The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1872-06-14
FORTUNIO.
A FAIRY TALE.

A FAIRY TALE.
King Alfourite was both amiable and
powerful; but his neighbor, the Emper
or Matapa, in the last battle had gaineC
complete victory, leaving the king de
spoiled of all his treasures; these the
emperor conveyed to his own palace.
In the meantime, King Alfouritc as
senbled 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
scanty provision for himself and three
daughters who lived with him. When
the old nobleman heard the decree, he
knew not what to do.
~ am too old to engage in the kings
army" he said; "and to pay the tax
would ruin u.s."
"Do no. thu. afflict yourself father
said his daughters.
~" said the eldest, sam young and
robust, and accustomed to fatigue; why
should not dress myself as a cavalier,
and offer my services TO the king?"
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,
endeavoring to draw one of her sheep
out of the ditch, into which it had fall
en-.
What are you doing, Goody ?" said
the cavalier.
"Alas y replied she, ~ am trying to
save my sheep, which is almost drown
ed; but am too weak to get it out"
You are very unfortunate said she,
at the same time squirting on her horse.
"Adieu, disguised lady" said the old
shepherdess.
No astonishment 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 l should have
succeeded"
She procured suit of clothes and
another horse, and took the road.
The old shepherdess was on the same
spot. Our young fri end asked what was
the matter.
Unfortunate that I ami" replied
the old woman; "half my flock have
lost in this manner, for want of help"
"Some one will soon come by, no
eotA hn
ing to 90, when the old woman cried
out:
"Adieu, disguised lady"
So she followed her sisters example,
and returned to her father, full OF sor-
row and disappointment.
Theyoungest now entreated she might
not be denied the privilege of trying
her fortune, as we'll as her sisters, to
which, at last, after much persuasion,
the old lord agreed but as ne had ex
pended good deal of money in equip.
ping his two eldest daughters, he could
provide the youngest only with a poor
old carthorse and the mcanest apparel
imaginable. When these were ready,
the old gentleman embraced her ten.
derby, and she babe both him and her
sisters farewell.
The old shepherdess again presented
herself as before.
What are you about, my good
woman 2" said this amiable cavalier
can | be of any service to you ~ and
perceiving the sheep struggling in the
water, jumped off his horse, and pulled
u 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
them.
"The beauty of this horse" continued |
the fairy, " is his least perfection for
he POSSESSES the rare quality of eating
only once 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
friend"
The fairy added, that if he stood in
need OF clothes, money or Jewels, he
must stamp with his foot upon the
ground, when morocco trunk, contain.