Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-05-26
The MiIler's Treasure.

In the wonderful days Of once upon
time, there lived worthy miller Now he
was a very worthy miller, indeed aud he had
very large family Of small and rosy boys
and girls As you may suppose, he had to
struggle with all his might and main to keep
his own head and his wife's head, aud his
childrens respective noodles above water.
Chatter, clatter, hum, hum went the mill all
day long yet, when Saturday night came
round, and the miller took from his earnings
this little amount for the butcher, and that
little sum for the shoemaker, there were but
few, if any, pence to lay by for rainy day.
In truth the miller's purse was considerably
lower than the water in his dam. And that
il saying great deal. Week after week he
grew more discouraged. Instead Of the
cheerful face which he was wont to show to
his neighbors, he turned to them a sour and
not to speak harshly, but to give the miller
his due--a repulsiye and ill-natured yisage
Time went on, and matters grew from bad to
worse
One winters evening the miller sat by his
scanty fire, which he hugged as if he were try
ing to keep the smouldering embers from
growing cold. The rest Of the family had
gone to bed. He was frowning and mopng
as usual. On his breast hung his shaggy
head, and It was in that state of depression
that it looked as if it were about to tumble
from his shoulders into the ashes. Suddenly
he heard the patter of light footstep out
side the cottage. A low knock fell upon the
door.
Come in said the miller, in no welcome
tones The door sprang open, and in popped
a iairy-a lovely, merry-eyed fairy OF
course the poor miller was astonished and be-
wildcred. 50 would you or have been.
"Am | welcome, Master Miller ?" rang out
the sneotoot little voioo in the world
Now the miller couldn't find it in his heart
to say, No and so he frightened up, and
in his most polite manner said Yes, quite
welcome, thank you
"Are you sure | am ?" questioned the fairy
WIZ, yes" quoth the miller, "eom'
closer to the fire, won't you, and take chair
for YOU must be cold rowing about iu such
pinching weather as this is
"Ohl no." replied the fairy. I'm no
cold, thank you, for you see, we wee folk
have good warm hearts, and warm hear
, goes great way towards keeping the rest o
the body warm, Master Miller. Besides, W
are always ccntented, no matter what weathe
the seasons bring, and you know there
E. nothing like contentment to keep one Cheerful
!. and happy.
But you are sad and you are morosC
Master Miller | know the reason, and
i have come to help you" The miller's dark
ening frowu changed into glowing smile
g. "You don't get on in the world, Maste
Miller. You are often discouraged and dc
pressed by triAing difficulties You ofte
neglect your work, and then sigh and bemoa
your fate because your work neglects yo'
You have tried to make money too fast tc
your own good. Now turn over new lea
a Master Miller leave you this chest, wher'
= !. in YOU will find great treasure"
~ - The miller took the chest. 1t was ver
he large one, but it looked to him as if it wei
~ bursting with golden guineas.
Now harken TO me" said the fairy. "YC
rs are not to open this until your family are a
10 tually in need Of bread to eat. Toll on
- your mill. Be trustful and earnest. Dri
away your ugly frowns, for they are excee
ingly unbecoming to that manly face of youl
at Do as bid you, on pain OF nay dlspleasur'
IS tell you, fairy's displeasure is SON
he thing awful ;,
m1s m The miller promised that he would OBJ
ny the fairy in everything
er. Good night, Master Miller" chirped
. BIC fairy.
',y aGood night, and bless you thousa
Of times!" cried the miller.
Iso, {" But stay" said the fairy, as she
about to go, have forgotten something
have one more injunction to leave you Al
ten years have passed away-rccollect, I
IR- years from this very night-you have my I
permission to open the chest that is, prov
ed your poverty does not force you to h'
,o recourse to my treasure before. Remember
aci- The fairy smiled archly, and raised her hnl
you warningly. The door flew open, and aw
ton few the fairy. The miller was the happi
oe' man in the whole kingdom. Tie danced +"
ioy. He reused his good wife and his tr'
of children and told them Of his good iortu
- He never made any more complaints II TIM
at the mill went awry. He carried anot
op faee on his shoulders. He worked cheerful
one He sang the merriest songs and he was
Hol' nav together the busiest and happiest man
miles around. He threw of his old hab
X. and became new miller. Of course
thriyed Many time he thought that
would like to take apeep in the chest, but
my MS was an honest miller, and he would have
his right hand sooner than disobey the 6
: fairy.
Rem. Ten years came and went, and found
Iols. Ssl mill still driving, and the miller porty
'sl Of wealth and Importance.
On the evening of the tenth annlversar,
the fairy's visit, he called his family arc
him and opened the chest
What do you suppose he found in it
.na Diamonds No.
Sore Pearls 2 No.
Icosc eoS. Rubies No.
One Gold2 No. m
Deock You can't guess. I'll tel you, The 9
~ was empty! But engraved upon the IL
TT was this golden wOrd--Contentment.
This was the miller's treasure
Il e. Ito to School Day Visitor,
sealed ----------------
skill ~. 80. L. Al .
ipha, The New Orleans Picayune has the