The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-11-25

the presence of such q contemplate
churl"
"Thou art very proud, cousin, 4"
briskly rejoined the donkey. "Surely,
if any one has a right to be vain, it is
| thy humble servant, whose shoulders
once bore our Savior when he went to
Jerusalem. Yet think all this is of lit
tie consequence; and, besides, dost thou
not see that the beggar is asleep2"
eyes," responded the OK, $50 it
seems. But were he awake, 1 could
tell him something that he would be glad
to hear"
Indeed ~ said the donkey, pricking
up his ears.
eyes," continued the OK, "I could
show this old beggar how large for
tune might be made next New Years
night"
"Ah! how SOL" the donkey in
quired.
Why, knowest thou not, exclaimed
the OK, "that all the stones that have
been sleeping for a hundred years at
Plouhinec will be permitted to go down
to the water aud drink at that time 2
And moreover, what dost thou think
can be seen when these stones are
away2"
"Eh 2" said the donkey, thoughtfully
shaking his head. "How forgetful old
age makes one! Oh, yes now 1 re-
member, gold and dazzling Jewels lie un-
derneath those stones, imbedded in the
earth. But what of that2 They cannot
be removed without endangering ones
life; the stones return so quickly that,
should person be foolhardy enough to
make the attempt, he would be crushed
before he could convey bis treasurest to a
place of safety"
"Ahal" interposed the OK; "not if
he possessed two talismans-the cole
wort and clover with five leaves"
"And likewise, if my memory serves
me, added the donkey, can immortal
soul must be sacrificed, else all the
treasure would turn to dust"
Yes, yes," assented the OK. "The
sorcerer should not forget that the evil
one will require of him Christian
SOUL"
Thus the OK and the donkey conversed
together until morning. And the old
man listened to all that was said, and
news! Now I'm in luck Much obliged
to you, my dear animals !"
By daybreak the beggar arose and de-
parted in quest of the colewort and the
tive-leaved clover. This search lasted
whole week, as he was obliged to go far
into the country, where, the climate be-
ing warmer, plants kept always green.
Just before the New Year he returned to
Plouhinec. He looked much like a
weasel who had effected an entrance into
a dOvecote for this wicked old sorcerer
had fixed upon the Christian whose soul
was to be given-the poor worthy Ber-
nee.
Strange to rellte, the first person
whom the beggar spied, on reaching the
moor, was this good youth. He stood
before the largest stone upon the heath,
and was busily engaged in carving there
upon large cross.
"God help you!' cried the old sor-
cerer, with a treacherous smile. "DO
you intend to make home for yourself
in that great stone yonder!"
"No," answered Bernec "but hav-
ing nothing at present to do, thought
[ would carve a cross on this unholy
stone, that God might look down kindly
on my work, and sooner or later remem-
ber me-"
"Ah have you any request to make
of God 2" asked the beggar.
"All Christians have soul to save"
the young man replied, in q serious tone.
"And have You nothing to ask of Him
in regard to Rosa ?" urged the other.
Bernec was silent for a moment. At
last he exclaimed:
"Then you know all. Well, if 1 am
poor, it is no sin to love Rosa. Mar
chime, however, would never take as n
brotherin-law one who has fewer pen
MES than he has dollars.
But what if l should give you as
many pounds as he has pence !" said the
old man, III a subdued voice.
"Yous" cried Bernec, somewhat dis
concerted.
"Yes, even l." the beggar calmly re-
peated.
"And what do you desire in retunl"
asked Berrec.
The other answered.: "Only place
in your prayers.
But will the performance of the task
that you will give me interfere with my
souls welfare Z" inquired Bernec, still
distrustful of the beggar.
"No; it will require only courage, :"
was the reply.
Hearing this, Bernec dropped his
chisel, and impetuously cried: "Tell
me what shall do! L would risk my
life hundred times to gain Rosa at
last"
"Listen to me, then," said the beg
gar, speaking in mysterious tone.
The youth was all attention. He heard
the story of the journey of the stones to
the river, but not of their destructive
return; he was told about the hidden
treasure, yet naught of the dangers that
attended its removal; and, furthermore,
as you may well suppose, he learned
nothing from the perfdious old man of
the blood that must how-the price of
the gold. Bernec, sure that God would
protect him, determined to act accord
ing to the old beggars advice.
"Old man, l call Heaven to witness, :"
cried he, "that will avail myself of
this opportunity, and also aver that you
have a claim upon me which, shall never,
never forget. Only leave me now to
finish this cross, and at the appointed
time / will be with you."
Bernec kept his word. An hour be-
fore midnight he was on the spot. The
beggar was also ghere, furnished with
three large bags, one of which he held
in his hand, while the two others were
slung over his shoulders.
Bernec and the beggar remained there
in silence for nearly an hour, the youth
thinking the while of Rosa and his good
fortune the exultant old sorcerer sat
near, gloating over the kindly face of