Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1872-06-29
FORTUNIO.


pmDerOr cOnNtNtu W HIS own pdldtt.
In the meantime, King Alfourtc as
se.nbled the small remains of his army,
and ordered every gentleman and no,
bleman to come in person to-assist him,
or pay large sum of money.
On the frontiers of his kingdom lived
nobleman, eighty years OF age, once
extremely rich, but now reduced to
scanty provision for himself and three
daughters who lived with him. When
the old nobleman he1fd the decree, he
knew not what to do.
81 am too old TO engage in the kings
army" he said; "ant to pay the tax
would ruin US"
"D, not thus aiilict yourself father,
said his daughters.
a." sad the eldest, am young and
robust, and accust omed to fatigue; why
should not dress myself rs a cavalier,
and offer my serv ces to the kingY'
The old lord, seeing her bent on the
experiment, gave his consent, and she
set out.
The princess had not proceeded far
before she observed an old shepherdess,
endeavorlng to draw one of her sheep
out OF the ditch, into which it had fall
en-.
"What are you doing, GOODBYE said
the cavalier.
ALAS! replied she, " | am trying to
save my sheep, which is almost drown
ed but am to- weak to get it out
You are very unfortunate" said she,
at the same time squirting on her horse.
"Adleu, disguised lady - said the old
shepherdess.
No establishment could exceed that
of the daughter.
- had better return at once, she
said. "since single glance at me Is
sufficient to convince every one that
am not "A man.
She accordingly returned.
The second daughter said:
~ am both taller and more robust !;
and would lay any wager should have
succeeded
She procured suit of clothes and
another hose, and took the road.
The old shepherdess was on the same
spot. Our young fri end asked what was
the matter.
Unfortunate that | am! ~ replied
the old woman; half my flock have
lost in this manner, for want of help
"Some one will soon come by, no
doubt said the cavalier, and was turn
ing to 90, when the old woman cried
out:
"Adeu, disguised lady"
SO she followed her sisters example,
and returned to her father, full OF sor-
row and disappointment.
The youngest now entreated she mi ght
not be denied the privilege of trying
her fortune, as we'll as her sisters, to
l.. ..l L,
the old lord agreed but as he had ex
pended a good deal of money in equip
ping his two eldest daughters, he could
provide the youngest only with a poor
old cart-hOrse and the meanest apparel
imaginable When these We're ready,
the old gentleman embraced her ten
derry. and she babe both him and her
sisters farewell.
The Old shepherdess again presented
her.A.. a. tefOre
" ha; are you about, my good
woman? said this amiable cavalier
- can | be OF any service to you p and
perceiving the sheep struggling in the
water, jumped off his horse, and pulled
y out.
Upon this the Old shepherdess turned
to him, and said:
You shall find me grateful for this
kindness. | am fairy, and know we'll
enough who you are, and ! will be your
friend
Accordingly, she touched the ground
with her wand, and the most beautiful
horse, superbly harnessed, stood before
hem.
"The beauty of this horse" continued
the fairy, "is his least perfection; for
he possesses the rare quality of eating
only once a week, and the still rarer OF
knowing the past, the present and the
future. IT You wish at any time to know
what you ought to do for the best, you
have only to consult him you should
therefore regard him as your best
triend.'
The fairy added, that if he stood in
need OF clothes, money or jewels, he
NUT stamp with his foot upon the
ground, when a morocco trunk, contain,
ing the articles he desired, would in
stantly make its appearance.
We must next she said, "supply
you with Il proper name; and none,
think, can be better than that of For
tunio, since you have had the good for
tune to deserve my favor"
Fortunio assured the fairy of eternal
gratitude; he stamped with his foot that
he might procure himself magnificent
suit OF clothes he dressed himself. EN-
braced his bountiful friend, and pursued
his way.
At the end of his first days journey,
he thought of sending sum of money
to his father, and some jewels to his sis
tiers he, therefore, shut himself in his
chamber, and stamped loudly with his
foot; trunk Immediately appeared,
but i! was locked, and without key.
FORTUNE was at "a loss, when, recollect-
ing the tairys advice, he went to his
horse.
"Comrade,' said he, "where can |
find the key of the trunk filled with
money and .jewels?"
In my ear"
Fortune looked in his ear, and there
was the key. He then .joylully opened
the trunk, and dispatched the presents.
The next morning, he proceeded on
his journey. Passing through thick
forest, they saw Il man cutting down
trees. Comrade stopped, and told his
master he should engage this man,
Stronghold, as fairy had bestowed on
him the gift of carrying what weight
he chose. Fortuno found him ex-
tremely willing.
A little further on, they saw man
tying his legs together.