Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-09-03
The Collier Fla mily.

1.-THE following is an abridgement of German
story by Baron FOuque, author of the enchanting
romance. entitled q" Undine,' which many of our
readers have doubtless seen.l
BertEold was German merchant, and,
in the pursuit of riches, made many long
journeys.
One evening, as he was travelling on
horseback in gloomy old German for
est, he lost his way far remote from any
known human habitation, He was great
" alarmed, for be carried with him rich
Jewels, and the recesses of the forest bore
no good reputation. He came at last to
a dusky defile, but it was so untraveled
that the night birds and the animals APP
preached him without fear, and it grew
more wild and gloomy as he followed its
winding way.
He at length espied an object at dis
lance that looked to him like human
being. He approached it, though not
without fear, and found it to be man of
very pleasant appearance and gentle
manners. Berthold unbosomed himself
to him without reserve, and the man in
return said that he was collier, and
that lie and his family resided in the Vi
cinity. He invited the merchant to pass
the night with him. The merchant glad
~ accepted the invitation, and ere long
came to forest cottage, where he was
gladly welcomed by the Golfers family
A lovely family they were, gentle and
amiable; and very beautiful countenan-
ces they bad, such a. reflect only pure
and un>elfsh hearts. The merchant felt
certain that he had fallen into no evil
hands. and that he and his treasures were
rs safe as though he had arrived at his
home in the grand old German city.
Not only were the family remarkably
beautiful to look upon and winning In
all their ways, but each member diseov
cred a certain purity of thought and feel
ing to which the money loving merchant
was stranger. The light Of heaven
seemed to ilIumine the faces of the fair
haired children, and holy atmosphere
seemed 10 fill the place.
They chatted, they sang, and anon the
voices of the children rang out in limo
cent laughter. The merchant entertain
ed them with an account OF his journeys,
and the collier in return related some in
cidents of his simple life. Suddenly
there came succession of low, measured
raps on the dor. A change came over
the faces of the family, and the sounds
of merriment instantly ceased.
sin the name of God, come in" said
The collier solemnly.
The door opened gently, and there
glided in little old man, who greeted
the family very pleasantly, and seated
himself at the table, around which the
family were gathered. He was mere
dwarf in stature, his face was very wrink-
led and wiIhered, and his eye was very
sad. He seemed panied at The sight of
the merchant, to whom he now and then
turned his gaze with mysterious light
in-his eye. The merchant watched him
closely and with much curiosity, not
knowing what sort of being be was;
and, as he noticed the mysterious fire
that now and then darted from his eyes,
to feel uneasy. At length the dwarf
turned to the collier aud said; The
hour of prayer has come. If nothing
prevent you, pray" The collier COM
menced singing the fine old German
hymn
HThe woods are all reposing."
His wife and children joined, and the
flowing melody charmed the ears of the
merchant, and brought gush of tender
ness to his heart. The dwarf also sung,
and although he was so small, bis voice
on the high notes shook the house The
hearts of the collier family seemed touch.
ed with seraphic rapture, and yet there
was an undertone of sadness in all the
song. The last notes had died away,
and amid perfect stiffness the collier lift
ed up his voice in prayer, communing
with God as one who dwelt on the very
borders of the celestial spheres; and all
of the fair-haired children clasped their
hands in prayer.
When the devotions were ended the
little old man arose. and with light
step left the room, bowling humbly as he
closed the door. Presently he opened
the door again, and darting at the mer-
chant wild and terrible look, slammed it
with great violence.
The collier looked disturbed, and re.
marked that such behavior was rather
unusual. The merchant intimated that
| the old man might be somewhat touch
ed in mind, to which The collier assented.