The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1872-06-14

some'o the harss and partridges along
them"
Fortunio then entered a house that
stood near, TO watch the event. In less
than an hour the dragon was in sight,
and, smelling the hares and patridges,
b gan TO eat voraciously and finding
himself at length thirsty, he drank no
less eagerly OF the wine, 40 that in
short time, being quite drunk, he threw
himself on the ground, and fell fast
asleep.
"Now is your time, my good MASTER"
said the faithful Comrade. Fortunio
imme Lately approached the dragon,
and with single blow cut of his head,
and then commanded Strengback to
take him up, and carry him to the
palace.
rhe king received Fortunio with the
liveliest JOY and affection.
Soon after the king being again ex-
tremely sorrowful, the princess inquired
the cause, as before.
Alas !" said he, how can be other
wise, since the emperor has not left me
money enough to equip the army in
tented to send out against him?"
Brother" answered she, can you
suppose that Fortunio is not able to
oblige the emperor to restore your
treasures?'
Fortunio, though he fully understood
the malice of the princess, could not
but assure his majesty of his earnest
desire to make the experiment.
They arrived in the city of the en-
peror, and proceed to the palace, where
Fortunio demanded of him all the treas
ures of King Alfourite. The emperor
at this could not restrain a smile.
Do you really think" said he, that
| should so easily resign what | took
such pains to obtain ?''
Fortunio replied that he meant no
incivility, but begged the emperor to
consider his request.
This is really very extraordinary,
said the emperor; "however as your
demand is ridiculous enough, | will
offer you condition no less ridiculous
If you can find man that will eat all
the bread that has been provided for
the inhabitants of this city, for his
breakfast, | will grant your request"
for JOY. He replied that he accepted
the condition, and sent Immediately
for Command; when, telling him what
had passed, he inquired if he was quite
sure he could eat the whole.
Never fear, my good MASTER" an
swers Command "you will see that they
will be sooner sorry than |"
When the emperor, the empress, the
princess his daughter, and the whole
court, had seated themselves TO witness
the extraordinary undertaking, Fortu-
Mo advanced, with Command by his
side; and seeing six great mountains of
loaves, that almost reached the skies,
he began 10 fear but looking at Cor
mand, and seeing how eager he was to
begin, he again took courage. When
the proper signal was given, Command
attacked the first mountain, and in less
than minut chad swallowed the whole ;
he did the same with the second, and
so on to the sixth which having com.
pletely devoured, he told the emperor
he must take the liberty to say, he had
had but a scanty breakfast, considering
he was in the dominions of so rich a
monarch.
Never was any astonishment so great
as that of the spectators, who now fell
TO crying, ave shall have no bread to
give our children for many days"
But the emperor's disappointment
was atill greater so, commanding For.
tunio to approach, he said:
Young cavalier, you cannot pos
sibly expect that ! should give up the
treasures of King Alforite because you
happen to have a servant who is a
great eater. However, find a man who
shall drink up all the rivers, aqueducts,
and reservoirs, together with all the
wine In the cellars of all my subjects,
and propose to grant your request"
Tippler was Immediately sent for, and
performed his task with equal ease, to
the establishment of the surrounding
multitude.
The emperor now looked extremely
grave, telling Fortunio that what he
had seen, though extremely singular,
was not enough TO deserve the costly re-
compense he claimed: Therefore, y
continued he, if you would obtain it,
you must find person who is as swift as
my daughter"
Fortunio, though extremely dissatis-
fed, was obliged to consent; and send.
ing for Lightioot, babe him prepare for
running race with a princess whom no
one had ever yet been able to overtake.
In the meantime, the princess retired
TO put on the running-dress and shoes,
and on her return called for some
cordial ;,,upon which Lightfoot observed,
it would be but just that he should have
some too 70 this the princess readily
consented and stepping aside she dex.
trously threw into his glass few drops
of opiate.
The signal being given, the princess
set off full speed, while Lightfoot fell
fast asleep. The race was several miles
long and the princess had proceeded
more than half way, when Fortunio,
seeing her approach the goal without
Lghtfoot, cried out;
"Comrade, am undone | see moth.
ing of Lightfoot."
any lord, answered Comrade, g Fine.
ear shall tell you in a moment how far
he is.off."
Fine.ear listened, and informed For.
tunio that Lightfoot was snoring in the
place from which the princess began her
race. Then Comrade directed Marks.
| man IN shoot an arrow into his oar