The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1864-12-10
BER7HA'S WALK

that glittered like gold. II remained In the sane
place, only futtering it's wings and ut,ering lie
hill cry Of distress. As Bertha approached abe
perceived that It bad been csught in . fcwler's
snare. Amer many efforts she succeeded IN Olsen.
ansling the wire. and the captive spread i,s bright
wings, and Gov high UP into the air with . Wild
SOM Of Joy.
Bertha once again continued her journey, and
arrived without further interruption at the town.
She sold her mothers thread, executed the other
Commissions With which sse had been entrusted.
snd some time before sunset she Sc, out on her
return.
was warm bright sutumnh evening, but tie
rays Of the setting sun, glitter through the yell
low leaves warned Berihs 10 asten forward for by
the time she entered the forest il had sunk down
behind tall tree and II had become 80 dark, thai
the stout heart Of the little maiden began 20 besa
somewhat aster than usuh', as she tried, with her
bright eyes. to pierce through the gloom which
| gathering rapidly In the dark vista before her.
was abe In the right path i-perhAps not-snd
yet abe felt almost slre-no, she had not seen tbs,
lightning scotched tree in the morning-yct whers
could size have los, the psth'-she would 20 back
and try 70 End It,"
but darker and darker the shades Of n ght gather.
ed around her and, as she wandered on. now fsl'.
In over the projecting roots Of the trees, feel.
ing her way amongst their rugged stems, she only
became further entangled in the thick and brery
| underwood. Al length. weared and faint she sal
| down q, the foot Of tree, and wept bitterly. She
thoughthow her mother would al, before the cottage
| door, watching for her oil the evening, and ,hen
how she would 60 In and prepare the evening meAl,
and the cheerful FIRE, 70 greet her darling her
turn and then she fancied her wandering forth In
to the forest 10 seek her, and losing her way, aud
dying Of gIief and fear.
Bertha knew no, how long she had remained in this
state. by degrees she became almost stupiaod with
terror the huge boughs Of the trees assumed fright.
fu and terrific shapes, As they seemed TO bead TO.
wards her, and extend their giant arms II to en-
fold her within their ehasuy embrace. The poor
etild pressed down her hands over her eye-nds TO
shut out the hideous forms that haunted her. She
tired to pray, but her thoughts wandered, and be.
came more and more confused, and . desthlikstor.
por was gradually stealing over her. She was sud.
denly reused by slight rushing sound, which sp.
reared almost close to her she looked up. but she
could see nothing. Again the sound was repeated.
and then she felt something gently touch her foot
she put forth her hand and there she felt o small
round substance she took Il up aud TO her surprise
perceived that It WIS albert. In few moments
another laid At her feet, then another and then
. great many more. Bertha ate the nuts, for shs
was very hungry, and 90 she did ~, her strength
returned rapidly, and still more nuts brought
and presently, she put out her hand 20 take them,
she felt soft head thrus, Into it.. 1T must DO The
squirrel" said Berths, dear Little hing, how
kind you are" Then the squirrel nestled close TO
her, Just as If Il understood what she said.
| Just then, b arths saw, at . short distance, .
bright light shining likes star amongst the green
grass. Gradually 1t approached nearer to her, aud
then she saw that It was glou-rorp,, Of wonderful
size and brilliance. 1t came quite close to her and
lay at her feet the hight II threw around
bright that 1t illumined 3 space Of eveial yards
every side, with q soft radiance ike moonlight.
"And are you come to help me, pretty glow-worm'"
said Bertha The glow-worm answered ny sp.
proschipR still TO her, and the little girl
gathered lea, and laying the beautiful insect up.
on II, she held 1t in her hand. And now the clear
melodious note OF bird burst forth upon the still
night air, and with q rushing sound the beautiful
blue bird with I'VE golden crest few by, and alight.
ell at Derths's feet then turning its head, and look
Ing at her with bright eyes aud repeating iu song
Il hoped forward little way, and then stood still
as inviting her to follow, Bertha now arose, and
fed by the squirrel lighted by the glow.worn, and
guided by the golden crested bird, she proceeded
her way, full OF thankiulne-s and Joy.
After walking for about m hour, Bertha found
herself at the termination of the forest, and few
. steps more brought hor 10 her mothers door.
When she entered. she found her mother nearly
senseless from grief and terror, and some Of her