Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-04-23
TINE LITTLE MEN OF GOLD.
a FRENCH FAIRY rAls.

ed because they were hardly two feet
high, and were possessed Of great rich
eS.
From habit, they dwelt under the
ground, and were never seen by mortal
eyes, except Sometimes at daybreak,
when they were seen drying, BY the
FIRST rays Of the sun, immense heaps Of
gold, which was moist from being buri
ed under ground. They chiefly fire.
quent the neighborhood Of the Castle
Of MoIlaix, in Bretagne.
We now come to our story.
Once upon time peasant, named
Theogonec, was returning from fair,
with his wife. They had spent all day,
Sunday, in merriment, and, towards
evening, set out for home, where they
expected to arrive towards midnight;
but either because the night was dark,
orbecause Theogonec was little tipsy,
they lost their way, and it wasnot I'M
til near daybreak that they approach
ed Morlaix.
Now Theogonec was little given
to drinking, and spent good deal Of
his earnings in this way; his wife had
accompanied him to the fair, IN the
hope Of restraining, him in some de-
gree; but, as Theogonec was the stron-
gest, he answered his wife's remon-
strances with beating, and drank as
much as she pleased.
On they went; Theogonec reeling,
bis wife weeping, as the sun rose.
Suddenly Theogonec rubbed his
eyes.
wife, don't you see something's
what CAN'T be?'
1t was COW, or a cat, or dog said
Theogonec, growing pale, 4 should
say it was that evil genius, 7eusasTou-
her.
But, said the wife, 'it is neither a
COW, nor dog, nor cat. Come, don't
be afraid, let US go close up; perhaps
it is the good genius, Teuss; he will
not hurt u.s.
sYoa don't know what you are talking
about, wife; Teuss never comes in these
parts; besides, he is never TO be seen
but from midnight to two O'Clock, and
now it is four. Teuss is dressed al
ways in white; but this-and it grows
smaller as we get nearer! what can it
ber
Whilst they were talking. Theogo-
nee heard a noise under ground, like
striking on metal.
sOh!' said the wife, lit is the Little
Men of Gold; don't you hear them
there spreading their gold out. Let us
go round, so as not to disturb them
How ridiculous! they will be very
glad to see US. Don't you know, they
will give you gold for the asking? 4
mean TO ask them for some, and you'll
see i'll won't be RICH
Take care, Theogonec, it is very
dangerous to have anything to do with
these unearthly sort ofpeople; do come
round the other way, and let them a.
lone.'
you fool! did not they give two
thousand pounds, in gold, to Rera6on
and why should not | try, as well as
he!'
you know, you always Go have bad
luck
They were now quite near the little
people, four of whom were turning the
heaps of gold over and over, with sho-
wells.
Theogonec saluted them respectfully.
Gentlemen, here ! am, poor man,
without a cent; could not you make
my fortune?'
'How much do you want,' asked
the four little men.
"A hundred frances answered the
wife, "a hundred francs only
Hold your tengue!' said Theogo-
nee, 'and let me manage my business
myself
Don't ask too much answered she,
implonngly.
Il must have, said Theogonec, some
to built up my house-it is falling
down.
The four little men presented him
twenty pieces Of gold, on the ends of
their shovels.
i must have,' continued he, 'to buy
the little bit Of meadow adjoining my
house..
The four little men presented him
with FIVE pieces of gold, on the ends Of
their shovels.
Theogonec put the twenty pieces of
gold in bis pocket.
Enough, enough said his wife, in
low voice, 'thank them now, and
come on
is that alp asked the four little
men.
Il must hnve,' said Theogonec,
something 10 buy a COW and calf
The four little men whispered to each
other, and appeared to hold consulta-
ton after the manner Of big men, on