Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1867-02-22

So there was no end to tie variety oi
occu pations there. The three chlldrei
were bewildered, but not frightened; for 4:
they passed along, each gnOme turned and
smiled kindly on them and badc them wei
come
Alter a while. he who had brought them
there, said " 1t is time for you to 90 home,
but first, Will redeem my promise choose
each Of you what you will, and It shall be
yours"
Crispus's brother spoke first; Il see
see yOnder a great castle, with wood and
sparks; would Ike that or one like it.
" You shall have it," replied the gnome.
The sister spoke next: Il would like
that diamond necklace, and that coach and
horses.''
"You shall have them,' answered the
gnome.
Lastly. Crispus spoke; Good gnome ,
you are wiser than / give me whatever Is
is best for me, whatever will make me hap
piest."
"You are a sensible boy" quoth the
gnome and with great ceremony he pre-
sented to Crispus little wooden cup.
"Not empty said voice " look with
m And behold Crispu5 saw a drop like
water at the bottom. e Drink that, sand
the gnome. And when he had done 30, he
SAID " am contentei with my present;
1t Is the best, or you would not have given
it to me-
Once more now they were all three put
into the bucket, and whirlei up into the
moonlight. Then the little man took them
all on his back, and scampered across the
fields TO their IA her : house, and climbed in
6 window, and put them safely into their
beds. They were very tintd, and soon
fell asleep; and the next day, the first thing
Crispus did was TO look at hls cup.
MY brother and sister had grand things
promised to them, thought he; Il wonder
what an to do with a wretched wooden
cup viii put it in the kitchen, 1t is no
better than other cups.
But as he looked, he saw, as 1n the pre-
yious night, a single clear drop IN the bot
tom, and as before, he drank it.
Il am well satisfied with my cup. ox-
claimed he; ''there Is some magic in It
time will show"
Many long talk did the three children
have about their adventure at tie well
and IN vain did the other two rrY 20 drink
from the mysterious cup. They might hold
1t upside down as long as they pleased, the
drop clung to the bottom they might try
to touch it, it disappeared without wetting
their fingers. Only Crispus could enjoy it;
and the moment he sIpped It ont. another
one filed it's place, as bright as ever.
They made seyer... more expeditions TO the
well but they saw only the moonlight
streaming down into the darkness, and heard
only the night breeze stirring the long grass.
So at last they gave up going there, and in
time ceased talking Of the occurrence, and
seemed all 70 have forgotten it, exc 20 Cris-
pus. whose wooden cup was bis rsncmb-auc-
a.; and 1t:- timc when worldly matters went
wrong with him. when his Old father was
p,cyi-h, and his customers ic-t were hari
TO tit Cor be had taken up his fathers ,rade)
when bad debts made their fare a-i ire
scanty, when, attcs stitching et s.os= ail
day. be had to stitch Gp the holes iu bis
shabby garments by night--undlr all these
indictions. often and often would Do sip up
the little pearly drop in the bottom Of h:s
cup, and be as merry and hgh.hcr-sd a-
ever.