River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-04-11

~ ~ viz SNbhA Va h'~
name, and Immediately began to beg on
his hind feet.
That night the children went to bed
quite tired out, and were soon asleep. The
clock was striking twelve as Fritz awoke
with start and thrill, every faculty in
iull force on the instant. Lifting himself
up on one elbow he looked out How
clear and lovely the night was Earth
and sky were alike Illuminsd by the mild
lustre of the moon.
q wonder what woke me up9" Fritz
asked himself, "seems as if somebody
must "a touched me- lie looked over to
the crib where his little sister Madelein
was fast asleep. He could see her round,
rosy cheeks, the long brown lashes, the
soft curling hair, and he smiled at he look.
ed, FOR he was very fond Of Madelein.
At that moment he heard footsteps out
side his chamber door.
"lts only foster-mother and john" he
said to himself; they are coming to see
If we are all right but they shan't itch
me awake" So he hid his face in his arm,
and they thought him asleep.
Somehow my heart fails me, john"
said the woman, as the two came in !;
show sweetly they be sleeping, poor
things where will they be tomorrow.
night, / wonder ?n
"Safe enough, dame, and you and /
will have one hundred dollars in gold to
buy LAND with. | wish the boy hadn't
that mole to his cheek; his uncie'd know
him by that.n
"Like enough his uncle III never set
eyes on the lad" said Margery
" Indeed, but he may. He's travelling
in this country. Do you know"-his voice
sank almost to a Whisper saw him
this mornings"
"Saw him
Yes, himself, Strollerh his name is,
and at this moment he's at the small tav-
ern t'other side o. the wood"
"Then the children were right" nut.
tered Margery. "What shall we do?
I" Let them go the first thing tomorrow.
The money will then be in our handn
elf | could be sure they were well
treated" sighed Margery.
Like princes, and taught to dance on
flying horses, to make rare sport for the
public. Why, it's great career for
them, dame they will have their names in
the newspaper
"When they had gone Fritz sat up in
bed with great gasp.
"They will sell us, Madelien and me,
tor hundred dollars sell us to go with
the beasts" He reflected for a few mo-
msnts in deep silence.
That was my uncle saw he is in
town, just beyond the wood; will go to
him.
He dressed himself and reused Made
lien.
sect ready, little one" he said " it was
our uncle we saw yesterday, and we must
90 and find him, or we shall be sold. Ask
no questions, but hurry. We must 90 to-
night and find Uncle Strollern."
Madelien, now wide awake, obeyed
quickly and silently. Fritz softly opened
the window. In some places the snow had
not left the ground, but, lying in hollows,
it made beautiful pictures. me descent
was not difficult the children had often
gone that way before, and presently they
were on the highway,where Fritz explain.
ed matters the best he could to poor
frightened little Madelien.
al am not very much afraid with you,"
said the child; "but foster-mother SAID
there were wolves in the wood"
"Maybe she told us that to brighten u.s.
responded Fritz, quaking little. At that
moment the girl gave a loud cry of
Wolf" but it proved to be shaggy
Patch running after them, yelping and
wagging his tail.
Swiftly the children moved on. How
much longer would the sweet moonlight
last? And they dreaded the woods,
though they were not wide. Presently
they were in the well.troddeu path that
led to the town beyond. Madelien trem-
bled.
"Don't be frightened" said Fritz, look
ing warily about as they ran.
"Oh, but Fritz, | hear bowling, and
Patch hears it too. 1t is the wolves"
Fritz was silent, for the hoarse low
baying was distinctly audible. The chill
dren Guickened their pace.
"Faster," whispered Fritz 81 think
they are coming" Alas poor babes in
the wood; IL was rot long before ne nun
CRY beasts were on their trail. Patch was
coward; he ran sneakingly along,
bowling most unmusically.
AGO with Madelien," said Fritz,pushing
the dog in front. Madelien. hurry as
much as you can; l have something will
frighten the wolves, ] am sure. They
are afraid of fire; do you remember the
phosphorus bought Of the peddler with
all my money? lam certain it will save
us-only you must fly"
al must save Madelien," he muttered,
as the child, accustomed to obey, ran on,
and he took the tin box in which he KEEP.
his treasure from his pocket Presently
he was sight 10 behold his hands, face
and clothes were covered with the ftful
flame, and turning, the brave boy ran
swiftly towards the wolves, who had been