"That seems very queer," said the head-servant.</p> - -<p>"Fear not," said Jack, "I will help you -through this by the assistance of my little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> -companion—my rooster with the golden -feathers."</p> - -<p>"But, see here!" exclaimed the head-servant, -with an air of sternness, "if you -do not bring Day at the appointed hour, -the King will be without mercy, and you -will be hanged."</p> - -<p>"Nay, let me do as I wish," said Jack, -sleepily; "go to bed quietly."</p> - -<p>With this assurance the servants and -the carters did not need to be coaxed. -They returned to their beds and slept -heavily. Shortly after, the rooster with -the golden feathers crew.</p> - -<p>"What is that?" exclaimed the sleepers -arising from their couches in surprise.</p> - -<p>"It is very simple," said one. "Our -friend yonder is about to start on his journey -in search of Day."</p> - -<p>"That is very strange!" exclaimed the -others as they fell back in their beds.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span></p> - -<p>An hour afterward the rooster crew -again. "<i>Lock-the-Dairy-door! Lock-the-Dairy-door!</i>"</p> - -<p>The noise awoke them all.</p> - -<p>"What is that?" exclaimed the servants.</p> - -<p>"It is nothing," said Jack. "My little -companion is merely telling me that he -has returned from his journey in search of -the Day. Get up and see."</p> - -<p>The servants at once arose, and, to the -astonishment of them all, they saw the Sun -appearing over the mountain-tops more -brilliant than ever. Seeing this there was -at once a contention among the servants -as to which should be the first to carry the -strange news to King Calamor.</p> - -<p>"Master! master!" cried one, more -nimble than the rest, "if you only knew!"</p> - -<p>"What has happened?" exclaimed the -King; "speak quickly!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span></p> - -<p>"The horses are——"</p> - -<p>"Broken down like the others," the -King interrupted. "Well, it can't be -helped."</p> - -<p>"No, no, your Majesty; the horses are -still in their stalls, and the wagons have -not been out of the stables. But, get up -and look! Get up and admire the Day."</p> - -<p>"Ah, you rascals! Do you make game -of me? Did Day come by itself to-day?"</p> - -<p>"Yesterday, your Majesty," said the servant, -"a stranger came and asked for lodging -for himself and a queer creature with -golden feathers. It carries a bunch of -feathers in its tail and a tuft of feathers -on its head."</p> - -<p>"Ah, well, what did he do?" said King -Calamor.</p> - -<p>"What has he done? What has he -done?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the King, "answer me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, then," said the servant, "this -insignificant creature, that seems as if it -could be crushed by a blow of the hand, -is stronger than all your horses put together. -Without wagons or assistance of -any kind it started out, about two hours -ago, and has already returned, bringing -the Sun."</p> - -<p>"I cannot believe such a miracle!" exclaimed -the King.</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless it is the truth," said the -servant. "What fatigue and trouble this -creature would save us!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the King, "how many -horses and wagons would I not save! But -what you say does not seem credible."</p> - -<p>"Nothing can be truer," insisted the -servant, "and you can easily satisfy yourself."</p> - -<p>"How can that be?" inquired the King.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the servant, "tell the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> -stranger and his companion to remain in -the castle, and by watching with us to-night -you can be convinced."</p> - -<p>"Tell him to stay," said the King. "I -am anxious to witness this queer phenomenon."</p> - -<p>These directions were followed, and to -the King who was waiting, the day seemed -long indeed. Never had he been so impatient. -When night came he went to -bed in the granary with the servants.</p> - -<p>"Do not be uneasy," said Jack; "I shall -take charge of these matters again to-morrow," -and everybody went to sleep with -the exception of the King, who could not -close his eyes, he was so impatient.</p> - -<p>At three o'clock in the morning the -rooster crew, "<i>Lock-the-Dairy-door!</i>"</p> - -<p>"Who is that?" exclaimed the King. -"Who talks in that language?"</p> - -<p>"It is my little companion, the rooster,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -said Jack. "He is preparing to go into -the country in search of Day."</p> - -<p>The King lay quiet. At four o'clock -he heard again the sonorous voice of the -strange creature with the golden feathers.</p> - -<p>"Hey, my friend!" the King cried, -"what is that?"</p> - -<p>"It is the rooster who has returned," -said Jack. "His expedition has been a -prosperous one, as you can see. He has -brought Day with him, and already the -light of it is shining on the mountain-tops -and filling the valleys. Rise, your Majesty, -and see for yourself."</p> - -<p>At these words the King arose and ran -to the window. The stranger had spoken -the truth. Day—clear, joyous, and resplendent—shone -over the land. Bewildered -and confused, the King could hardly -recover from his astonishment. What -would he not give to possess such an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -enchanted rooster! And if he possessed -him, how jealous and envious of his good -fortune the neighboring kings would be! -Without loss of time the King said to -Jack:</p> - -<p>"My friend, your companion pleases me -much, and he can be of great service to -me. Will you sell him?"</p> - -<p>"Sell him!" exclaimed Jack. "By no -means! I would not sell him for gold -and silver."</p> - -<p>"Let us see," said the King, "for a hundred -crown pieces?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Jack, sturdily, "not for a -thousand."</p> - -<p>"By my kingdom!" said the ruler, -"you are hard to please. What price -have you set on him?"</p> - -<p>"In exchange for my companion," said -Jack, "I want you to give me your most -beautiful daughter for a wife."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span></p> - -<p>"What!" cried the King, "for no -less?"</p> - -<p>"For no less," said Jack.</p> - -<p>"So be it," said the King. "I give -you my youngest daughter, and a hundred -thousand gold crown pieces for her -dowry."</p> - -<p>In a transport of joy Jack threw himself -on the King's neck, and the marriage -was celebrated at once, in the midst of -pomp becoming so great a princess.</p> - -<p>From that time the good King Calamor -had no occasion to send his servants -and his horses for the Day.</p> - - -<p class="center bold in0 p3t p2b"><i>The Story of the Cat</i></p> - -<p>We have seen how Jack made his fortune. -Now let us see what became of his -brother John, the possessor of the cat. -We shall soon know whether he wandered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> -over the earth in misery and misfortune.</p> - -<p>Satisfied with the lot that had befallen -him, the poor fellow went on his way -singing and whistling, feeling no uneasiness -as to his destination. He paused -only to drink the sparkling waters, or to -eat the luscious fruit that had been ripened -by the golden sun. He travelled thus for -many miles, until one day he found himself -in the country where the birds speak -the language of men—the country of the -Murzipouloums, where the flowers sing -songs to themselves, and the cattle fly in -the air. He was astonished by these -things, but presently he came to a village -where a new and a more astonishing spectacle -presented itself to his sight. More -than a hundred people were abroad in the -streets, armed with sticks, chasing rats and -mice that seemed to laugh at them. At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> -the sight of this new and peculiar war, -John could not keep his countenance. He -laughed aloud. At this unseemly display -of jollity the people on all sides cried -out:</p> - -<p>"What in the world are you laughing -at?" Some were furious and some were -curious.</p> - -<p>"I laugh, my poor friends," said John, -"because you give yourselves so much -trouble for so small a thing."</p> - -<p>"So small a thing!" they cried—"a -small thing! One can tell you are a -stranger here, otherwise you would know -that the rats and the mice are our most -terrible enemies. It would be an easier -matter for us to contend with ten thousand -men."</p> - -<p>"Now, is this true?" exclaimed John. -"Well, here is my little companion who -will aid you greatly. In one hour's time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -he will do more of this kind of work than -all the rest of you could do in a year."</p> - -<p>The people gathered around, admiring -the little creature with gray eyes. It -seemed to be very mild.</p> - -<p>"Young man," cried they, "do you -wish to have a laugh at our expense?"</p> - -<p>"You can see for yourselves," said John, -and with that he turned the cat loose -among the rats and mice. You may be -sure the cat was very happy. A leap here, -a bound there, a jump yonder—to the -right and to the left, before and behind—and -the rats and the mice were destroyed -by hundreds and by thousands. The people -marvelled greatly, the more so since -the cat had accomplished in a very short -time a work that would have required the -aid of an army of rat-killers.</p> - -<p>While this work was going on, the -Prince of the country happened to be passing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -by. He saw the work the cat had accomplished, -and cried out:</p> - -<p>"Hey, my friends! Where did you find -such a creature as that? Where did you -discover such a warrior?"</p> - -<p>Thereupon John advanced politely, and -said to the Prince:</p> - -<p>"The creature which you see so cleverly -amusing itself with the mice is called a -cat. It is my faithful friend, and since it -came into my possession I have never -permitted it to leave me."</p> - -<p>"My young friend," said the Prince, -"you have there a fine fortune. My castle -is infested with rats and mice; sell me -your companion, and you shall be well -paid."</p> - -<p>"Be separated from my best friend!" -exclaimed John. "Never, never will I do -that."</p> - -<p>"Let us see," said the Prince; "will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> -you not sell me your companion for a -hundred crown pieces?"</p> - -<p>"No," cried John; "I would die of -grief."</p> - -<p>"I will give you a thousand then," said -the Prince.</p> - -<p>"Never," said John, stoutly.</p> - -<p>"My friend," exclaimed the Prince, "be -reasonable. I must have your cat. Name -the price."</p> - -<p>John scratched his head thoughtfully, -and replied:</p> - -<p>"Well, give me a meadow and a mill, -a vineyard and a thousand crown-pieces, -and a carriage to ride in."</p> - -<p>"They shall be yours," said the Prince.</p> - -<p>"Then," said John, "my beautiful cat -is yours."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span></p> - - -<p class="center bold in0 p3t p2b"><i>The Story of the Reap-hook</i></p> - -<p>We have thus far followed the history -of Jack, with his rooster, and John, with -his cat. What became of Jack-John, the -younger brother, with his reap-hook?</p> - -<p>Journeying over hills and across valleys, -with his reap-hook hung over his shoulder, -stopping only to eat and to drink, the -younger brother, at the end of thirty days -and thirty nights, arrived in the great -empire of Malissours. It was in the -month of July, and the fields were yellow -with the golden grain, which waved lightly -in the wind. For the first time since he -left home, Jack-John felt tired; his limbs -refused to carry him farther. How happy -he would be, he thought, if he could only -reach the village near by, where there was -an orange-grove. But his efforts were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -useless, and the young fellow lay down in -the shadow of a big oak, and was soon fast -asleep.</p> - -<p>How long he remained there he did not -know; but when Jack-John awoke, it was -morning, and he was surrounded by a -crowd of people who eyed him curiously -without daring to approach.</p> - -<p>"Hey, friends!" he cried, "I am ravenously -hungry. Have you nothing to offer -me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," was the reply on all sides, -"but on one condition."</p> - -<p>"And what is that?" asked Jack-John.</p> - -<p>"You must tell us what the half-moon -in a handle, which you have sleeping beside -you, is for."</p> - -<p>"The half-moon that sleeps?" exclaimed -Jack-John in surprise. "What do you -mean?"</p> - -<p>"Your companion that sleeps beside<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> -you on the green moss," said the people.</p> - -<p>"You make me laugh," said Jack-John. -"It is not my companion—it is not an animal. -It is simply a reap-hook."</p> - -<p>"A reap-hook," exclaimed the people. -"What a strange name! Never before -have we seen such a thing."</p> - -<p>Jack-John was astonished, but in a moment -he thought that the time had arrived -for him to make his fortune; so he said:</p> - -<p>"I see that your grain is ripe. It is -time to harvest it. How do you cut -it?"</p> - -<p>"Like everybody else," said they, "we -gnaw it with the teeth."</p> - -<p>"That must be tedious," said Jack-John.</p> - -<p>"Oh, there are hundreds of us to do -the work," said the people.</p> - -<p>"And how long does it take you to -complete the task?" asked Jack-John.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span></p> - -<p>"Two or three months only," the people -replied.</p> - -<p>"Ah, well!" said Jack-John, "what it -takes all of you three months to accomplish -my good reap-hook will do in one -hour's time. A thousand of you working -together could not make as much headway. -Under its magic touch the grain falls and -you have only to bind it."</p> - -<p>"What!" they exclaimed, "that little -instrument does all the work?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed," said Jack-John, "and if -you desire it, I will prove it to you instantly."</p> - -<p>Thereupon Jack-John made his way to -the fields of ripe golden grain, and in a -few minutes had cut quantities of it. The -spectators were full of admiration. Never -had they seen anything so extraordinary; -and to these people it was indeed a most -marvellous thing for them to see accomplished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> -in a minute the work that would -require the efforts of a hundred men from -sunrise to sunset. On all sides there were -shouts of joy and enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>"Oh, the beautiful machine you have -there!" the people cried—"the fairy that -runs and cuts the grain. What a treasure -to him who possesses it!"</p> - -<p>"I see that my beautiful reap-hook -pleases you," said Jack-John. "How much -are you willing to pay for it?"</p> - -<p>"All the gold in the world would not -be sufficient to pay you," said the spokesman -of the people. "Name your price."</p> - -<p>"I want each one of you to give me as -many gold-pieces as my reap-hook has cut -stalks of wheat."</p> - -<p>"Your demand is modest," they answered, -"and to-day each one of us will -bring the required sum."</p> - -<p>After this Jack-John was lifted on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -shoulders of the multitude and carried to -the neighboring village, where he was -treated with great honor, and for a little -more he could have become king. Soon, -on all sides, the people brought sacks of -gold, and such was its weight that ten -mules were required to carry it. Jack-John, -however, did not stay very long in this empire. -He rightly thought that no country -is so beautiful as one's birthplace, and, at -the end of a few weeks, he arrived at his -native village, where he found his two -brothers, who had been as successful.</p> - -<p>"Our good fortune," exclaimed the eldest, -"has made us rich, and now it ought -to make us happy."</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>VII<br /> -<span class="small">THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>A rich lord, who was at the same time -the best of men, wishing to contribute to -the happiness of one of his slaves, set him -free. He equipped a vessel with a white -prow and a golden stern, and said to his -old servant:</p> - -<p>"Go out into the world, navigate the -seas, and choose a country that will please -you, and always remember to do what -good you can on the way, and remember -also to avoid evil."</p> - -<p>The grateful slave set sail, but he had -journeyed only a few hours when a terrible -tempest arose, and it was so violent as -to throw him on an island that seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -be deserted. The unfortunate man had -lost his vessel and all his merchandise, and -he was the victim of despair. When he -landed on the island, the sole survivor of -his expedition, he gave himself up to grief, -and went forward friendless, alone, and in -the direst poverty, not knowing where to -direct his steps. But he was soon to be -made supremely happy, for he discovered -a path that was scarcely perceptible. He -followed it with eagerness, and soon arrived -at the top of a high mountain, from -which he could see a great city.</p> - -<p>He made haste to go in that direction, -but what was his astonishment when, -on approaching the city, he found himself -surrounded by a great concourse of -people, crying out in transports of joy. -The drums beat loudly and the trumpets -sounded, and on all sides the heralds exclaimed:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span></p> - -<p>"Men! here is your monarch!"</p> - -<p>At last the slave and his cavalcade arrived -in the city, and with great pomp he -was installed in a marvellous palace, where -the kings of the country had lived. The -fortunate slave was taken in charge by the -servants of the palace, and robed in fine -purple garments, and his head was crowned -with a diadem. Then the principal lords -of the realm, in the name of the people, -swore allegiance to him and the obedience -and fidelity due unto sovereigns. The -happy monarch for a long time believed -that he was dreaming. His good fortune -seemed to him to be a whim—the result of -circumstance.</p> - -<p>However, after a long time he realized -the full measure of his responsibility, and -thought to himself—"What does all this -signify? What does Providence wish me -to do? This worried him night and day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -and finally he sent for the wisest lord in -his kingdom.</p> - -<p>"Vizier," he asked, "who made me -your King? Why do the people obey -me? And what is to become of me?"</p> - -<p>"You must know, great King," responded -the minister, "that the genii who -inhabit this island have asked the good -Lord to send them each year a child of -Adam to reign over them. These vows -the great Being has deigned to answer, -and every year, on the same day, a man -lands on our coast. At such time the -people are filled with transports of joy; -they meet him with loud acclaim, as they -met you, and crown him King; but the -extent of his reign can only be for one -year. When the twelve months are out, -the King, who has been so powerful is -stripped of his honors, clothed in coarse -garments, and his soldiers, unmercifully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -pursuing a custom, seize and convey him -on board a black ship, which carries him -away to a deserted island, which has been -rendered sterile by the winds and waves. -He that was only a few days before a rich -and powerful monarch, now finds himself -without subjects, friends, or consolers. -Thereafter he lives a sorrowful life, and -the people who have obeyed his will forget -even his name."</p> - -<p>"Were my predecessors," said the King -to his minister, "advised of the fate that -awaited them?"</p> - -<p>"None of them were ignorant of it," -the minister replied; "but they lacked the -courage and the thoughtfulness to contemplate -such a future. They were dazzled -by the pomp and grandeur of their position; -and, in their eagerness for passing -pleasures they refused to contemplate the -sad end that awaited them. The year of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -their prosperity and power passed away -almost before they knew it, and when the -fatal day came they had done nothing to -render their inevitable fate less insupportable."</p> - -<p>At these words from his minister the -King was filled with fear. He thought -with terror of the precious time that had -already passed, and with tears in his eyes -he said:</p> - -<p>"Wise friend! you have announced to -me the misfortunes that are in store for -me; who but you can tell me how to provide -a remedy?"</p> - -<p>"Remember, your Majesty," said the -minister, "that naked and in poverty you -came upon this island, and naked and in -poverty you must leave it. There is but -one way for you to avoid the misfortunes -that threaten you. You must send to the -island to which you are to be exiled a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -number of workmen and order them to -construct vast storehouses and fill them -with such provisions as seem to you necessary -for sustaining life. You must prepare -for the inevitable. Go quickly to work, for -time presses. Time is approaching, time -is passing away, and you must remember -that you will only find at the place of exile -the treasures you will be able to send there -during the remaining few days of your -reign."</p> - -<p>The King thanked his minister, and -resolved to follow the wise man's advice. -Workmen of experience were despatched -to the Island of Exile, and it was not long -before a vast palace was built. The King -conveyed an abundance of treasure there, -and a thousand men were sent to render -the island more inhabitable.</p> - -<p>The day came when the King was to -leave his throne; but, far from regretting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> -it, he sighed for the hour when he would -be able to take possession of his new estates. -He was banished from the throne, -divested of his royal robes, and sent on -board a ship that conveyed him to the -Island of Exile.</p> - -<p>Having provided himself a place of -refuge, he lived long and happily there.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>VIII<br /> -<span class="small">BROTHER TIGER AND DADDY<br /> -SHEEP</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>During the time when the animals -could talk, Daddy Sheep was the terror of -all the plains and the woods. When he -walked abroad, with his sharp horns hanging -on his head, the creatures that met -him saluted him with the utmost politeness, -and then ran away, glad to escape -with their lives. In order for Daddy Sheep -to have such a reputation as this, it would -seem to be necessary that he had made a -great many victims, devouring some with -his teeth, and tearing others with his terrible -horns; but in regard to these matters -I am not able to testify. I am of -the opinion, moreover, that old Mammy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> -Sheep, who knew him well, could not say -any more. She and her friends, and, indeed, -all the other animals, justified the -proverb that is applied to those who are -lazy and cowardly: "It is better to believe -what you hear than to go and investigate -the matter." As often happens, the -repetition of a statement gives it currency, -and all the creatures came to believe that -Daddy Sheep was as terrible as rumor had -described him to be.</p> - -<p>One day, as Daddy Sheep was going -out of the pasture, where he had been -grazing on wild thyme, he came to a beautiful -river and concluded to quench his -thirst. He approached the water, and -started to drink, but the terrible reflection -he saw there—a frowning face surrounded -by wrinkled horns frightened him to such -a degree that he scampered home as fast -as his legs could carry him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span></p> - -<p>One day a Tiger, who lived not far from -this so-called king of the forest and plain, -mustered up courage, and resolved to cultivate -the good-will of his powerful neighbor -by making him a visit. So he took -with him his son, the young Tiger, who -was already well grown. While yet at -a distance the Tiger saw the powerful -Sheep, and saluted him very humbly. -Coming nearer, the Tiger, still humble -and polite, inquired after the health of -Daddy Sheep's family.</p> - -<p>"I came, dear neighbor," said Brother -Tiger, "to pay you a visit of respect. My -good wife would have come also, but she -is unavoidably detained at home expecting -a visit from a friend, and she is compelled -to postpone this pleasure to another day."</p> - -<p>"Come in, neighbor—come in!" exclaimed -Daddy Sheep. "To whom does -this charming child belong?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span></p> - -<p>"It is my child," said Brother Tiger.</p> - -<p>"Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," -said Daddy Sheep.</p> - -<p>"And your own son?" exclaimed -Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness; -"how is he?"</p> - -<p>"He is very well, I thank you," said -Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house."</p> - -<p>While the two fathers were gravely discussing -the affairs of the country, the -young Tiger and the young Sheep went -out into the garden to play. After a -while, Brother Tiger became so uneasy -that he could scarcely keep still.</p> - -<p>"Excuse me a moment," he said to -Daddy Sheep, "I will return directly."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, certainly!" exclaimed Daddy -Sheep. "Do not stand on ceremony -here."</p> - -<p>At once Brother Tiger went out and -whispered to his son:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span></p> - -<p>"Be careful, my child! You must be -very polite with the little Sheep, and do -not get angry, or he will eat you up."</p> - -<p>The Tiger went back to the house, and -the two young friends returned to their -play. Soon the young Tiger forgot the -counsel of his father, and, during their -frolic, he jumped on the little Sheep and -tickled him. This made the little Sheep -laugh and show his teeth.</p> - -<p>"Why, what small teeth you have!" -cried the little Tiger.</p> - -<p>"They are all like that in my family," -said the little Sheep, "and those of my father -are not any longer."</p> - -<p>This set the little Tiger to thinking, and -as soon as the visit was ended he exclaimed, -almost before Daddy Sheep's -door was shut:</p> - -<p>"Pappy, pappy! did you see the little -Sheep's teeth? They are very short, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -he says that those of all his family are no -longer than his."</p> - -<p>"Hush!" exclaimed Brother Tiger. -"Speak low, you little rascal, or Daddy -Sheep will hear you and eat us both."</p> - -<p>Brother Tiger, however, who had a -mind of his own, thought that there might -be something in what his son had said, and -the idea gave him pleasure. Daddy Sheep -was so fat, and his flesh must therefore be -so delicate and tender. For a long time -the suggestion of the little Tiger worried -Brother Tiger, and he was absorbed in -deep thought. Finally, one day, he mustered -up all his courage, and declared -that he would taste the flesh of Daddy -Sheep.</p> - -<p>But, he thought to himself, how could -he see Daddy Sheep's teeth? At last the -opportunity presented itself, for Daddy -Sheep and his son paid Brother Tiger a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> -visit Brother Tiger received Daddy -Sheep with the greatest politeness, and -saluted him. He invited Daddy Sheep -into his house, and begged him to make -himself at home. For the refreshment of -his guests Brother Tiger set out wine. -The little Sheep drank some and went out -to play; but Daddy Sheep, who was very -fond of his glass, remained inside.</p> - -<p>"How do you like my wine, neighbor?" -asked Brother Tiger.</p> - -<p>"It is most excellent!" exclaimed -Daddy Sheep, with enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>"Then have another glass," said Brother -Tiger.</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Daddy Sheep; "I -thank you and drink to your health." -Then he laughed loudly and said: "The -weather is warm, and it is not out of -place to take a glass of wine to arouse -one."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is true," said Brother Tiger, "my -wine cleans the cobwebs from the throat -and clarifies the brain."</p> - -<p>They drank together many times, but, in -spite of all, Brother Tiger was unable to -see Daddy Sheep's teeth. He talked softly -and modestly, and minced his words in a -surprising way, as you have seen a young -girl do. But Brother Tiger did not despair; -he determined to accomplish his -object, and so he again called attention to -the wine.</p> - -<p>"Wake up, Daddy Sheep!" he exclaimed; -"I believe you are asleep. -Arouse yourself and help me to finish this -bottle."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, thanks!" said Daddy Sheep, -"but I am not thirsty."</p> - -<p>"Tut, tut, neighbor," said Brother Tiger, -"that is not the way to talk. Thirst is -only for the gnomes and the sprites who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -seek the dew. As for us, the kings of -this country, we must drink to divert ourselves."</p> - -<p>Feeling himself flattered and enjoying -it, Daddy Sheep extended his glass. It -was promptly filled and he emptied it. It -was as promptly filled once more, and he -emptied it again.</p> - -<p>"Here's to your health," said Brother -Tiger.</p> - -<p>"And to yours, my dear host," said -Daddy Sheep, and he again emptied his -glass at one gulp.</p> - -<p>The more Daddy Sheep drank the gayer -he became, and the louder he talked. He -lost his customary reserve, but he had not -yet condescended to laugh. Brother Tiger, -however, continued to press wine on his -guest, and it finally came to pass that -Daddy Sheep sat back in his chair, and -laughed in the foolish way common to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -those whose brains are befuddled by the -fumes of liquor.</p> - -<p>Brother Tiger saw the short teeth of his -guest, and, without hesitating a moment, -he leaped on Daddy Sheep and strangled -him. Hearing the loud outcry made by -his father, the little Sheep ran as quickly -as he could to his mother.</p> - -<p>"The wicked Tiger," he exclaimed, as -he ran home, "has killed my father, and -has no doubt devoured him!"</p> - -<p>At these terrible words the Mother -Sheep almost fainted with fright, and her -grief was pitiful to behold. The little -Sheep joined his mother in her wailings, -and the mournful noise they made attracted -the attention of the Queen of -the Birds, who came out of the forest -and perched herself on a tree near their -house.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, good Sheep?" she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> -asked, "and what is the cause of your -grief?"</p> - -<p>"Alas, alas! Brother Tiger has devoured -my poor husband!"</p> - -<p>"Ah, the infamous villain!" exclaimed -the Queen of the Birds.</p> - -<p>"We will not dare to venture out any -more," continued the Mother Sheep. -"The vile assassin will hide around here -and try to devour us also."</p> - -<p>Touched by the tears of the Mother -Sheep and her son, the Queen of the Birds -tried to console them the best she could, -and promised them that they should be -revenged, and in a moment she had flown -away to the neighboring forests. She -gave utterance to her well-known cry—</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"Pingle, pingle!</div> -<div class="i0">Dingle, dingle!"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="in0">and in a very short time her faithful subjects -could be seen coming from all sides,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -birds of high and low degree, of bright -plumage and dull—the red-breast and the -white-cap, the bald eagle and the green -parrots. The Queen of the Birds uttered -her musical call again—</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"Pingle, pingle!</div> -<div class="i0">Dingle, dingle!"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p class="in0">And then all the smaller birds that had -wandered off into the woods flew to her -side, and begged to know what her wishes -were. Their Queen then related to them -the murder of Daddy Sheep by the hypocritical -and cruel Brother Tiger. Her -story was full of emotion and good feeling, -and she concluded by saying:</p> - -<p>"This assassin, my faithful friends, must -die in his turn. Such a monster should -not be permitted to live on earth."</p> - -<p>All the birds applauded with their wings -at these words of the Queen, and they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -could not help congratulating their sovereign.</p> - -<p>"Go, my friends and subjects," said the -Queen, "into the far countries, and say to -the birds who have not heard my call, that -I am about to give a grand ball, and that -I will await them to-morrow. Meanwhile -I will go myself and invite Brother Tiger, -who cannot refuse to assist at the feast."</p> - -<p>"But how will you kill this odious monster?" -inquired the great eagle.</p> - -<p>"Have confidence, my friend. Am I -not the Queen? To-morrow you will be -satisfied. While you wait, aid in preparing -everything for the feast."</p> - -<p>Singing, whistling, and screaming, all -the birds began to work. The brambles -were removed, the stones thrown away, -and the grass alone, green and tender, was -left in the space they had chosen for the -ball. The next day the Queen of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -Birds was arrayed in the most beautiful -dress imaginable. Escorted by her pages, -she went to the house of Brother Tiger. -Flattered by the visit of the Queen of -the Birds, he vowed that he would go to -the grand ball in the forest.</p> - -<p>"I promise you a dance," said the -Queen, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Beautiful Queen," exclaimed Brother -Tiger, "all the honor will be mine."</p> - -<p>He could not sleep that night—not that -he suffered from remorse for his crime, but -because he was carried away by the graciousness -of the great Queen of the Birds. -The next morning Brother Tiger brushed -his clothes, curled his mustache, and went -to the spot where the grand ball was to -be given. As soon as it was seen that he -was coming, the Queen of the Birds exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Take your places for a quadrille, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -let all dance with their heads under their -wings. Music, play! trumpets, sound! -and you, drums, beat! Whereupon, the -orchestra began to play one of its most -delightful airs for the dance:</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="i0">"Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum!</div> -<div class="i2">Tum-tum, tum-tum!</div> -<div class="i0">Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum!</div> -<div class="i2">Tum-tum ti!"</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<p>Then the Queen of the Birds flew and met -Brother Tiger, and made him welcome.</p> - -<p>"My dear friend, you are late!" she exclaimed. -"The festivities have already -begun."</p> - -<p>"I trust your majesty will excuse me," -said Brother Tiger, "my clock stopped -during the night."</p> - -<p>"That is nothing," said the Queen; -"come!"</p> - -<p>Oh, what a delicious feast! what fine -music! Brother Tiger was dazzled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span></p> - -<p>"My Queen!" he exclaimed, "I am -glad you thought of me. A ball like this -at your court is a rare occurrence."</p> - -<p>Long rows of birds stood facing each -other, and birds of all degrees danced together.</p> - -<p>After the quadrille the orchestra struck -up a waltz, and the Queen courteously -said to her guest:</p> - -<p>"This time you shall be my partner!"</p> - -<p>Filled with pride the Tiger took his -place by the side of the beautiful Queen -of the Birds. Then the birds, all with -their heads under their wings began to -dance. Brother Tiger wanted to join in -the first steps of the dance, but all of a -sudden the Queen of the Birds called out -to him:</p> - -<p>"Brother Tiger! really you are not -thinking! The etiquette of my court is -that the invited guest, in order to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> -part in the dance, should appear without a -head. Look around you. All here would -think themselves guilty of the most unpardonable -rudeness if they dared to raise -their eyes in the presence of their sovereign. -The simplest rules of politeness require -that you should follow their example. -Do as they are doing, if you desire -to dance with the Queen of the Birds."</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty," exclaimed Brother -Tiger, blushing violently, "I had no intention -of wounding you, and I humbly -beg you to pardon my ignorance. I am -merely a poor country person who is used -to spending his days and nights in quiet -places, and I am unused to the ways and -customs of the court. Promise me another -dance, I beg you, and I will return -immediately."</p> - -<p>"I never had any ill-will against you, -Brother Tiger," said the Queen of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -Birds. "One cannot know everything. -Go! I await you!"</p> - -<p>Brother Tiger rushed to his home, and -in a very short time he arrived.</p> - -<p>"Wife, wife!" he exclaimed, "get an -axe. In order to have the honor of dancing -with the great Queen of the Birds, one -must appear before her without a head."</p> - -<p>"My poor husband," said Mrs. Tiger, -"I really believe you are losing your mind -or that you are making fun of me."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" said Brother Tiger, "it is -the etiquette of the court. All the other -guests were dancing without heads. Get -the axe, wife! The Queen awaits me."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tiger did not want to obey; but -when she saw that her angry husband was -disposed to show his sharp claws, she took -the sharp axe and cut off his head with -one blow. It is needless to say that -Brother Tiger expired instantly. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> -good news was carried to the Queen of the -Birds by two green paroquets, and when -the announcement was made the birds -took their heads from under their wings. -All the other animals in the forest were -invited to the feast, and Mother Sheep -and her son were special guests. They -were still in mourning, and therefore did -not take part in the dance, but they received -special attention and consideration -on all sides, and the wonderful orchestra -kept up its playing.</p> - -<p>Now, big sheep and little children, let -me whisper something in your ears: It is -better not to open your mouths at all than -to be too familiar with people you do not -know well.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>IX<br /> -<span class="small">"JUMP IN MY SACK!"</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>In a barren and an unproductive country -there lived, a long time ago, a father -and his twelve children. A terrible famine -came on the country, and the unfortunate -father said to his sons:</p> - -<p>"My children, I have nothing whatever -to give you. Go out into the world, knock -at each door, ask for work, and perhaps -you will find the means of making your -living."</p> - -<p>At these words the youngest of the -twelve brothers, Abdallah, began to cry, -and said:</p> - -<p>"I am crippled, and it is difficult for me -to walk. How can I gain my livelihood?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span></p> - -<p>"Dry your tears," said the father; -"your brothers will take you along with -them. They have good hearts, and if fortune -smiles on them you may be sure that -you will not be forgotten."</p> - -<p>Early next morning the twelve brothers -started out, after having faithfully promised -their father that they would never be separated. -But the deceitful brothers did not -mean what they said. After several days -of travel the eldest said to the others:</p> - -<p>"Our little brother Abdallah is a continual -burden. He delays our journey day -by day, and if he continues to do so we -will never get out of this miserable country. -Let us forsake him on the way and -perhaps some charitable person will find -and take pity on him."</p> - -<p>This advice was followed by the brothers. -The little cripple was deserted by the -way-side, and the other brothers continued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -on their way, begging from every one they -met. In this way they went on until they -came to a settlement of poor fishermen, -where it was difficult to find a lodging-place. -Fortunately for them the night -was beautiful, the moon shone brilliantly -in the sky, and a soft breeze tempered -the heat that had filled the atmosphere -during the day.</p> - -<p>Overcome with fatigue the eleven brothers -stretched themselves out at the foot of -a tree, and they were soon sound asleep. -After a while the dawn made its appearance, -the brothers awoke, and the eldest -said:</p> - -<p>"For days and weeks we have been -travelling without meeting with the good -fortune we had hoped for. Let us leave -this country for good and all. Only a -strip of water lies between us and a land of -plenty."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span></p> - -<p>The unfortunate brothers soon saw an -empty sloop. They took possession of it, -and at once began to drift out to sea. It -was an unfortunate voyage. All the hopes -of the brothers were deceptive. Their -cruelty to their crippled brother Abdallah -was to be severely punished. A frightful -tempest arose, and the sea overwhelmed -them; the sloop was wrecked and the -cruel brothers found their graves in the -cold and creeping waters.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile what had become of Abdallah, -the poor cripple whom the brothers -had deserted? Overwhelmed with sorrow -and fatigue, he had fallen asleep where he -had been abandoned. Fortunately for him -a good fairy, who had seen all, took pity -on him, and while he lay asleep she cured -his crippled leg; and then, disguising herself -as a poor beggar, the fairy sat on a -stone by the roadside. Abdallah soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -opened his eyes, his heart filled with sadness. -He arose for the purpose of continuing -his painful journey, but what was his -astonishment to find that he could walk -without any trouble whatever. He was no -longer a cripple. He felt of himself, and -ran and jumped to convince himself that -he was not dreaming. He laughed and -cried at the same time, and was filled with -happiness and joy.</p> - -<p>All of a sudden he saw an old woman -by the roadside who looked at him smilingly.</p> - -<p>"Do you know, madam," he cried, "if -a great physician has passed this way?"</p> - -<p>"And why, my friend?" inquired the -old woman.</p> - -<p>"It is because that, during my sleep, he -has rendered me the greatest of services. -He has cured my leg that was too short, -and I want to thank him for his kindness."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, well," said the old woman, "the -physician is myself. I gathered a few -herbs that I alone know, and it was easy -to perform the miracle that makes you so -happy."</p> - -<p>Abdallah could not restrain his transports. -He fell on the old woman's neck -and embraced her, and then, to prove his -gratitude, he asked her:</p> - -<p>"My good woman, what can I do for -you? I am young, but, as for you, age -has already begun to bear heavily on you. -Command, and I will obey you in all -things."</p> - -<p>But imagine Abdallah's surprise when, -instead of the old woman, he saw before -him the most charming young girl that it -is possible to imagine. Her long blond -hair floated on her shoulders, and her rich -garments fell in gracious folds around her.</p> - -<p>Overcome with admiration and respect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> -Abdallah fell on his knees in the dust; -but the good fairy said to him:</p> - -<p>"Arise! I am happy to see that you are -not ungrateful. Make two wishes, and -they will be immediately granted, for I am -the queen of the fairies."</p> - -<p>The young man reflected a moment and -said:</p> - -<p>"I desire above all things a bag in -which everything I want will be found in -an instant."</p> - -<p>"Your demand is certainly original," -said the fairy, smiling. "What can you do -with such a sack?"</p> - -<p>"A great many things," exclaimed the -young man, enthusiastically; "will you -grant my request?"</p> - -<p>"So be it," said the fairy; "and what is -your second wish?"</p> - -<p>"A stick that will do my bidding."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then," and the fairy disappeared,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> -leaving at Abdallah's feet a sack -and a stick.</p> - -<p>Overcome and delighted by his good -fortune, the young man hastened to test -the powers that had been conferred on -him by these gifts. As he was feeling -very hungry Abdallah said:</p> - -<p>"Let a dozen roasted partridges get -into my sack," and in an instant he found -a dozen well-cooked partridges in his -sack.</p> - -<p>To eat without drinking was a very unusual -thing in that country, so, presently, -Abdallah cried out:</p> - -<p>"A bottle of wine in my sack!"</p> - -<p>Immediately his commands were obeyed. -After his meal he felt as light as a bird, -and he continued on his journey in good -spirits, and the next day he reached the -end of it. At the gate of the city he -paused to rest and to gaze at the people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> -who were continually passing, when a beggar -approached him and said:</p> - -<p>"Brother, we are poor; let us unite our -misfortunes and live together."</p> - -<p>"How do you know that, my friend?" -said Abdallah; "I do not solicit alms in -order to stay here."</p> - -<p>"Your ragged clothes and your bare -feet, my brother, tell a very different tale."</p> - -<p>"That is true," thought the young man, -and he immediately asked his sack to furnish -him with two magnificent suits, such -as were worn by the noblemen of that -country. He gave one to the unfortunate -beggar at his side and clad himself in the -other, and the two went into the city resplendent -with gold and precious stones, so -that everyone thought that two rich and -powerful noblemen had come into the city.</p> - -<p>Soon the name of Abdallah was on -everybody's tongue, and the most brilliant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -people of the city considered it an honor -to call themselves his friends.</p> - -<p>In that city Abdallah found an Evil -Spirit, which presented itself to him one -day and said:</p> - -<p>"Magnanimous chief, the most respectful -of your admirers is here before you."</p> - -<p>"What do you desire?" inquired Abdallah.</p> - -<p>"I want nothing," said the Evil Spirit, -"but your reputation at the games is such -that I desired to see you."</p> - -<p>"You flatter me a great deal," said Abdallah; -"but, really, I cannot play. The -game is entirely unknown to me. However," -he went on to say, "I desire to make -one of your party in the hope that you -will teach me something about the games."</p> - -<p>The Evil Spirit and Abdallah made no -delay in beginning the game, and the latter -lost such large sums of money that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -Evil Spirit thought that the young man -was ruined. Contented with himself and -satisfied with the results of his journey, he -was making ready to depart, when Abdallah -saw the cloven foot that the Evil Spirit -had not been able to disguise.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ha!" exclaimed Abdallah to himself. -"It is with the Evil One I have been -playing. So much the better! I will -show him that he made a mistake when he -addressed himself to me." Satisfied with -his discovery, the fortunate possessor of -the sack and the wonderful stick was content -to wait until the next day.</p> - -<p>Faithful to the engagement that had -been made, the young man found himself -on the morrow face to face with the Evil -One. The game began, Abdallah lost -many gold pieces, and still he continued -to lose. This time the Evil Spirit won -so rapidly and so continuously that he believed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -Abdallah was reduced to misery. -Addressing himself to the young man, he -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Illustrious lord, the games of these -last two days must have made a considerable -hole in your fortunes. Through me, -however, you can recover a good part of -it; but on one condition only."</p> - -<p>"What condition is that?" inquired -Abdallah.</p> - -<p>"Let us understand each other. Let us -become partners, and thus we can win all -the money that the other players have."</p> - -<p>But Abdallah would not permit the -Evil Spirit to conclude his proposition.</p> - -<p>"Satan!" cried he, "your elegant disguise -has not prevented me from recognizing -you, and your cloven foot has betrayed -you. The gold you have taken from me -is nothing to that which I still possess. -Had you won all the money in the world,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> -I would not be less rich. However, the -day has arrived when you must expiate all -your vile crimes. The hour has struck!"</p> - -<p>At these unexpected words the Evil -One took on a sinister aspect, and with a -frightful laugh he began to mock Abdallah. -At this exhibition Abdallah exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Jump into my sack!" and the Old -Boy danced into the bag. "Stick! beat -on him!" cried the young man, and the -stick began to beat on him in fine style, so -much so that the Evil One yelled:</p> - -<p>"Stop, or I will be dead! Let me -out!"</p> - -<p>"What a delightful misfortune this -would be!" exclaimed Abdallah. "Are -you not content with matters as they -are?"</p> - -<p>There was great rejoicing among the -people who were gathered there. At last,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -after the stick had been beating the Evil -One for two hours, Abdallah said:</p> - -<p>"Enough! that is sufficient for to-day."</p> - -<p>"What!" said the Evil One, "is not -that enough? Is the trouble not yet finished? -Am I to have my bones broken -another time?"</p> - -<p>"Another time and always," said Abdallah. -"I want you to perish, so that you -will not continue to cut up your capers."</p> - -<p>There was some further parley between -Abdallah and the Evil One, which resulted -in returning many unfortunate young -people to their homes—young people who -had been lost through their passion for -gaming. When these unfortunates were -restored to their friends, Abdallah permitted -the Evil One to leave his sack.</p> - -<p>After a little, Abdallah, who was always -trying to make people happy, had a great -desire to return to his own home, so that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -he could see whether his father was still -unfortunate. On his way thither he met -a big boy who was crying at the top of -his voice and wringing his hands.</p> - -<p>"Well, young man," said Abdallah, "is -your profession that of making faces? If -so, what do you ask for them by the -dozen?"</p> - -<p>"I am not in a laughing humor, my -good sir," said the other.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing, then?" exclaimed -Abdallah.</p> - -<p>"My father," said the boy, "has fallen -from a horse and broken his arm. I ran -to the village for a physician, but, knowing -that we were poor no one of them -would stir themselves in my father's behalf."</p> - -<p>"Is that all?" said Abdallah; but the -child continued to weep. "Calm yourself," -said Abdallah, "your father shall not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> -lack for anything. Tell me the name of -the first physician you went after."</p> - -<p>"His name," said the boy, "is Abdel-Meddin."</p> - -<p>"Observe well," said Abdallah. "Dr. -Abdel-Meddin, jump into my sack!" and -immediately a man appeared and fell into -the wonderful sack. At the order of its -master the stick began to beat him.</p> - -<p>"Oh," said the boy, "what a beautiful -sack you have! Will you give it to -me?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot," said Abdallah, "but take -this purse of gold; it will do you more -good."</p> - -<p>All this time the doctor in the sack was -yelling at the top of his voice, and writhing -and moaning. Abdallah stopped the -stick, and then said:</p> - -<p>"Mr. Physician, take advantage of this -opportunity to rub your bruised limbs, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> -you shall not come out of here until you -are mashed into a jelly.</p> - -<p>"Mercy," cried the doctor, "what have -I done to deserve so terrible a chastisement?"</p> - -<p>"Do you dare to ask me?" cried Abdallah. -"Do you not recognize this unfortunate -child?"</p> - -<p>"Have mercy! take pity on me!" cried -the physician.</p> - -<p>"You did not take pity on others," said -Abdallah, "and I shall be inexorable toward -you. Beat him, stick!"</p> - -<p>The wicked physician howled with pain -and fear, until finally Abdallah said:</p> - -<p>"Stop, stick!"</p> - -<p>"I implore your mercy," cried the physician.</p> - -<p>"Will you give me your word to take -care of this poor boy's father if I release -you?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will do whatever you say," said the -unfortunate doctor! "He shall lack for -nothing."</p> - -<p>"Then come out of the sack," said Abdallah.</p> - -<p>The doctor came out, and he was so -badly bruised that he could scarcely stand -on his feet, but Abdallah made him walk.</p> - -<p>Returning to the village, the doctor was -so attentive to the poor sick man that there -could be no doubt of his recovery, and -Abdallah went on his way, anxious to see -his father.</p> - -<p>After several days of travelling he came -to a dense forest, through which he was -compelled to pass. Looking closely, he -saw a pathway, which was scarcely discernible, -and it was bordered on each side by -thorns and brambles. This path led to a -castle belonging to a terrible and cruel -giant. The sun had gone down and night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -had set in, and Abdallah knocked at the -door of the castle.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" said a voice.</p> - -<p>"A poor traveller who begs for lodging."</p> - -<p>"I receive no one unless it is giants -who desire to have a tilt with me. We -feast at night, and in the morning I hang -them to a tree in the forest."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Abdallah, "I will have a -tilt with you in the morning. Open the -door and let me come in."</p> - -<p>"Poor fool," said the giant, "will you -dare to contend with me?"</p> - -<p>"I will do my best," said Abdallah. -"Open the door, I beg you."</p> - -<p>"Go away," said the giant, "I do not -wish to crush you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Mr. Giant! would you be afraid -to-day, and have I the power to make -you tremble?"</p> - -<p>"Poor creature, your impudence shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -have its punishment. Come in! but to-morrow -you shall be hanged."</p> - -<p>"While I am waiting to balance myself -on a limb," said Abdallah, cheerfully, -"have my supper prepared. My appetite -is large."</p> - -<p>The cruel giant smiled at Abdallah's -pretensions, and as he was a charming -man himself, he took occasion to divert -Abdallah. The supper was fine, and the -evening was very pleasant. The giant -related his exploits. He had fought a -lion, and he had vanquished a sea-serpent -with seven heads which had attacked him. -One day, when an army came to attack -him, he had the soldiers hung to the trees -that surrounded his castle.</p> - -<p>"Great giant," said Abdallah, smiling, -"you make me tremble. It would be -easy for you to get satisfaction out of a -poor unfortunate creature like me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span></p> - -<p>"Miserable creature!" said the giant, -"I warned you before you came into my -castle. But eat and drink—above all, -drink, for to-morrow shall be your last -day."</p> - -<p>"Let us drink, Mr. Giant! let us drink, -since the night still belongs to me. Here's -to your health!"</p> - -<p>Overcome with fatigue, Abdallah left -the giant and went to sleep, for he stood -greatly in need of rest, and in the morning -he was still asleep when the giant came to -awake him.</p> - -<p>"Get up!" the giant exclaimed. "You -have lived long enough. Let us cross -swords and see who will be the victor."</p> - -<p>"It is useless," said Abdallah; "the -combat would be too unequal. Let me -go, I pray you."</p> - -<p>"No," said the giant, severely; "you -must die. Come quickly, I am in a hurry."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, then," said Abdallah, "since you -insist on it, we will fight, but I regret it, I -assure you, for I really do not want to kill -you."</p> - -<p>"Enough!" exclaimed the giant; "your -insolence will soon be punished."</p> - -<p>At this the giant raised his great hand -with the intention of crushing his opponent, -when Abdallah suddenly cried out:</p> - -<p>"Jump in my sack!"</p> - -<p>The giant made a horrible grimace, and -seemed to hesitate, but, at last, with a loud -cry, he threw himself into the marvellous -sack.</p> - -<p>"Stick, do your duty!" exclaimed Abdallah, -and the magic stick, in a livelier -manner than ever began to whack the -cruel giant with great energy.</p> - -<p>"Do have mercy!" exclaimed the giant. -"Take pity on me!" Abdallah had mercy -and the stick stopped.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do you think of our contest?" -asked Abdallah. "Have you a mind to -renew it?"</p> - -<p>"You are a terrible sorcerer," said the -giant, "and I have never seen one like -you."</p> - -<p>"Then," said Abdallah, "you are conquered."</p> - -<p>"Have it as you will," said the giant. -"What can I say to the contrary?"</p> - -<p>"You are right," said Abdallah. "Good-by, -Mr. Giant. You should be more hospitable -another time."</p> - -<p>The giant was anxious to accompany -Abdallah, and he persisted in going with -him until he had passed through the forest. -Abdallah continued on his journey, -and it was not long before he arrived at -home, where he was gratified to embrace -his old father.</p> - -<p>"My dear father!" he exclaimed, "I am<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> -very rich. I am powerful and I come to -you."</p> - -<p>"My dear child," said the old man, -"you deceive yourself, or my eyes have -become very weak; for I only see a sack -on your back and a stick in your hand."</p> - -<p>"No, father," the son cried, "we are -rich, very rich. Hereafter we shall enjoy -everything in abundance, and since the -famine still continues, our neighbors will -enjoy our good fortune."</p> - -<p>In a few words, Abdallah told his father -how he had been abandoned by his brothers; -and he told the old man also of the -wonderful virtues of his enchanted sack.</p> - -<p>"Your kind-heartedness, my son," said -the old man, "has had its reward, but let -us not, in our prosperity, forget those who -are sad and cry because they are hungry."</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself, my father. -For such as these our table will always be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> -spread, and our doors will never be closed -against them."</p> - -<p>While the famine in that country lasted, -Abdallah established a tavern, where everybody -could get a meal without money and -without price. The marvellous sack was -always ready to carry out the will of its -master, and it was always ready to furnish -the most savory dishes and the most exquisite -wines, and this went on as long as -the famine lasted.</p> - -<p>When the famine had subsided, Abdallah -would not give any more, fearing that -he would encourage the unworthy and -thus render very indifferent service to the -country.</p> - -<p>Abdallah ought to have been happy, but -he was not. He had such a good and -tender heart that he easily forgot and forgave -all the injury that had been done -him, and he was sad because he did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> -see around him all the wicked brothers -who had forsaken him on the way.</p> - -<p>He called their names daily and commanded -them to jump in his sack. Each -time, however, he found in his sack -only a pile of bones. His brothers were -surely dead, and when Abdallah came -to understand this fact, he shed bitter -tears.</p> - -<p>In his turn, Abdallah's father died, and -Abdallah himself grew very old. When -he felt that his end was approaching he -drew a sigh of relief, nevertheless he did -not want to die without seeing the good -fairy who had been his benefactor.</p> - -<p>Feeling thus, Abdallah started on a -journey, trembling with emotion, and it -was not long before he reached the spot -where he had met the gracious fairy. He -seated himself on a stone and waited for -the good fairy to appear; but she came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> -not. He continued to wait, and, after a -time, Death came along the road.</p> - -<p>"I am hunting for you," said the grim -traveller.</p> - -<p>"Not for me, surely," said Abdallah.</p> - -<p>"Yes, for you," said the other.</p> - -<p>"I am waiting here for a friend," said -Abdallah.</p> - -<p>"Do I seem to be an enemy?" asked -Death.</p> - -<p>"No, no," cried Abdallah, "you are -welcome, but I want an opportunity to -greet my benefactor. I cannot go with -you."</p> - -<p>But Death fixed his eyes on Abdallah, -smiled a little, and said:</p> - -<p>"Jump in my sack!"</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>X<br /> -<span class="small">A SEARCH FOR A FRIEND</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>A rich merchant of Bagdad had a son -that he loved most tenderly. The child -had been reared with the utmost care, and -no pains were spared to cultivate his mind -as well as his affections. When the young -man's education was almost completed his -father determined that he should travel in -foreign parts.</p> - -<p>"My son," said the old man, "I have -gray hairs and a white beard, and in my -long career it has been given to me to -know and appreciate the real value of men -and things. You must learn, then, my -son, that among the pressing necessities of -life the greatest of all is a good friend.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> -Riches take wings—a touch of providence, -a turn of the wheel of fortune, throws the -richest into the depths of despair; but -death alone, which carries all off, can take -away a friend.</p> - -<p>"A true friend is the only thing in this -world that is always faithful. Find this -rare pearl, my son, and you will have found -the rarest of gems. I want you, then, my -son, to travel over the world, travel alone -gives the real experience. The more we -see of men the better we know how to live -among them. The world is a great and a -beautiful book, that instructs those who -know how to read it. It is a faithful mirror -that reflects all the objects we ought -to see.</p> - -<p>"Go, my son," said the merchant of -Bagdad; "take this travelling-stick, and -in your journeyings think, above all other -things, of the necessity of securing a true<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> -friend. In pursuing this object, sacrifice -everything else, even what is most rare and -most precious."</p> - -<p>The young man embraced his father and -took his departure. He went to a foreign -country and remained there some time, and -then he returned to his own country. -When he arrived, his father, astonished at -his quick return, said:</p> - -<p>"I did not expect you so soon."</p> - -<p>"You told me to seek a friend," said the -young man. "Well, I have returned with -fifty who are all that you have described."</p> - -<p>"My poor child!" responded the old -merchant, "do not speak so flippantly of -so sacred a name. A true friend is so rare -that he cannot be found in droves, and -those who pretend to be such are only so in -name. They resemble a summer-cloud that -melts beneath the first rays of the sun."</p> - -<p>"Father!" exclaimed the young man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> -"your attack is unjust, and those that I -look upon as my friends—those whom I -regard as my friends—would not see me -suffering or in adversity unless their hearts -went out to me."</p> - -<p>"I have lived seventy years," responded -the old man, "and I have been tried by -good and bad fortune. I have known a -great many men, and during these long -years it has been well-nigh impossible for -me to acquire a friend. How, at your age, -and in such a short time, have you been -able to find fifty friends? Learn from me, -my son, to know human nature."</p> - -<p>The old merchant strangled a sheep, -put the carcass in a sack, and stained his -son's clothing with the blood of the animal. -At night the young man was told what he -must do, and he took the carcass of the -sheep on his shoulder and went out of the -city.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span></p> - -<p>Soon he arrived at the house of his first -friend, and knocked at the door, which -was promptly opened to him. His friend -asked him what he wanted.</p> - -<p>"It is in the midst of misfortune that -friendship is put to a trial," responded the -young man. "I have often told you of -an old feud that has existed between our -family and that of a lord of the court. -Not long ago we met in a secluded spot. -Hatred placed arms in our hands, and he -fell lifeless at my feet. For fear of being -pursued by justice I seized his body; it is -in the sack you see on my shoulders. I -beg you to hide it in your house until this -affair has blown over."</p> - -<p>"My house is so small," said the friend, -with an air of sorrow and embarrassment, -"that it can scarcely contain the living -who dwell in it. How could I find room -for the dead?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span></p> - -<p>The young man begged his friend to -have pity on him, but without avail, and -the ungrateful man shut the door in his -face.</p> - -<p>"You see, my son," said the old merchant, -"these are the kind of friends on -whom you were depending."</p> - -<p>"To tell you the truth, father," said the -young man, "I have always suspected that -this particular friend was a hypocrite, but -all are not so. Wait, and you shall see."</p> - -<p>The younger man continued to knock -at the doors of his friends. Fifty times he -met with the same reception. No one -wanted to do him the kindness to hide -the body.</p> - -<p>"My son," said the old merchant, "you -must see at last how little you can depend -on man. What has become of the friends -whom you were praising to me a little -while ago? In your supposed misfortune<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -each one has forsaken you. I will show -you the difference between the one real -friend that I have and the fifty false ones -whom you have tested."</p> - -<p>As they talked, the father and son -reached the door of the house of the one -whom the old merchant had represented -as the model of perfect friendship. The -merchant related to his friend the imaginary -misfortunes that had befallen his -son, and begged the friend to hide the -compromising sack.</p> - -<p>"Oh, happy day and blessed hour!" -exclaimed the faithful friend. "My house -is large, and herein you may hide whatever -you choose."</p> - -<p>"Think," said the young man, "of the -great dangers to which you expose yourself! -Who knows but you may be accused -of the murder, or, at least, of favoring the -assassin."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well," said the other, smiling, "one -must expose one's self to many perils -when one desires to save the son of a -friend. Go to my summer residence, -where you will be safe from the clutches -of the law. I will come to you from time -to time, and keep you company, and if -ever misfortune happens to you it will -likewise fall on me."</p> - -<p>At this the merchant of Bagdad opened -his arms and pressed to his heart the devoted -friend, thanking him for his generous -offers, and relating to him the simple -artifice by which he had taught his son -how rare true friendship is in this world.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>XI<br /> -<span class="small">A CHILD OF THE ROSES</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time there was a King who -had three daughters as beautiful as the -stars that shine in the skies, and as different -in their beauty. One day the King -was sitting on his gorgeous throne, and he -called his children, and said:</p> - -<p>"I love you all better than I do my life. -Now tell me in turn the nature of the affection -you feel for me. According to -your answer I shall give each of you the -husband that you deserve. The eldest approached, -and said:</p> - -<p>"I love you better than I do my golden -hair and my blue eyes, and I would do anything -in the world to be agreeable to you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span></p> - -<p>"My beloved daughter," exclaimed the -Monarch, "the King of Syra shall become -your husband."</p> - -<p>The second daughter spoke thus:</p> - -<p>"I love you, my father, a thousand times -better than a queen loves her crown, a -thousand times better than a dove loves -her young, and to please you I would voluntarily -throw myself into a burning furnace."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my child! let me embrace you! -The Prince Miraz, the handsomest of men, -shall be your husband."</p> - -<p>The youngest daughter, the favorite of -the fairies, the charming Mirza, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I love you, my father, as we love the -salt in the bread, as the fish loves water, -and as the May rose loves the dews of the -morning."</p> - -<p>At these words the King turned pale -with anger, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span></p> - -<p>"Go away! Leave me! You are an -ungrateful daughter who cares for no one. -Is it thus that you show gratitude for the -pains I have taken with you? The love -you have for me goes no further than the -salt in the bread. Go away!"</p> - -<p>The King drove his daughter from the -palace, and ordered one of the waiting-maids -to follow her everywhere, and to -return only to announce her death. The -waiting-maid took with her her own -daughter, Calamir, and the three women -travelled at haphazard for three days and -three nights. Finally they perceived an -abandoned cabin, and the Princess cried -out:</p> - -<p>"Let us stop here!" whereupon the -women took up their abode there.</p> - -<p>One day Mirza was sitting by the roadside, -her head in her hands, weeping sadly. -She was thinking of the great palace<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> -where she was born, and of her more fortunate -sisters, who lacked for nothing, and -who had bracelets of gold and diamonds. -She thought also of her cruel father, -whom she still loved with all her heart. -Suddenly Mirza felt a hand on her shoulder, -and began to tremble with fear. It -was the Queen of the Fairies, who looked -at her with a smile.</p> - -<p>"My beautiful child, why lament?" -said the Queen. "All things are possible -to me. Make three wishes and you will -be satisfied at once."</p> - -<p>Mirza, however, did not answer. She -remained silent; she could only weep.</p> - -<p>"Grief fills your heart," said the Queen -of the Fairies, "and you can only weep. -You are thinking of your father, your sisters, -and the palace where you were born. -Calm yourself. Hereafter you will be as -rich and as fortunate as they. Weeping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span> -or smiling, walking or standing, no person -in the wide world will be as fortunate as -you."</p> - -<p>At these words the young girl smiled, -and beautiful roses fell from her lips. -She took a few steps to embrace her benefactress, -and a thousand precious stones -fell under her feet. The tears that shone -in her eyes, in falling, became pearls.</p> - -<p>"Kind fairy," exclaimed Mirza, beholding -these things, "what wishes could I -have made that would have been comparable -to these gifts you have heaped upon -me? A thousand thanks!"</p> - -<p>The young girl pressed the queen of the -fairies to her heart, kissed her hands and -her lips, and gave full play to her happiness. -Some days afterward, the Princess -Mirza said to her waiting-maid:</p> - -<p>"Go into the neighboring city, inquire -for the best architect to be found and tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -him to bring a hundred experienced workmen."</p> - -<p>The maid went into the city, secured -the architect, and when three days had -passed the workmen arrived.</p> - -<p>"Queen of women," said the architect, -"what can I do to please you?"</p> - -<p>"I want you to build me a marvellous -palace of pure gold, with ten doors of diamonds -and a thousand windows of crystal. -Build me a palace supported by a hundred -columns of rubies and emeralds. I -want it to be so resplendent that the -neighboring kings and princes will stand -amazed when they behold it."</p> - -<p>The builders went to work, and in the -course of a year the masterpiece of architecture -was completed. One day the sisters -of the princess passed that way. -They were going to see their parents, and -a joyous escort accompanied them, playing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -on a thousand instruments in order to -make the journey pleasant.</p> - -<p>"My gentle pages," exclaimed the eldest, -perceiving the palace, "to whom does -this magnificent building belong? Is it -the home of the fairies?"</p> - -<p>"Gracious queen," responded one of the -pages, "no one knows."</p> - -<p>"Go, then," said the princess, "and find -out, and say that we desire to visit this -wonderful palace."</p> - -<p>When the messengers announced to -Mirza the wishes of the princess, she exclaimed, -rapturously:</p> - -<p>"These are my sisters—the children of -my mother—who come to visit me. Happy -day! Pages, return and tell them that -I await them."</p> - -<p>But the pages did not move. Each one -seemed to be petrified with surprise and -admiration. While Mirza was speaking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -the most beautiful and fragrant roses fell -from her lips, and at her feet hundreds of -precious stones, pearls, rubies, amethysts, -and diamonds sparkled and glittered. -Finally the messengers returned to the -princesses, and when the latter found that -this beautiful palace belonged to their -younger sister, they could not refrain from -shedding tears of joy. Immediately they -made their way to the palace, and soon -they had the pleasure of embracing the -sister whom they had long given up for -lost.</p> - -<p>The two princesses stayed a long time -at the grand palace, their eyes dazzled at -everything they saw. They were much -astonished at the magnificent gifts showered -on them by their sister. They went -away from the palace with regret, and they -were very sorry they could not carry away -with them, in addition to their gifts, pieces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -of the precious stones with which the -courtyard was paved.</p> - -<p>The renown of Mirza soon spread -throughout all the neighboring kingdoms, -and everyone praised her beauty and marvelled -at her riches. The prince of a -strange country fell desperately in love -with her, and he sent an ambassador to sue -for her hand. Mirza consented, and promised -to become the wife of the prince as -soon as the orange-trees blossomed. The -ambassador was delighted, and hastened to -announce the joyous news to his master. -Magnificent feasts were given at the court -of the prince, and soon everything was -ready for the wedding.</p> - -<p>As soon as the orange-trees bloomed, -Mirza started on her journey to the home -of the prince, accompanied by the waiting-maid -who had served her in her misfortune. -On the way, the princess became very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> -hungry, and asked for something to eat. -Instead of giving her sweet cakes and -luscious fruits, the maid gave her bread -that was so salty and so bitter the princess -could scarcely swallow it. Soon she was -seized with a devouring thirst.</p> - -<p>"My good friend," she exclaimed to -her maid, "what have you for me to -drink?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, my amiable mistress," said -the maid.</p> - -<p>"What! not even a glass of water?" -said the princess.</p> - -<p>"No, your majesty."</p> - -<p>The princess withstood the thirst as -long as she could, and finally said:</p> - -<p>"I pray you, my good friend, go and -find a stream, and bring me some water -to quench my thirst—only a few drops."</p> - -<p>At this, the waiting-maid said:</p> - -<p>"Alas! we are in a very strange country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -Here, water is the dearest of all beverages."</p> - -<p>"Well," said the princess, "take a handful -of diamonds and offer them to the -charitable person who will take pity on me -and give me some water."</p> - -<p>The waiting-maid started out, but she -did not go a hundred steps when she hid -herself behind a bush. Very soon she returned -with an air of distress, and with a -sad voice she spoke thus:</p> - -<p>"Powerful princess, in this country, -water is so dear that you will have to pay -for a single goblet-full with one of your -eyes."</p> - -<p>In her despair, the young princess pulled -out an eye, and gave it to the waiting-maid.</p> - -<p>"Go," said the princess, "run quick, or -I die."</p> - -<p>The cruel waiting-maid returned, bringing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> -a little water, but scarcely did it quench -her thirst for an instant. Not long afterward -the princess began lamenting again:</p> - -<p>"I am still thirsty," said she, "and I feel -that I am perishing."</p> - -<p>"Give me your remaining eye," said the -servant, "and hereafter you shall be satisfied."</p> - -<p>The bewildered young princess consented -to make the sacrifice. This time, -she thought, she could drink to her heart's -content. Night came and the sun sank -behind the horizon, and the perfidious servant -stripped her mistress of her fine -clothes and gave them to her own daughter, -Calamir. The poor blind girl was left -by the roadside, and the waiting-maid and -her daughter continued their journey toward -the city where the prince resided.</p> - -<p>When they arrived all the bells in the -churches rang out their joyous chimes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> -The people went out to meet her, and the -prince tenderly embraced the one whom -he thought was his betrothed. Never had -such a scene been witnessed in that city. -The wedding feast was brilliant and splendid. -One thing, however, disturbed the -prince. He had been told that a rose fell -from the lips of the princess at each smile, -and that under her feet diamonds sprung. -He did not see any of these things. Puzzled -at this, he inquired of his wife's -mother:</p> - -<p>"Madam, how is it that roses do not -fall from the lips of your child, and that -precious stones do not appear when she -walks?"</p> - -<p>"My dear prince, my child is fatigued -at the long journey she undertook to come -to you. Have patience, and you will soon -be satisfied."</p> - -<p>During all this time, the poor Mirza,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> -the real princess, wandered alone in the -frightful desert in which she had been forsaken. -She called for help, but no one -came to her assistance. Her cries grew -louder, and at last they attracted the attention -of an old woman who was gathering -herbs for the purpose of making medicine.</p> - -<p>"What do you wish, my beautiful -child?" inquired the old woman.</p> - -<p>"Good mother, what are you doing -here?" cried the princess.</p> - -<p>"I am looking for herbs that are necessary -to make my medicine."</p> - -<p>"You can do better than that," said the -princess. "Pick up the pearls that you -find at my feet, and go into the city and -sell them."</p> - -<p>The old woman obeyed, and returned -with an apron full of gold, saying:</p> - -<p>"My child, what shall I do with this -fortune?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span></p> - -<p>"It is for you, my good woman, but on -one condition."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>The poor blind girl smiled, and from her -lips fell a rose so beautiful and sweet that -there had been none like it before. Mirza -answered:</p> - -<p>"Take this rose and go into the prince's -city, and call out, 'Who will buy this -flower? who will buy this rose?'"</p> - -<p>"And in order to please you," said the -old woman, "how much must I sell it -for?"</p> - -<p>"You must give it," said the princess, -"for neither gold nor silver."</p> - -<p>"And for what shall I sell it?" said the -old woman.</p> - -<p>"You shall demand an eye for it," said -the princess.</p> - -<p>The old woman followed the directions -to the letter. When she arrived<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -in the city of the prince, she cried -out:</p> - -<p>"Who will buy this flower? Who will -buy this rose?"</p> - -<p>At these words, Mirza's deceitful servant -ran to the window of the palace and -asked:</p> - -<p>"Tell me, good woman, for what will -you sell such a beautiful rose?"</p> - -<p>"I will sell it for an eye," said the old -woman.</p> - -<p>"Heavens! what would you do with an -eye?" said the maid-servant.</p> - -<p>"That is my affair," said the old woman.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," said the waiting-maid, -"stay a moment;" and she ran to her -room; and as she had been careful enough -to save the eyes of her mistress, she took -one and gave it to the old woman.</p> - -<p>"Take this, good woman," she exclaimed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span></p> - -<p>"And here is your rose," said the old -woman.</p> - -<p>At night, when the prince returned -to the palace, his mother-in-law said to -him:</p> - -<p>"See this beautiful rose. There is none -like it in the flower-gardens. My daughter -made it with a smile."</p> - -<p>"It came in good time," said the young -prince, "but I can scarcely believe it. A -thousand times I have seen your daughter -smile, and nothing has fallen from her -lips."</p> - -<p>All this time, the old woman, who had -sold her rose for the eye, was on her way -to the Princess Mirza. But as she went -along, the eye fell from her hand and was -lost. She hunted for it a long time, but -meanwhile the eye, apparently directed by -the good fairies, made its way to the blind -girl, who put it in its place and immediately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -she saw clearly. The old woman returned -disconsolate.</p> - -<p>"Alas! my beautiful child," she exclaimed, -weeping, "I sold your rose as -you directed me, but, unfortunately, the -eye I received as the price escaped from -my hands and I could not find it, though -I hunted for it far and wide."</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself, my good -woman," and Mirza smiled, and another -rose fell from her lips.</p> - -<p>"Go," said she again, "and sell this -flower on the same conditions."</p> - -<p>The rose was carried to the castle as the -other had been, and sold for the other eye.</p> - -<p>The princess recovered her sight, and -regained her beauty. Shortly afterward, -the beautiful Mirza said to her companion:</p> - -<p>"Go into the towns and villages, and inquire -by which road the king of this country -goes on his hunting excursions."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span></p> - -<p>This order having been obeyed, the -young princess sent for a number of workmen -and an architect. On her way in -search of these, the old woman met a little -gray man who had a hump on his back.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going, Margaret?" -cried the little hunchback.</p> - -<p>"I am hunting for workmen and for an -architect," she replied.</p> - -<p>"I am your man," exclaimed the dwarf.</p> - -<p>"Are you capable?" asked the old -woman.</p> - -<p>"Patience, Margaret! patience!" exclaimed -the little gray man. "Of that -you will have to judge later."</p> - -<p>Mirza accepted the dwarf as her architect, -but she could not help saying to -him:</p> - -<p>"Little gray man, where are your workmen? -Do you think to build by yourself -the palace I desire?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p> - -<p>Scarcely had she finished speaking, -when, at the sound of a low whistle from -the little gray man, there appeared on all -sides hundreds and thousands of brownies, -who were cutting all sorts of antics and -capers. Some jumped, some ran, some -walked on their hands, and some floated in -the air as light as thistle-down. But each -of them, when he passed before the little -gray man, said:</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty, what do you wish to-day -of your faithful subjects?"</p> - -<p>To these questions the little gray man -replied:</p> - -<p>"Make the most beautiful palace to be -found in all the world."</p> - -<p>Mirza, the princess, was filled with astonishment. -Never before had she seen so -many brownies gathered together in one -place, and she said to herself, "Surely -these must be the children of the fairies;"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -and, full of happiness, she went here and -there, speaking a kind word to all, and at -every step she took hundreds of precious -stones were scattered under her feet, and, -at each smile a rose fell.</p> - -<p>At last all the brownies were set to work -under the direction of the little gray man. -Some felled the great trees of the forest and -trimmed them, some delved in the mines -for marble and precious stones, and others -forged the rare metals out of which the vast -columns of the palace were to be made.</p> - -<p>Rapidly the new palace was built, and -when it was finished it shone in the land -like a rare jewel in the bosom of a beautiful -woman.</p> - -<p>"Now, then," said the little gray man -to the beautiful Mirza, "are you satisfied -with my work, and do you repent having -chosen me for your architect?"</p> - -<p>"Powerful and most generous King of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> -the Brownies," she said to the little gray -man, "how can I be dissatisfied at the -sight of this rare palace, which you have -built for me?"</p> - -<p>"This being so," said the little gray -man, "what is to be my reward?"</p> - -<p>At this the young girl smiled, and a -beautiful rose dropped from her lips.</p> - -<p>"This shall be your reward," said she, -giving him the flower.</p> - -<p>"Thanks! thanks!" exclaimed the little -gray man, and he instantly disappeared. -The brownies were paid in the same way, -and the young girl soon found herself -alone with the old woman.</p> - -<p>One day passed, then two, then three, -and still the prince did not come hunting. -At this Mirza grew impatient, and she -said to the old woman.</p> - -<p>"Go to the top of the hill and see if the -prince is not coming."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span></p> - -<p>The old woman went to the top of the -hill, and looked around on all sides, but -there was nothing in sight. The roads on -every side were dusty and deserted, and -she returned to her mistress.</p> - -<p>"What did you see?" inquired the -princess.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, your majesty, but the floating -clouds and the beautiful flowers."</p> - -<p>"Go, then, and look again," said Mirza.</p> - -<p>The old woman looked again and then -returned.</p> - -<p>"What have you seen?" inquired the -princess.</p> - -<p>"The waters flowing, the grasses growing, -and in the limbs of the trees I heard -the breezes murmuring."</p> - -<p>"Return and look again."</p> - -<p>So the woman went, and when she had -come back the princess said:</p> - -<p>"What have you seen?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span></p> - -<p>"Away in the distance, on the dusty -road, I saw horsemen coming."</p> - -<p>"It is the prince," said Mirza; and, sure -enough, the prince, followed by his retainers, -his huntsmen, and his dogs, soon made -his appearance. Suddenly, the prince, -seized with admiration, paused and looked -around him. Here, where there had been -only briars and brambles, there arose before -his view the marvellous palace that -had been erected by the little gray man.</p> - -<p>"To whom does this dazzling palace belong?" -asked the prince, but no one could -answer him. "Await me here," said the -prince to his followers, "I will go and inquire, -but I will return immediately."</p> - -<p>He approached the door and knocked, -but there was no response, and one would -have supposed the palace was uninhabited. -He knocked again, but everything was silent -except the clamorous echoes which he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -himself had aroused. Then the prince -climbed up to the nearest window, opened -the blinds, and found himself in a marvellous -saloon which was uninhabited. He -pursued his way through beautiful halls -and apartments, until he came to a room -more beautiful than the rest.</p> - -<p>On a bed of gold, Mirza was reclining, and -as he approached she arose and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Who has dared enter my palace?"</p> - -<p>"Powerful princess," said the young -man, "I am your slave. Do with me as -you will."</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" she cried.</p> - -<p>"The king of all this country—the most -unfortunate of men since I have seen -you."</p> - -<p>At these words the young girl smiled, -and from her lips fell a rose. She took a -few steps forward, and precious stones -covered the carpet where she walked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do I see?" exclaimed the -prince, filled with astonishment. "Are -you not Mirza, my affianced?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," cried the happy girl, "I am -Mirza, who loves you; I am Mirza, whose -hand you demanded in marriage through -an ambassador."</p> - -<p>At the remembrance of her misfortunes -tears shone in her eyes, and pearls fell -therefrom.</p> - -<p>The prince was overjoyed; he had been -deceived, but he was now happy. Mirza -told him all, and he would have had the -deceitful servants burned at the stake, but -the princess interceded for them and they -were banished from the country. The -prince and Mirza lived long and happily -together.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>XII<br /> -<span class="small">THE KING OF THE LIONS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>A Donkey one day thought that the -time had come for him to go and seek his -fortune; so he broke his halter and ran -away into the broad fields. The grass was -high and rank, and there was no lack of -thistles. Happy over his good fortune, -Brother Donkey brayed so loud and so -joyously that Mr. Lion, who happened to -be passing that way, stopped to inquire -what the matter could be.</p> - -<p>At the sight of Brother Donkey, Mr. -Lion was paralyzed with astonishment. -Never, in all his wanderings, had he seen -such a creature. Mr. Lion looked at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -Brother Donkey from a distance. Then -he approached a little nearer, and finally -mustered up courage to say:</p> - -<p>"Who are you, and what is your -name?"</p> - -<p>"My name is Brother Donkey," replied -the other, "and I am the ruler of all -Donkeydom."</p> - -<p>"I do not know that country," said Mr. -Lion, "but I myself am a monarch, and -the most of the other animals have chosen -me for their king."</p> - -<p>"If that is the case," said Brother Donkey, -"we are brothers, and we will continue -our travels together."</p> - -<p>"With the greatest pleasure," responded -Mr. Lion. "One can only gain by being -in good company."</p> - -<p>So the two started on their journey together. -As they went along, Mr. Lion -thought he saw that Brother Donkey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -was not as formidable as he had at first -appeared. There was something in his -gait, something in his appearance, that led -to this suspicion, and when he saw a tiger, -he seemed to be so frightened that the -King of the Desert said:</p> - -<p>"Come, my friend, and let us wrestle -together for fun."</p> - -<p>"No, no, my comrade," exclaimed -Brother Donkey, "for I am so strong that -in spite of myself I should be compelled -to crush you with my feet."</p> - -<p>Mr. Lion, thinking this was true, made -a profound bow to the King of Donkeydom, -and the two continued on their journey -together. It so happened that they -had to cross a river. With one bound Mr. -Lion reached the other side, but, on the -contrary, Brother Donkey went down into -the water and began to swim in a very -awkward manner; so awkward, indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -that it seemed he was in danger of drowning.</p> - -<p>"How is it," exclaimed Mr. Lion, in -astonishment, "that you cannot swim?"</p> - -<p>"What, I?" said Brother Donkey. "I -split the water more rapidly than a boat, -and the fishes themselves could not beat -me in a race."</p> - -<p>"If that is true," said Mr. Lion, "why -does it take you so long to cross a stream?"</p> - -<p>"Ah," exclaimed Brother Donkey, "it -was because I had caught with my tail an -eel so large and heavy that I was about to -sink, and I was compelled to turn it loose -in order to rejoin you."</p> - -<p>Mr. Lion was satisfied with this answer, -and the two friends resumed their journey. -As they went along they soon came to a -high stone wall. Mr. Lion leaped over it -at a bound, but Brother Donkey was -unable to get over so quickly. He raised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -himself on his hindlegs, placed his forefeet -on the wall, and hung suspended there. -Mr. Lion, seeing this, cried out:</p> - -<p>"What are you doing there?"</p> - -<p>"Do you not see," said Brother Donkey, -"that I am weighing myself? I -want to see if the part of my body in front -is as heavy as the part that is behind."</p> - -<p>Brother Donkey, after great effort, at -last succeeded in getting over the wall. -Mr. Lion then said to his companion:</p> - -<p>"Powerful King of Donkeydom, my esteemed -friend! I believe that you are -making sport of me. I believe that your -strength, at its best, is no greater than that -of a child."</p> - -<p>"Do you have such a thought as that?" -said Brother Donkey, with a smile. "You -make a serious mistake, great King of -Beasts. Let us make a trial of strength -right here. Let us see which of us is able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> -to destroy that great wall. The one that -is victorious will be known as the king of -the animals."</p> - -<p>"This is a good idea," exclaimed Mr. -Lion, heartily, "and I accept your conditions -with pleasure."</p> - -<p>Immediately Mr. Lion made an effort -to show his power. He struck the wall -with his paws, and then with his tail. He -struck it on the right and on the left, but -he only wounded himself. He did not -succeed in making one stone fall. At the -end of a quarter of an hour he gave up in -despair.</p> - -<p>"I cannot make an impression on this -strong wall," said Mr. Lion. "Let us see -if you will be more fortunate."</p> - -<p>At once Brother Donkey began to bray -and kick, and he used his heels with such -effect that in a few minutes the wall was -knocked down and destroyed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do you think of this?" cried -Brother Donkey. "Do you still think -you are stronger than I am?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Mr. Lion, humbly. "Until -to-day I had thought myself the king of -animals, but I was mistaken, and the title -belongs to you hereafter."</p> - -<p>"But even yet," said Brother Donkey, -"you do not know what I can do."</p> - -<p>"Then," said Mr. Lion, "what can you -do that is so extraordinary?"</p> - -<p>"Well," replied Brother Donkey, "I -can eat thorns."</p> - -<p>"Thorns!" exclaimed Mr. Lion. "Do -you really mean what you say?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," said Brother Donkey, "I -am telling you the simple truth."</p> - -<p>"I would not dispute your word," said -Mr. Lion, "but I am really anxious to see -you perform this wonderful feat."</p> - -<p>"Do you see the thistles growing over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -there in that field?" inquired Brother -Donkey.</p> - -<p>"I do, indeed," said Mr. Lion.</p> - -<p>"Well," said Brother Donkey, "I am -going to eat them."</p> - -<p>Then Brother Donkey, who had not -eaten since morning, began to devour the -thistles. Astonished at this, Mr. Lion -said to Brother Donkey:</p> - -<p>"I think you are the most extraordinary -creature I ever saw, and I want you to be -recognized as King of the Lions. Do you -consent?"</p> - -<p>"With pleasure," Brother Donkey replied.</p> - -<p>The next day, or shortly thereafter, a convention -of all the lions was held, and -Brother Donkey was elected king without -any opposition whatever. He reigned over -them many years, and he was the better -able to do this from the fact that he never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> -disputed with his subjects over their prey. -Brother Donkey ate his thistles and the -lions ate their fresh meat, and all was -peace in that country.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>XIII<br /> -<span class="small">THE VIZIER, THE MONKEY, THE<br /> -LION, AND THE SERPENT</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Once on a time a ruler who was the -king of men, as well as the king of beasts, -called his Vizier, Rustem, to whom he -had confided the education of his only -son, and said:</p> - -<p>"Tell me, does my son follow your advice, -and does he give promise of making -a worthy successor of his father?"</p> - -<p>"Though he is still youthful, the young -prince bids fair to become the king of -men," said Rustem; "your son is already -fitted to rule both man and beast."</p> - -<p>Never was a vizier so untruthful; never -had a tutor so corrupted a young prince.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> -He had implanted in his pupil's mind the -vices which were his own. He had made -him greedy, unjust, and impatient at the -least contradiction. The Vizier had made -the young prince believe that the people -whom he was one day to govern were a -lot of miserable cattle who were to be imposed -on at the King's will.</p> - -<p>It happened in those days that a merchant -came to the King's palace, having -for sale a collection of rich jewels. He -had them of all kinds and all prices—diamonds, -pearls, rubies, and emeralds—all -heaped together in a beautiful casket of -carved cedarwood. The Prince remained -for hours admiring this marvellous collection -of treasures.</p> - -<p>"Ah," he exclaimed, "how I wish I -had money enough to buy all that I -see!"</p> - -<p>"Prince," said the Vizier, "are you not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -the master? Command, and these treasures -are yours."</p> - -<p>"Well, then," said the Prince, "so be -it;" and with that his slaves took possession -of the casket and drove the poor merchant -away from the palace.</p> - -<p>The merchant, however, was not willing -to submit to such an injustice. He went -about making his charges and his complaints -in the public places, until at last -the matter became a scandal that could -not be overlooked. So the powerful -young Prince had him whipped with such -severity that he expired not far from the -palace.</p> - -<p>The news of this terrible crime came -speedily to the ears of the King, who became -enraged with his son and with the -perfidious Rustem. He drove them both -from the palace. The tutor was banished -from the court, and the young Prince was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -placed in a castle at some distance from -his father's palace. Forgetting the irreparable -injury he had caused, the Vizier one -day went to see his former pupil. He -fancied he would be received with open -arms, as in the past; but what was his -surprise to find himself loaded with reproaches. -With a significant gesture the -young Prince ordered his old tutor from -his presence. The Vizier retired in confusion. -It was night, and for a long time -he wandered in the forest.</p> - -<p>Vaguely walking about he fell in a pit -that had been set as a trap for wild animals. -What was his terror to find himself -in the company of a Lion, a Monkey, and -a Serpent, each of whom had fallen into -the pit. When morning came the ex-vizier -found himself in the midst of sad -reflection. He was fearful that he would -lose by hunger the life these beasts had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> -left him, when, all of a sudden, he saw a -man peering over the edge of the pitfall. -Then the Vizier set up a terrible cry, and -the traveller, touched with pity, threw him -a rope so that he could escape from his -perilous position.</p> - -<p>The Monkey, nimbler than the Vizier, -seized the rope and ran up it, much to the -surprise of the traveller, who had expected -a different visitor.</p> - -<p>"You will not be sorry for this," said -the Monkey, by way of apology. "I -know how to be grateful for a service, -and I know how to cherish a benefactor. -To prove to you that I am in earnest, I -will give you a piece of advice. Do not -rescue the man whose voice you heard in -the pitfall. He is a knave, and he will -soon cause you to repent of your generosity. -I live at the foot of the mountain -yonder, where I hope to meet you some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> -day and be of service to you. Farewell!"</p> - -<p>The traveller was not much impressed -with the words of the Monkey, but he allowed -the creature to go its way, and threw -the rope again into the pitfall in the hope -of rescuing his fellow-man, whose voice he -had heard.</p> - -<p>In a moment he felt a considerable -weight on the rope, and he thought that -he was now rescuing the man, but, to his -utter surprise, a terrible Lion came climbing -up. His mane was shaggy, his teeth -were white and cruel, and his claws were -long and crooked. It seemed to the traveller -that he would be compelled to drop -this terrible creature back into the pitfall, -but the Lion's voice reassured him.</p> - -<p>"Do not be afraid," said the Lion. -"You have won a protector whose services -are not to be disdained. You have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -given me my life to-day and perhaps I -may be able to save yours. Your fellow-man, -who is still in the pitfall, will -never be able to be of such service to -you."</p> - -<p>The traveller thereupon redoubled his -efforts and drew the lion to the top.</p> - -<p>"Friend," said the Lion, "my den is in -this forest, opposite the mountain. Come -and see me, and you will always be welcome."</p> - -<p>There still remained two prisoners to -deliver, and the rope was thrown back in -the pit. The Serpent wound himself -around it, and was drawn up.</p> - -<p>"Generous friend," cried the Serpent, -"I want to give you a piece of advice, and -as advice is considered to be cheap, I -have no idea that you will follow it. Serpents -are considered to be wise. I have -left in the bottom of this pitfall the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -outrageous impostor the world has ever -seen. Leave him to his fate if you do not -wish to regret your kindness. You seem -to be too kind, but on the faith of a serpent -I will deliver you out of the first difficulty -into which your good heart gets -you. My house is all along the walls of -the neighboring city."</p> - -<p>But in spite of all this advice the traveller -was too generous to permit his fellow-man -to die in the pitfall, and for the -fourth time he dropped the rope. The -Vizier seized it and was saved. It is impossible -to describe the joy of the Vizier -at this turn of affairs. His expressions of -gratitude were effusive. He embraced his -deliverer and called him his saviour. He -wanted to relate his history to the traveller, -and, in doing so began to deceive his -benefactor. He spoke only of the injustice -of the King, and his discourse seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -to be so full of truth that the traveller was -grateful that it had fallen to his lot to rescue -so admirable a person.</p> - -<p>"I live in the adjoining village," said -the deposed Vizier, "and I offer you a -home there. You shall be made welcome."</p> - -<p>The traveller thanked him heartily, but -he had other ends in view. He was on -his way to the Ganges to purchase merchandise, -and he proceeded thither with -that inward satisfaction that arises from -the accomplishment of a good deed. On -the shores of the Ganges, in India, the -traveller entered into trade, and his fortunes -prospered. He soon found himself -possessed of a large sum of money, -and he was filled with a desire to see his -native country. He returned by the same -road, and, after travelling for some time, -he found himself once more in the forest -where, on a former occasion, his rope had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -been of such assistance to the unfortunates -who had fallen into the pit.</p> - -<p>He remembered with pleasure the eloquent -words of the grateful Rustem, and -he regretted that he could not see his old -friend. As for the three animals—the -Monkey, the Lion, and the Snake—their -remarks had made but little impression on -his mind; he was only grateful to them -for not having devoured him.</p> - -<p>While he was thinking of these things -the rich traveller found himself surrounded -with enemies even more ferocious than -the animals he had rescued. He found -himself in the midst of a band of thieves. -The robbers seized the traveller, compelled -him to dismount from his horse, took possession -of his treasures, and were preparing -to take his life, when the captain of -the band remarked that it would be a useless -murder. But the thieves bound the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> -traveller at the foot of a tree, and left him -to die there of hunger.</p> - -<p>The cries of the unfortunate traveller -reached the ears of the big Monkey that -had been rescued from the pitfall. His -instinct recognized the voice of his deliverer, -and he came to the rescue of the -traveller. The Monkey seized the bonds -in his strong teeth, and they soon fell -apart, and it was not long before the traveller -was free to go his way.</p> - -<p>But the grateful Monkey took him to -his home, where fresh fruits appeased his -hunger, and cool and pure water quenched -his thirst. To the Monkey the traveller -related his sad adventure, and the recital -touched the heart of the grateful animal.</p> - -<p>The Monkey had lived in the forest so -long that he was not only familiar with -the habits of the robbers, but knew where -their abode was. To that he made haste<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> -to go. He found the robbers asleep, with -many treasures by their side. He seized -bags of gold and silver and precious -stones, together with a supply of rich apparel, -and carried them to his benefactor.</p> - -<p>Having recovered his hard-earned fortune, -the traveller thanked the Monkey, -and continued on his journey. He was -astonished that such a creature could be so -grateful, and reproached himself for never -having thought of the animal. He was -walking along in the midst of these reflections -when he heard a terrible roaring, and -a ferocious-looking Lion appeared before -him. The traveller was seized with terror. -He was so frightened that he leaned -against a tree to keep from falling to the -ground. To his surprise, the King of the -Forest spoke to him thus:</p> - -<p>"Good-day, my friend, my deliverer! -It was you that saved my life. I want to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -show you my gratitude. Come into my -cavern and take a few moments' rest."</p> - -<p>The conduct of the Monkey had somewhat -reconciled the traveller to the animals. -Whatever fear he might have had -in the presence of the Lion, the traveller -hoped that the King of Beasts would not -be less generous than the Monkey.</p> - -<p>"I am happy to tell you," said the -Lion, after having heard about the Monkey, -"that gratitude ought to be the first -virtue of beasts, since it is not that of -man." At the same time the Lion -thought to himself—"How can I show -my gratitude to my dear deliverer, and -what can I do for him so as not to appear -inferior to the Monkey?"</p> - -<p>He was filled with these reflections -when they arrived at the cavern. The -traveller was well taken care of by the -Lion. He dined most sumptuously, drank<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -of the best wines, and ate of the most -delicious fruits. But while they were discussing -the dessert, the same distressing -thought came into the Lion's head—"What -can I do to retain my dignity and -pay the sacred debt I owe my deliverer?"</p> - -<p>But he could not think of anything -suitable, and the traveller observed it. So -he said:</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, my friend? You -seem disconsolate."</p> - -<p>"Nothing," said the Lion. "But you -must promise me that you will not leave -this place until I return."</p> - -<p>"But why?" inquired the traveller.</p> - -<p>"You will know later," responded the -lion.</p> - -<p>"Very well," said the traveller, "here I -will remain."</p> - -<p>The Lion bounded away, and he was -soon in the middle of the forest, looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -this way and that, to the right and to the -left, in search of something marvellous to -give to the traveller, when all of a sudden -he saw the young Prince, the Vizier's -pupil, who had been exiled, promenading -in his castle grounds. On the Prince's -head there was a turban, which was ornamented -with a superb cluster of diamonds.</p> - -<p>"That is the very thing," exclaimed the -Lion, and with one bound he seized the -Prince and strangled him. Thus was the -jeweller avenged, and his diamonds were -returned to him. The traveller, who had -been robbed and beaten by order of the -young Prince and his Vizier, was glad to -get his jewels back, and he did not know -how to be grateful enough to the Lion, of -whom he had formerly been afraid.</p> - -<p>The traveller then set out toward the -city in hopes of finding his excellent friend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> -Rustem. He hoped, indeed, to spend -some time with this philosopher, whom -he had rescued, and who had offered to -share his house with his benefactor. With -a happy heart and a light step the traveller -went on his way, and the next morning at -the break of day he reached the city where -the former Vizier had taken up his abode. -In spite of the early hour the streets were -crowded, and the squares were filled with -people. On all sides the populace spoke -to each other in subdued tones, as if some -dreadful calamity were pending.</p> - -<p>The curiosity of the traveller was excited, -and he approached a group, and listened. -Some one was relating that the -young Prince, who had been exiled from -the court, had been found bleeding and -dead in the park of the castle. It was -thought that the murder of the Prince was -the work of some thief who desired to get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> -possession of the beautiful jewels that the -young man wore.</p> - -<p>Having his curiosity satisfied, the traveller -made his way to the house of his -friend, the philosopher Rustem, where he -was received with open arms. According -to the wishes of his friend, the traveller -related all the particulars of his journey, -which were even more wonderful than are -related here. He told, in short, his whole -history. He told Rustem of all his troubles—how -he had been rescued by a Monkey, -and how he was met by a terrible Lion, -who was rejoiced to see him, and who had -given a sumptuous feast in his honor; and -who, thinking this not enough, had presented -him with a magnificent cluster of -diamonds.</p> - -<p>After relating this extraordinary adventure, -the traveller made bold to exhibit -to Rustem the beautiful diadem, who regarded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> -it with a greedy and knowing -look, and who made many exclamations -of surprise and admiration. The worthy -traveller did not foresee the troubles that -this unfortunate diadem was to cause -him. He did not know that it had been -the cause of the death of the son of the -King.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Rustem was thinking to -himself, "I recognize these diamonds. -They belonged to my young master. -What a reward must be in store for the -one who will inform the monarch of the -murderer of his child!"</p> - -<p>Night came, and the traveller was fast -asleep. The cluster of diamonds was lying -on a table. The cowardly Vizier seized it -and ran to the palace. The ingrate, cowardly -as he was, would not hesitate to sacrifice -his benefactor, provided he could -recover his lost power.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span></p> - -<p>"Here is the property of the son whom -you have so rigorously punished. Do you -recognize these diamonds? I have in my -power the assassin who had possession of -this diadem."</p> - -<p>The unfortunate King wept on seeing -the familiar ornament which his favorite -son had worn. He kissed it, and pressed -it to his heart as if it had been his favorite -child.</p> - -<p>"Let the murderer be brought before -me," he exclaimed, "and he shall be -thrown into the darkest dungeon."</p> - -<p>The unfortunate traveller, who was -ignorant of the crime of which he was -accused, was brought before the King -with trouble and confusion imprinted on -his features. He saw the perfidious Rustem -in the crowd that surrounded him, -and, remembering the wise counsels of the -Monkey and the Serpent, suspected that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -he had been made the victim of this treacherous -person.</p> - -<p>"I deserve," he said, sadly, "the cruel -lot that is in store for me."</p> - -<p>The King, mistaking the true meaning -of these words, thought that the prisoner -had been frightened into making a confession. -He was thereupon condemned to -be burned in the public square.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, as this punishment was to -be witnessed by the whole populace, it -was postponed until after the funeral of -the young Prince. The poor traveller -was cast into the dungeon set apart for -the condemned. It was dark and clammy, -and on entering it he bade farewell to life -and happiness.</p> - -<p>A friend, however, was watching over -the poor traveller. It was the Serpent he -had delivered from the pitfall. Cautiously -he crawled along the damp walls and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> -under the doors, and avoided the observation -of the jailers. The traveller recognized -him at once.</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing," said the Serpent, "I -come to deliver you."</p> - -<p>"How can you do that, my friend?" -asked the traveller.</p> - -<p>"I have promised to redeem you from -the results of your own generosity, and I -am faithful to my promise. You refused -to believe that man is the most ungrateful -of the animals, and that he returns evil for -good. You have forgotten the good advice -given you by the Lion and the Monkey. -However, let us forget that. I will -be more cunning than the vile wretch who -is seeking your ruin."</p> - -<p>"What must be done?" the traveller -asked.</p> - -<p>"Take this herb. It alone has virtue to -cure the poison with which I have inoculated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -the King's favorite wife. The monarch -has now become a victim of the keenest -grief, and you alone can appease it. -He will soon forget the crime of which -you are accused. He who can make himself -useful is always innocent. Advertise -your talents; that is the way to success. -Apply the herb I have given you, and you -will perform miracles. Farewell! time -presses. Here comes the King to visit -you."</p> - -<p>The traveller took the advice of the -Serpent, and it soon became known at the -court that he had an infallible remedy for -all sorts of poisons, and he was taken from -the dungeon and carried to the palace, and -to the apartment of the Queen. This estimable -lady was sick and pale, and it was -apparent that she was dying little by little.</p> - -<p>The first application of the herb revived -the dying Queen, and when the remedy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> -was applied the second time the gracious -lady found herself fully recovered.</p> - -<p>"Your Majesty," said the traveller, "the -Queen will never feel again the cruel pains -that she has suffered, and her life is hereafter -safe; but I am on the eve of terminating -mine—a fate that I have not -deserved. You are too just to punish an -innocent person, and I am not the murderer -of your son. That monster, Rustem, -had contaminated the Prince's youth, and -it was through his corrupt counsels that -the young Prince was dragged into disgrace. -You will know this villain better -when I prove to you that he is the most -ungrateful of human beings."</p> - -<p>Then the traveller related to the King -the adventure in the pitfall and all that -followed. Convinced that the traveller -was telling the truth, the King ordered -that the ingrate Rustem should suffer all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> -the tortures that had been reserved for -the man who was a prisoner.</p> - -<p>This perfidious creature, Rustem, was ignorant -of all that had taken place at the -palace, and was waiting with impatience -for the success of his treasonable plots. -He was aroused from his vain dreams of -greatness, seized, and hurried off to his -doom.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>XIV<br /> -<span class="small">THE ENCHANTED PRINCESS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time there lived in a far -country a young Prince, who desired nothing -better than to take to himself a wife, -but none of the women who had been presented -to him suited his fancy or touched -his heart.</p> - -<p>"How is it," he cried, "that in all my -father's kingdom I am unable to find a -wife that suits me?"</p> - -<p>The poor young Prince became disconsolate. -He shed burning tears, refused to -eat or drink, and dwindled away in the -sight of the sun. The King saw his son's -despair and took pity on him. So one -day he called the young Prince to him -and said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span></p> - -<p>"My son, here is a gold key. Go to -the top of the highest tower of my castle, -and there you will find a door. Open it -and enter, and you will then see before -you the most beautiful and the most virtuous -women in the world. You can -have your choice. I hope you will find -among them the wife you desire."</p> - -<p>Filled with joy, Prince Erian took the -golden key, climbed the long stairs leading -to the tower, and soon arrived at the -door his father had described. But there -was no lock in which he could place the -key. He searched in vain. Disappointed, -he returned to his father.</p> - -<p>"I found the door," he said, "but the -key was useless. There was no lock."</p> - -<p>"All that is necessary," the King replied, -"is to touch the door with your key, -and immediately it will swing back on its -ruby hinges, so that you may enter."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span></p> - -<p>The Prince made haste to return to the -castle tower, and he had no sooner touched -the door with the key than it swung on its -ruby hinges.</p> - -<p>Never since the day when the sun first -shone on this poor earth of ours, never -since the golden stars sparkled in the firmament, -has such a scene been presented -to the human eye as that which Prince Erian -saw before him. An immense hall, inlaid -with thousands of glistening diamonds, -sapphires as blue as the sky, and opals -with their changing hues, lay spread out -before the King's son, who stood dumb -with astonishment and admiration. There -were soft carpets everywhere, unmatchable -pictures, and bright-colored flowers. -Silver perfuming-pans swinging from their -golden chains, and filling the air with rich -incense, burned incessantly in this enchanted -place.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span></p> - -<p>There were twelve windows in this -wonderful hall, and in each window a -young girl stood, a living picture in a -frame. All were so beautiful and so graceful -that the young Prince was dazed. -Never in his wildest dreams had he caught -a glimpse of fairies quite so beautiful, and -even the water-nymphs that he had seen -disporting themselves on the water's edge -were not so charming.</p> - -<p>Dazed and delighted as he was, there -was, nevertheless, a mystery that puzzled -the young Prince. In the first of the -twelve windows stood a young girl whose -head was covered with a gauze veil. She -alone had not turned when the King's -son entered. Prince Erian stepped to her -side and removed the veil.</p> - -<p>"Why do you look at me?" she asked, -sadly.</p> - -<p>"Because," he replied, "you are the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> -charming of all the marvellous beauties -that surround you; because you are like -the moon among the stars—like the rose -among the flowers of a garden."</p> - -<p>"What do you desire of me?" the -young girl asked.</p> - -<p>"Something that makes me tremble to -say it," responded Prince Erian. "I want -to make you my Queen, and live at your -side."</p> - -<p>"Alas! to marry me you must rescue -me. I am the prisoner of the most powerful -magician of the earth. I am held -captive by Magor, the King of the Sorcerers."</p> - -<p>"No matter!" cried the young Prince. -"I shall rescue you. I shall die if I do -not make you mine."</p> - -<p>"May you be victorious over my deadly -enemy; but, unfortunate that I am!" -sighed the beautiful prisoner, "I fear you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span> -will share the sad fate of the many gallant -young princes who have wished to deliver -me from my bonds."</p> - -<p>Quite happy, Prince Erian returned to -his father.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the King, "did you meet -the lady of your dreams?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my father."</p> - -<p>"Tell me: which did you choose?"</p> - -<p>"The most beautiful of all," exclaimed -the Prince; "the fairest of the stars, the -rose that perfumes the gardens."</p> - -<p>"The stars are all brilliant," said the -King, "and each flower sheds its perfume. -Answer me, my son; which is the -lady of your choice?"</p> - -<p>"My father, it is the veiled lady."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunate boy, you are lost!" cried -the monarch. "It is the Queen of Golconda, -the prisoner of Magor, the King of -the Magicians, that you have chosen. My<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> -poor son! to make her your queen you -must take her away from that terrible sorcerer."</p> - -<p>"Well, my father," cried the enthusiastic -young prince, "I will be her deliverer!"</p> - -<p>"Alas, my son!" said the King, "I -fear you will fail, and then you will be -turned into a statue of stone."</p> - -<p>"The risk is mine," cried Prince Erian. -"I shall overcome him."</p> - -<p>"Ah, my son! your defeat is certain. -Remain with me."</p> - -<p>"It is too late, my father, I cannot."</p> - -<p>The princely lover lost no time in setting -out to conquer Magor, the King of -the Magicians, who held the beautiful -Princess in enchantment.</p> - -<p>Prince Erian had been travelling for -several days, when he came to a gloomy -forest. Unfortunately, in passing through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> -this dark forest, he lost his way, and in -spite of all his efforts, he could not find it -again. He wandered about in the woods -for some time when, suddenly, and as if -by magic, a stranger appeared before him.</p> - -<p>"Good-day, friend!" exclaimed Prince -Erian. "What are you doing, and what -is your name?"</p> - -<p>"My name is Long," replied the other; -"and I am looking for a master who -needs my services."</p> - -<p>"The master is already found," said the -young Prince. "If you give your consent -you shall serve me."</p> - -<p>"Agreed!" exclaimed Long. "From -this day I am entirely subject to your -orders."</p> - -<p>"For the present," said Prince Erian. -"I ask nothing of you except to help me -find my way out of this terrible forest."</p> - -<p>"Is that all? Wait a moment." With<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span> -this, Long stretched himself to such an -amazing extent that his head was above -the tallest trees of the forest.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing?" asked the astonished -Prince.</p> - -<p>"I am trying to find our way out." In -a little while Long made himself short -again, no taller than an ordinary man.</p> - -<p>"Well, have you found the road?" the -Prince inquired anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Surely," replied Long. "We must -take the one to the right of you, and soon -we shall be out of this jungle."</p> - -<p>So the Prince and his companion took -the road to the right and soon found themselves -clear of the impenetrable forest. -As they came to its borders they saw a -stout man sitting at the foot of a tree. -He was round as any barrel, and he sat -breathing heavily and wiping his face with -the back of his hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span></p> - -<p>"Good-day, my slim friend," said the -Prince. "What are you doing here, and -what is your name?"</p> - -<p>"My father named me Large," replied -the stout man; "and I am resting in the -shade here, waiting for some one who -needs my services."</p> - -<p>"Your services? And what can you -do, my man?" inquired the Prince.</p> - -<p>Large made no reply. He simply -caused his body to expand to such an extent -that he filled the open field. Before -Prince Erian and Long could recover -from their astonishment, Large caused -himself to subside, being careful however, -not to collapse so suddenly as to create a -great storm.</p> - -<p>"Now, then," said he, "can I be of service -to any one?"</p> - -<p>"I think you can," the Prince answered; -"and since you possess such an extraordinary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> -talent, I will take you as my servant. -Come with me."</p> - -<p>"Gladly!" exclaimed Large, and the -Prince and his two servants continued on -their way.</p> - -<p>As the travellers drew near their journey's -end, they saw a man leaning against -an immense oak. He had a bandage over -his eyes, and he stood motionless, appearing -to be very much preoccupied.</p> - -<p>"Take this unfortunate person into -your service," Long suggested to the -Prince. "Who knows but he may prove -to be of great assistance to you later on?"</p> - -<p>"My friend," said Prince Erian, addressing -the stranger, "what is your name?"</p> - -<p>"My father named me Keen Eyes," -said the other.</p> - -<p>"A pretty neat name for a blind man," -remarked the Prince. "What can you -do?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span></p> - -<p>"My trade is to see clearly," replied -Keen Eyes. "My eyes are bandaged so -that my sight may do no damage to the -objects I fix my gaze on."</p> - -<p>"Really!" exclaimed Prince Erian; "if -your power is so great, give us an example -of it."</p> - -<p>"Look!" cried Keen Eyes. "Do you -see that immense rock yonder?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Keep your eyes on it! In an instant -it shall fly to pieces."</p> - -<p>Keen Eyes removed his bandage, -looked steadily upon the imposing mass of -granite, and it seemed to melt before his -eyes; it crumbled and fell to pieces.</p> - -<p>"My friend," said the Prince, "you are -an extraordinary man. If you will come -with me, I will take you as my servant."</p> - -<p>Keen Eyes gladly accepted the offer.</p> - -<p>After travelling a little farther, Prince<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> -Erian and his servants, Long, Large, and -Keen Eyes, came upon a magnificent castle, -the walls of which were armored with iron -and brass. This castle belonged to the terrible -Magor, the King of the Magicians, -who held the Princess of Golconda in the -spell of his enchantment.</p> - -<p>"This is the end of our journey," said -Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>He then explained to his servants the -bold scheme he had in mind, and they -made an effort to enter at once into the -castle, but the door was made of brass and -it was barred and locked.</p> - -<p>"What shall we do?" said the young -Prince.</p> - -<p>"Wait!" answered Keen Eyes. He -raised his bandage, gave the door one -glance and it crumbled into pieces. Without -further ceremony, the four travellers -entered the castle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span></p> - -<p>It was a wonderful place, this home -of the King of the Sorcerers. On every -side statues of gold and silver were to be -found, luminous flowers, and amidst all -the beauty, charming birds that spoke the -language of human beings.</p> - -<p>In one room of the castle the travellers -found a table already set and covered -with the most palatable dishes and perfumed -wines. The Prince and his companions -were very hungry; so they sat -themselves down to the feast spread before -them, and ate a great deal and drank -a great deal more. After this excellent -meal, Prince Erian and his three servants -went out to walk in the beautiful garden. -They had scarcely gone ten paces when -they met Magor and his charming captive. -At sight of these unknown persons, the -Sorcerer stood dumb with amazement. -At last, full of rage, he cried out:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why did you come here, miserable -creatures? Dare you even pretend to -take from me the pearl of pearls, the -beauty without rival that I have on my -arm, my pretty prisoner, the Princess of -Golconda?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the Prince; "and all your -magic will serve to confound you, if you -do not use your superhuman art."</p> - -<p>"So be it," assented Magor. "I will not -crush you like an earthworm. I will do -better. I will give you the lady of your -dreams, but upon one condition only."</p> - -<p>"Name it!" cried Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>"It is this: that during three days in -succession, and precisely at twelve o'clock, -you must present the Princess of Golconda -to me in the large hall of the Castle."</p> - -<p>"That is an easy thing to do," said -Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>"You are mad!" cried Magor. "Reflect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> -before you accept the challenge, for -if you permit the Princess to escape all -will be over with you. That moment you -and your companions shall be changed -into statues."</p> - -<p>"No matter," said the Prince. "I -accept."</p> - -<p>"If, at the appointed hour," the King -of the Sorcerers explained, "you present -to me the Princess of Golconda, one of -the iron rings that I wear around my waist -will fall off, and if all three should break, -one after the other, you will be victorious -over me—over Magor, the King of the -Magicians."</p> - -<p>Then Prince Erian took the arm of the -lady of his dreams, the beautiful Princess -of Golconda, and conducted her to the -hall that Magor had pointed out to him. -After the three days of the trial, the -charming Princess would be his own—all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> -his own. With what happiness, he -thought, would he present her to his -father! "Here," he would say, "is the -wife I have chosen. Magor, the King of -the Magicians, disputed my right to her, -and him I have overthrown!"</p> - -<p>But what precautions they were compelled -to use! Prince Erian closed the -door carefully and then ordered Long to -stretch himself all around the hall. Large -was told to expand himself so as to stop -up the windows, and Keen Eyes was made -to loosen the bandage around his eyes. -When all these preparations had been -made, there was only a small space left for -the beautiful Princess and Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>"Keen Eyes," said the young Prince, -"we must be careful; we must not fall -asleep; we must watch to-night."</p> - -<p>"Yes, master," responded Keen Eyes, -"we must drive away sleep."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span></p> - -<p>Nevertheless, worn out as they were, -they soon closed their eyes, and in a few -moments they were sound asleep.</p> - -<p>At dawn the next day, Prince Erian -was the first to awake. But the beautiful -Princess had disappeared. The young -Prince, filled with mingled grief and astonishment, -called out to his companions:</p> - -<p>"Awake, my friends! Awake!"</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, master? What is -the matter?" they cried:</p> - -<p>"An irreparable misfortune has befallen -me! The Princess has disappeared! -Search and see if you can find her anywhere."</p> - -<p>Long, Large, and the young Prince -searched everywhere, examining every -piece of furniture, but they did not find -the beautiful young Princess.</p> - -<p>"Alas!" they cried, "what shall we do? -we are lost!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span></p> - -<p>"Wait!" said Keen Eyes; "not yet!" -He had also been searching for the -Princess.</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed the young Prince, -"can you have found her?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Keen Eyes. "Four -hundred leagues away there is a forest. -In this forest there is a tree. On this tree -there is a limb. On this limb there is an -acorn."</p> - -<p>"Well—well?" cried Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>"And in that acorn is the Princess."</p> - -<p>"Then all is lost!" exclaimed the young -Prince. "To travel four hundred leagues -and return by noon is an impossibility."</p> - -<p>"Do not give up all hope, my master," -said Long. "Wait a little while."</p> - -<p>Keen Eyes got on Long's shoulders, and -Long stretched himself out so that with a -few leaps he was in the forest and then at -the tree. Keen Eyes took possession of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> -the precious acorn. Long drew his great -length together, and in a moment they had -returned.</p> - -<p>Prince Erian took the acorn, broke it -open, and out stepped the Princess, more -beautiful and more resplendent than ever.</p> - -<p>All this time, Magor, the King of the -Sorcerers, was laughing to himself and enjoying -the neat trick he had played on the -young Prince and his companions. At -precisely twelve o'clock he presented himself -at the door of the hall, and cried out:</p> - -<p>"Ah, well! faithful guardian! Can you -show me the beautiful Princess?"</p> - -<p>"Most certainly," replied Prince Erian. -"Behold her here!"</p> - -<p>A cry of rage broke from the Magician. -A band of iron broke from his body and -fell at his feet.</p> - -<p>"But wait!" cried Magor. "Watch -well to-night."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span></p> - -<p>"Be not uneasy," said Prince Erian. -"Meanwhile permit us to promenade in -your magnificent garden."</p> - -<p>They inspected the palace from top to -bottom and went through the garden. -They saw some very strange things, and -much that they saw was calculated to -make a very serious impression on their -minds. That which most affected the -friends of the young Princess was the -spectacle of a wall along which were -ranged the statues of many Knights.</p> - -<p>Some stood with clubs uplifted as if for -combat. Others were in an attitude of -supplication, while still others, with muscles -strained and eyes filled with fire, -seemed to be having a hand-to-hand contest -with the terrible Sorcerer; but they -had all been vanquished and turned to -stone by his power.</p> - -<p>"These unfortunate men," said the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span> -Princess, "have been transformed into -statues for attempting to rescue me from -the King of the Magicians. I have been -the innocent cause of the misfortune of -these brave men, and I bring misery to -all who interest themselves in my sad -fate."</p> - -<p>"Then why do you not fly from -this desolate palace?" Prince Erian asked. -"Are you never free from this Magician? -He has such power over you?"</p> - -<p>"Alas!" replied the Princess, "I am -not the mistress of my destiny, and when -the King of the Magicians commands -me I must obey. His power over me is -boundless. He can change me into a -bird that flies, into a grain of dust blown -about by the wind, or into a flower that -perfumes the garden. He can send me -a million leagues away, and I can neither -resist his caprice nor oppose his cruel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span> -tyranny. Those who love me perish. -He is so powerful, the others are so -weak!"</p> - -<p>"Ah, well!" exclaimed the Prince, -"I shall not die, I will deliver you -from the talons of this cruel vulture! I -will take you away from this castle, a -thousand times accursed since it is your -prison!"</p> - -<p>"Alas!" said the Princess, "I fear that -you also will suffer defeat. Are you a -magician, are you a sorcerer, that you -can contend against Magor?"</p> - -<p>"I am neither magician nor sorcerer," -replied the enthusiastic young Prince; -"but I have all the power of both, since -I love you. Do not despair. Let me do -as I wish. My friends, with their extraordinary -gifts, are your friends, and -they are devoted to your cause."</p> - -<p>"We will deliver you!" "We will deliver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> -you!" exclaimed Long, Large, and -Keen Eyes.</p> - -<p>"May you succeed!" sighed the unhappy -Princess. "But my hopes have -been dashed to the ground so many times -that I dare not depend on anyone."</p> - -<p>All day long the young Princess of -Golconda and Prince Erian walked together -and were happy, forgetting for the -time the terrible contest that was to take -place, the outcome of which was wrapped -in so much uncertainty.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the Princess disappeared. Magor, -the King of the Magicians, had called -her.</p> - -<p>The sun was disappearing little by little -below the horizon, and its golden -rays were fading before the approaching -night.</p> - -<p>All disconsolate, Prince Erian turned -his steps toward the castle. His anxiety<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span> -for the Princess was extreme, but, with -joyful surprise, he found her awaiting him -at the door.</p> - -<p>"Welcome, my Prince!" she said, and -together they entered the castle.</p> - -<p>An elegant repast was spread. The -most delicate dishes, the most exquisite -wines, burdened the table.</p> - -<p>"Come, my friends!" cried the Sorcerer, -"eat, drink, and be merry! This -may be your last meal."</p> - -<p>"Don't worry yourself, gentle sir," answered -Long. "To-morrow you may be -kept busy in the kitchen again. Rest -assured you will always find us in good -health and with hearty appetites."</p> - -<p>"We shall see about that," said Magor. -"You found my prisoner in an acorn; you -travelled four hundred leagues to bring -her back to this palace; but all that is a -very simple matter. To-morrow your task<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> -will not be such an easy one. Am I not -the King of the Magicians?"</p> - -<p>"Just so," remarked Long; "but you -are one and we are four."</p> - -<p>When supper was over, the Princess -was given into the care of Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>"Good-night!" said Magor with a -mocking smile. "Be sure that you watch -more faithfully to-night, or the fair lady -of your dreams will elude you."</p> - -<p>"Make yourself easy," replied the -Prince. "Should she escape we know -how to find her."</p> - -<p>When they arrived at the hall where -the trial was to be renewed, the Princess -said to her companions:</p> - -<p>"I know that you are very powerful, -but the cruel Magor is still more powerful. -Redouble your precautions; remain -awake and perhaps you may succeed in -rescuing me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span></p> - -<p>"Trust to us," answered Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>The most extraordinary precautions -were taken, but all to no purpose. While -Prince Erian and the Princess of Golconda -were chatting together, sleep fell -upon the small company little by little. -The wicked Sorcerer had drugged their -wine, and the effect was irresistible.</p> - -<p>"Keen Eyes," said the Prince, drowsily, -"are you awake?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my master," answered Keen -Eyes with a yawn. "Fear nothing!"</p> - -<p>But immediately his eyelids became -heavy, and every effort he made to keep -awake only made him sleep all the more -soundly.</p> - -<p>Magor, the King of the Magicians, found -it an easy matter to carry off his lovely -captive through a very small aperture that -Large had left open when he fell asleep.</p> - -<p>At sunrise Prince Erian awoke and discovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span> -that the Princess of Golconda had -disappeared. He called to his companions:</p> - -<p>"Long! Large! Keen Eyes! where are -you? Quick! the Princess has disappeared! -This is our last day if we do not -find her at once!"</p> - -<p>They searched on all sides, but without -success.</p> - -<p>"Do not distress yourself," said Keen -Eyes, to the young Prince, who was lamenting. -"See! A thousand leagues -from here—farther than the sea, farther -than the mountains—there is a broad and -waving field of wheat. In that field of -wheat there is a ridge. On that ridge there -is a stalk. On that stalk there is an ear. -In that ear there is a grain. In that grain -the beautiful Princess is hid."</p> - -<p>Once more Keen Eyes mounted the -shoulders of Long, who stretched himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span> -again—stretched and took such long steps -that in an hour's time he had crossed seas -and mountains and reached the wheatfield. -The two friends released the Princess -from her floury prison, and in a short -time were back at the castle.</p> - -<p>Prince Erian had been awaiting their -return, tortured by the agony of suspense. -It is impossible to describe his joy in beholding -once more the beautiful lady of -his dreams. He laughed and sang and -seemed almost beside himself. He could -scarcely keep his eyes off the Princess -even for a moment. Suddenly there came -a knocking at the door.</p> - -<p>Blam—blam! Blam!</p> - -<p>"Come in!" said the Prince Erian.</p> - -<p>It was the King of the Magicians who -entered. He smiled mockingly.</p> - -<p>"Ah, well, my heroes!" he exclaimed, -"are you as joyous to-day as you were yesterday<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span> -at this hour, and can you present -the Princess to me?"</p> - -<p>"It is my pleasure to do so," said Prince -Erian, with mock courtesy. "Behold the -Princess here!"</p> - -<p>The Sorcerer grew pale with anger, and -his eyes shot forth fire. A second band -of iron fell from his waist and broke.</p> - -<p>"One day still remains, and this time -we shall see who is the conqueror," said -Magor, furious with rage. Thus speaking -he retired to an apartment in his palace, -where he remained throughout the day, -scheming to outwit Prince Erian and his -companions. He now realized that he -had met adversaries who were dangerous, -and he knew that the contest of the next -day would be final. What could he do to -hide the beautiful captive? At last he -thought he had found a way and a sigh -of relief escaped his lips.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span></p> - -<p>Meanwhile Prince Erian and his companions -were taking counsel together. -They were filled with anxiety. They -knew that the King of the Magicians -would use all his art to carry off and conceal -the beautiful Princess. They knew, -too, that if they failed to find her their -fate was sealed. They would take their -places among the unfortunate knights -who had been transformed into statues.</p> - -<p>That night they took unusual precautions, -but all was in vain, for when -they awoke the next morning the Princess -of Golconda had again disappeared.</p> - -<p>"Awake, friends! Arise!" cried the -young Prince, when he made the discovery. -"The Princess is gone? Let us -search for her."</p> - -<p>Long and willingly they searched, but -all in vain. Keen Eyes himself was puzzled. -He looked into the sky and on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span> -earth, penetrated the mountains, and -looked into the bottom of the precipice. -He could see nothing that resembled the -beautiful young Princess.</p> - -<p>"Ah, well!" cried Prince Erian. "The -Sorcerer is stronger than we. This time -we are lost."</p> - -<p>The sun was already high up in the -heavens, and the time was approaching -when the King of the Magicians was to -make his appearance and demand the -Princess.</p> - -<p>But Keen Eyes did not despair. His -keen glance searched everywhere. Suddenly -he gave a cry of joy.</p> - -<p>"Victory! victory! The Princess is -ours! I have discovered her hiding-place."</p> - -<p>"Where is it?" cried Prince Erian. -"Quick! Time is precious."</p> - -<p>"Do you see yonder—away yonder in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span> -the Black Sea," said Keen Eyes, pointing -as eagerly as if all eyes were as keen as his—"do -you see that wave rocked by the -hurricane, ascending to the surface and -descending to the depths of the abyss, -pushed here and thrown there by the -storm? In the centre of that tremendous -wave there is a void. In that void is a ring. -In that ring is your beautiful Princess."</p> - -<p>"What shall we do, my friends? What -shall we do?" cried the young Prince.</p> - -<p>"Large," said Keen Eyes, by way of answer, -"get on Long's shoulders with me. -He will take us to the shore of the sea -where the storm-tossed wave is swimming."</p> - -<p>Large obeyed, and at once and swiftly -they made their way to the sea—swifter -than the north wind they travelled, over -plains and over mountains, past rivers and -hills.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span></p> - -<p>"Faster, faster!" cried Keen Eyes.</p> - -<p>They reached the sea, but their difficulty -was not over. How should they get possession -of the storm-tossed wave? Long -stretched himself and pursued it, but when -he thought he held it, it would slip from -his hands and disappear.</p> - -<p>"Wait," said Large. "I am going to -get it."</p> - -<p>Then he began to drink, drink, drink, -so rapidly that the wave with the void in -its centre was at last brought within reach, -so that the ring could be seized.</p> - -<p>What an extraordinary sight it was to -see a man as big as the thickest mountains, -casting his shadow over the entire country, -his head reaching beyond the clouds -that floated in the sky. Large's immense -size can be imagined. He had been compelled -to drink the greater part of the sea -so as to get possession of the ring.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span></p> - -<p>Having found the Princess at last, Long -and Keen Eyes started on their return -journey to the magician's castle.</p> - -<p>But they had lost so much time trying -to capture the ring that contained the -Princess that the hour of noon was about -to strike.</p> - -<p>"Courage—courage!" cried Long. His -immense strides carried him over hills -and ravines, vast plains and dense forests. -In a minute they will be at the -castle. Forward! Quick! Fast and still -faster.</p> - -<p>"We are lost!" exclaimed Keen Eyes.</p> - -<p>"No!" cried Long, "we are here!" -He made a supreme effort, and, at one -stride, reached the castle. As he came to -the door, he saw the Magician about to -enter.</p> - -<p>"Let me pass!" demanded Keen Eyes.</p> - -<p>"After me, if you please," said Magor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span></p> - -<p>"Infamous Sorcerer!" exclaimed Keen -Eyes, "I must enter!"</p> - -<p>"After me, I said," responded Magor.</p> - -<p>But while they were disputing Long -threw the enchanted ring through the window, -and when the King of the Magicians -entered the hall, the Princess of Golconda, -more beautiful than ever, received him.</p> - -<p>The clock struck the hour of noon!</p> - -<p>At sight of the Princess, the King of -the Magicians trembled and a terrible cry -burst from his lips. Then, transforming -himself into a raven, he disappeared in -space.</p> - -<p>The third iron band had fallen from -Magor's waist and broken.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile a marvellous change was -taking place. The spell of the wicked -Sorcerer was destroyed. The statues -came to life. On all sides gay laughter -and joyous songs could be heard, and one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> -might have thought that these people, -Knights and Princes, were the invited -guests at a wedding.</p> - -<p>And so they were, for the marriage of -the beautiful Princess of Golconda took -place at once, and the guests were the -Knights and Princes who had been restored -to life. All of them took part in -the festivities, and at daybreak they were -still dancing in the Sorcerer's castle.</p> - -<p>As soon as possible Prince Erian and -his charming Princess turned their steps -in the direction of that distant city where -the aged King was waiting with impatience -for his beloved son. Large had -not yet returned, but Long went after -him, and, all together, they wended their -way toward the palace where Prince Erian -first saw the light.</p> - -<p>The joy of the Prince's parents cannot -be described. They were never tired of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span> -embracing their child. They overwhelmed -him with questions, and then kissed and -caressed him, and thus prevented him from -talking. Nor was the beautiful Princess -forgotten; each one embraced her, and received -her as Prince Erian's wife should -be received.</p> - -<p>The festivities lasted many days, and -when they were over, Long, Large, and -Keen Eyes asked to leave the Prince.</p> - -<p>"Why leave me?" said Prince Erian. -"You know how much I owe you, and -whether I love you. Remain with me -always."</p> - -<p>"No," replied Keen Eyes, "the palace -stifles us, and the fine clothes we wear are -uncomfortable. We are useless at this -court."</p> - -<p>"I will make you princes," said Prince -Erian; "I will make you kings, if you will -assist me in all my undertakings."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span></p> - -<p>"Men of our kind," said Long, "give -kingdoms but receive none. At odd times, -dear prince, we shall visit you. May we -always find you happy and contented."</p> - -<p>Then bowing low to Prince Erian, -Long, Large, and Keen Eyes sighed and -disappeared.</p> - - - - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>XV<br /> -<span class="small">LOONY JOHN</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>When Loony John was born, his -mother leaned her head sadly on her hand -and murmured:</p> - -<p>"What will become of this boy later? -Will he be wicked or innocent, rich or -poor, intelligent or a simpleton?"</p> - -<p>"He will be rich," answered a little -fairy. Her voice seemed to come from -the rafters.</p> - -<p>"He will be poor," said a second one.</p> - -<p>"Intelligent," said a third.</p> - -<p>Then a fourth voice made itself heard—"Your -child will never be anything but -a simpleton."</p> - -<p>The unhappy mother recognized that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span> -voice. She had heard it one day when -she refused to take pity on an old beggar-woman, -and now she knew that the -woman was no other than the Queen of -the Fairies in disguise.</p> - -<p>The child grew and thrived, and when -he was sixteen, his mother said:</p> - -<p>"My son, I have many trials. We are -poor and I want you to learn a trade. -What do you want to do?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing."</p> - -<p>"You do not want to work?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," answered Loony John; -"work is tiresome."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" thought the poor mother, "the -Queen of the Fairies is taking her revenge."</p> - -<p>Some days afterward the good woman -needed a trivet, and sent her son to -buy it.</p> - -<p>Loony John ran to the city and bought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span> -a splendid one, and was returning home -contentedly, when he found that the trivet -was too heavy. So he sat it down and -addressed it:</p> - -<p>"There is the road that leads to our -home. You have three feet and I have -but two. Run on ahead and be sure not -to stop on the way, for my mother needs -your services."</p> - -<p>Loony John put his hands in his pockets -and went whistling along the road.</p> - -<p>"Where is the trivet?" demanded his -mother when he reached home.</p> - -<p>"Well, well!" exclaimed Loony John, -"is it not already here? The lazy thing -must have lagged on the way. With its -three feet it should have been here a good -quarter of an hour ago."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" said the mother, "the trivet is -lost. What a simpleton you are to talk -to a piece of iron as if it had life. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> -should have put it in your sack and carried -it on your shoulders."</p> - -<p>"Well, mother," answered Loony John, -"another time I shall know what to -do."</p> - -<p>One day Loony John's mother concluded -to celebrate the birthday of her -oldest daughter, and some wine was -needed for the invited guests, and Loony -John was sent after it to a neighboring -village. As he was returning, he remembered -what his mother said about putting -the trivet in a sack.</p> - -<p>"Oh—ho!" he cried. "I was about to -make a serious blunder. If I carry this -wine to the house in a jug they will scold -me. If a trivet should be put in a sack -why not the wine!"</p> - -<p>So he poured it into his sack.</p> - -<p>"Where is the wine?" he was asked -when he returned home.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span></p> - -<p>"I had no sooner put it in the sack than -it ran away on all sides."</p> - -<p>"Did you not have a jug?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"What a misfortune!" his mother said. -"You should have carried it on your head."</p> - -<p>Loony John said he would do better -next time.</p> - -<p>Not long after this, he was sent for a -servant who had been engaged to watch -the young turkeys.</p> - -<p>"This time," said Loony John, "I shall -be careful to make no mistake."</p> - -<p>He soon found the servant, who was a -young girl, and said to her:</p> - -<p>"We have no time to lose. Let us be -off. Come! get on my head and let's -go."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I thank you, sir," the young girl -answered, laughingly. "You are too good. -I can walk very well on my feet."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span></p> - -<p>But Loony John was not to be put off -in this way. He remembered that he had -been told to carry the wine on his head, and -as the new servant showed no inclination -to obey him he gave her a terrible beating. -She fell almost lifeless by the roadside.</p> - -<p>"Oh—ho!" cried Loony John, "you -think you will have me scolded again to-day; -but I am not so fond of a scolding, -I can assure you."</p> - -<p>Without delay he placed the poor girl -on his head and carried her home, where -he arrived well-nigh exhausted.</p> - -<p>"What is it you have there?" his -mother cried.</p> - -<p>"It is our new servant I bring you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, what an unhappy creature I am!" -exclaimed the mother. She hastened to -put the servant to bed. The poor girl's -arms were broken and her shoulders -bruised.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span></p> - -<p>During the fortnight that followed, -Loony John was sent on no errands. But -the servant girl grew steadily worse, and -one morning the doctor had to be sent -for. There was no one to go but Loony -John, and accordingly he was sent.</p> - -<p>"Ask for only one," his mother cautioned -him.</p> - -<p>"Have no fear," answered Loony John, -and he went on his way yelling as loud -as he could:</p> - -<p>"Let only one come! Let only one -come!"</p> - -<p>The road led by a river, and as Loony -John was going along, he saw a fisherman -who, since early morning, had been -throwing out his line without success. -Loony John's song did not please him.</p> - -<p>"Silly scamp!" he exclaimed, "say -'Let a thousand come!' if you want to -save your bones."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span></p> - -<p>Immediately Loony John cried out:</p> - -<p>"Let a thousand come! Let a thousand -come!"</p> - -<p>He went on and came to a wood where -a shepherd was struggling with a fierce-looking -wolf. The contest seemed to interest -him. He sat down quietly on a -stone and awaited results.</p> - -<p>The struggle was long and furious, but -the man at last overpowered the beast, -and the wolf fell mortally wounded. -While the shepherd was recovering from -his exertions he heard a strange refrain. -Loony John was yelling:</p> - -<p>"Let a thousand come! Let a thousand -come!"</p> - -<p>The shepherd rose to his feet, furious.</p> - -<p>"You young rascal! Say, rather, 'May -the Imp seize him!'"</p> - -<p>At once Loony John took up the new -refrain and went on his way crying:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span></p> - -<p>"May the Imp seize him! May the -Imp seize him!"</p> - -<p>Presently he met a funeral procession, -but he still continued his cry.</p> - -<p>"Will you hush?" said one in the procession. -"If you must go yelling along -the road, cry out, 'May the Lord protect -him!'"</p> - -<p>Loony John was willing—none more -so—and very soon the echoes were repeating:</p> - -<p>"May the Lord protect him! May -the Lord protect him!"</p> - -<p>At the entrance of the village where -the doctor lived, a house was on fire, and -a crowd of people were trying to put it -out. Some wicked person had set it on -fire and he had been caught. He was -safely tied, and those who were not helping -to put out the fire were engaged in jeering -and insulting the wicked incendiary.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span></p> - -<p>Loony John also wanted to see the culprit, -but for fear he would forget what he -had been told to say, he kept on repeating:</p> - -<p>"May the Lord protect him! May the -Lord protect him!"</p> - -<p>The crowd was indignant, and on all -sides were heard cries of "Here is his accomplice!" -Immediately Loony John was -seized and beaten, and, in spite of his tears -and entreaties, was thrown into prison.</p> - -<p>How he escaped need not be told. -There is an old saying, "A fool for luck!" -and it is a true one. Loony John got back -home somehow.</p> - -<p>Some time afterward Easter Sunday -came, and when Loony John's mother -started to church she said:</p> - -<p>"Above all things, don't forget to put -the hen in the stew-pan."</p> - -<p>"I will certainly do that," he answered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span></p> - -<p>The good woman went off, leaving Loony -John very much perplexed. He did -not know which hen his mother wanted. -So, after thinking the matter over, he went -into the hen-house and said:</p> - -<p>"Which one of you is to be cooked for -dinner?"</p> - -<p>"Cluck—cluck—cluck!" answered a -setting hen.</p> - -<p>"Pshaw! don't talk Dutch!" protested -Loony John; "I can't understand you."</p> - -<p>"Cluck—cluck—cluck!" said the setting -hen.</p> - -<p>Loony John was more puzzled than ever, -but he repeated the question:</p> - -<p>"Answer! Which one of you is to be -eaten for dinner to-day?"</p> - -<p>By this time the frightened chickens -had all run out of the house into the garden, -leaving only the old setting hen who -had been answering Loony John in Dutch.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh! you are the one! Very well!"</p> - -<p>Loony John seized her and put her in -the stew-pan alive. Then he began to -think, and he remembered that the eggs -were not hatched and that the nest was -without a hen.</p> - -<p>"My mother did not think of that," -said Loony John, and at once he went and -sat on the nest in the hen's place.</p> - -<p>When his mother returned home she -called for her son.</p> - -<p>"John! Oh, John! where are you?"</p> - -<p>"Here, in a corner of the hen-house!"</p> - -<p>"Where?" exclaimed the mother. "I -do not see you."</p> - -<p>"Cluck—cluck—cluck!" said Loony -John.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you answer?" cried his -mother.</p> - -<p>"Cluck—cluck—cluck!" said Loony -John.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span></p> - -<p>His mother at last found him quietly -sitting on the eggs.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing there?" she -asked, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Sh—h!" replied Loony John. "Don't -make any noise. I am setting."</p> - -<p>"Did you put the hen in the stew-pan?"</p> - -<p>"Cluck—cluck—cluck!"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?" inquired -the good woman. "Speak!"</p> - -<p>"I say that I am setting!" said Loony -John, "and I will fly off the nest and -scratch in the garden if you continue to -disturb me in this manner."</p> - -<p>"Why do you set?" his mother asked.</p> - -<p>"Because the hen that sat on these eggs -is about to boil."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is not the hen that was to -be cooked for dinner to-day, but the one -that I picked yesterday and put in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> -cupboard!" The good woman shook her -head in despair and went away.</p> - -<p>How long Loony John sat on the nest -cannot be told, but one day, some time -afterward, he was passing by a farm where -he saw a woman picking a chicken and -carefully placing the feathers to one side. -Loony John was very much interested in -this, and so he said to her:</p> - -<p>"Please, ma'am, tell me what you are -doing with those feathers?"</p> - -<p>The woman was not without humor, -and she replied:</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask such a simple question? -I am going to plant the feathers, -of course. Doesn't your mother plant the -feathers she picks from chickens?"</p> - -<p>"My gracious! No!"</p> - -<p>"Well, then, it is because she doesn't -own any Catchmeddler hens."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why do you plant the feathers?" inquired -Loony John.</p> - -<p>"Well, well! your country must be a -very poor place, young man. Is it possible -you don't know that one of these -feathers, carefully cultivated, will yield -each month a fat, frying-size chicken?"</p> - -<p>"If that is so," said Loony John, "sell -me two hundred dollars' worth of your -largest and finest feathers."</p> - -<p>The woman laughed in her sleeve. She -had never dreamed that an old hen could -bring her so much money. She hastened -to close the trade with Loony John, and, -to show that she was not at all picayunish, -she threw in the two feet of the old hen -for good measure.</p> - -<p>Loony John went on his way happy. -When he reached home he got the hoe, -went out into the garden, and began to -plant his fine feathers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span></p> - -<p>"How everybody will admire my fine -square of feathers!" he said to himself. -"I will call to every passer-by and say, -'Behold the beautiful hen-patch! Has -ever such a wonder been seen before?'"</p> - -<p>The next week, however, Loony John -went all in tears to find the farm-woman.</p> - -<p>"Well, well! my good young man!" -exclaimed the woman when she saw him, -"what do you cry for? Has your house -been burnt?"</p> - -<p>"That would be but a trifle," replied -Loony John.</p> - -<p>"Alas! is your mother dead?"</p> - -<p>"That would be an irreparable misfortune, -but after awhile we should become -reconciled."</p> - -<p>"What plague has fallen upon you?"</p> - -<p>"The hail!" cried Loony John; "the -hail that uprooted my beautiful chicken -feathers. The wind also came among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span> -them and scattered them over the country. -Do not scold me! I have hunted for -them, but I cannot find a single one."</p> - -<p>"We should have thought about the -possibility of a storm," said the shrewd -woman. "It was not hens you should -have cultivated, my young friend, but -sausages—for sausages will withstand the -wind and hail."</p> - -<p>"But how would the sausages grow?" -asked Loony John, drying his tears.</p> - -<p>"Why, like apples and cherries; but the -trees, instead of producing these fruits, -bear beautiful sausages. People who are -not educated think that sausages are only -made by those who deal in meat. But -surely you know better," said the shrewd -woman.</p> - -<p>Loony John tried to hide his astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Who would be so simple-minded as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span> -not to know that?" he replied. "For how -much, ma'am, will you sell the sausages -you speak of?"</p> - -<p>"Twenty dollars apiece, if they are for -yourself," answered the woman.</p> - -<p>"I'll take a dozen," said Loony John, -with the air of a fine trader. "I shall -need no more to-day."</p> - -<p>The shrewd woman brought Loony -John a dozen old sausages and carefully -wrapped them up. He paid for them on -the spot, and then, forgetting his first misfortune—the -wind and the hail—he returned -home singing.</p> - -<p>Loony John grew older as the days -went by. A beard appeared on his face. -He even took to himself a wife; but he -still remained Loony John.</p> - -<p>One day, when the sun was shining -brightly, he dressed himself in his new -suit of clothes, put on his best hat and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span> -gloves, and went to the fair in the neighboring -village. He enjoyed himself, and -created a great deal of amusement for -others by his queer blunders. In the afternoon -the thought occurred to him that -his wife would be expecting him at home, -and so he started to return.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, a shower came up, just -as he was crossing a bridge. Big drops of -rain were falling on all sides. In a little -while his fine hat, his new clothes, and his -gloves that he was so proud of would be -ruined.</p> - -<p>"Goodness gracious!" cried Loony -John, "if I suffer myself to get wet like -this I shall be called a simpleton indeed, -and my friends will have good cause to -laugh at me. What shall I do?"</p> - -<p>Suddenly he shouted for joy. A wonderful -idea had struck him.</p> - -<p>"I will throw myself in the river!" he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span> -exclaimed. "Once in the water, it will -be impossible for the rain to wet my -clothes."</p> - -<p>No sooner said than done. Into the -water jumped Loony John. He couldn't -swim and so he was drowned. The next -day the miller found the body in the -water. He drew it out, and Loony John -was buried with great pomp. On his -tombstone was an inscription in Latin, -which, being interpreted, reads:</p> - -<p class="center in0 p2t"><span class="smcap">Here Lies</span><br /> -<span class="smcap xlarge">loony john</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">who<br /> -Jumped Into the Water<br /> -to keep<br /> -From Getting Wet</span>.</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 class="nobreak p1">Transcriber's Note</h2> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected.</p> - -<p>Variations in hyphenation have been standardised but all other spelling and -punctuation remains unchanged.</p> - -<p>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EVENING TALES***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 56153-h.htm or 56153-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/6/1/5/56153">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/1/5/56153</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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