The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1875-11-29


us ut this time, when we must talk in
the presence Of such contemplate
churl."
"Thou art very proud, cousin, II
briskly reioined the donkey. "Surely,
if any one has q 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 TINT tho beggar is asleep2'
"Yes," responded the OK, $50 it
seems. But were he awake, I could
tell him something that he would be glad
to hear"
Indeed !" said the donkey, pricking
up his ears.
Eyes" continued tho OK, "I could
show this old bcggar how n. large for
tune might be made next New Years
night"
"Ahl how so I" che donkey in
quired.
"Why, knowest thou not, exclaimed
the OK, "that all the stones that have
been sleeping for q hundred years ut
Plouhincc will be permitted to 90 down
to tho water aud drink ut TINT time
And moreover, what dost thou think
can bo seen when these stones arc
awayH
"Ehi" said tho donkey, thoughtfulIy
shaking his head. Chow forgetful old
nge makes ono! Oh, yes now I re-
member, gold and dazzling jewels liem-
derneath those stones, imbedded in the
earth. But what OF thnt1 They cannot
be removed without endapgering ones
life; tile stones return 80 quickly TINT,
should person be foolhardy enough to
make the attempt, he would be crushed
before ho could convey his treasuresto n
place Of safety"
"Aha!" interposed the OK; "not If
he possessed two talismans-the colo
wort and clover with five leaves"
"And likewise, il my memory serves
me" added the donkey, "an immortal
soul must DO sacrificed, else oil tho
treasure would turn to dust"
eyes, yes," asscnted the OK. "The
sorcerer should not forget TINT tho dvil
ono will require OF him n Christian
SOUL"
Thus the OK and tho donkey converse,l
together until morning. And the oil
mnn listened to all that was said, and
thought to himself: "Well, this is
news! Now I'm in luck Much obliged
to you, my dear animalsl"
BY daybrcak the beggar arose and do
parted in quest OF the colewort and the
tive-leavcd clover. This search lasted n
whole week, MS he was obliged to 60 fur
into the country, where, the climate be.
lug warmer, plants kept always green.
Just before the New Year he returned to
Plouhincc. He looked much like n
weasel who Ind effected m entrance into
dovccote for this wicked old sorcercr
had fixed upon the Christian whose soul
was to DO given-the poor worthy Ber-
nee.
Strange to rcl,te, the first person
whom tue 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 n large cross.
"God help you'll" cried the old sor-
ccrcr, with trcachcrous smile. "Do
you intend to make homo for yourself
in that great stone yonder Z"
"No," answered Bernec; =" but hav'
ing nothing ut present to do, l thought
I would carve cross on this unholy
stone, that God might look down kindly
OIL my work, and sooner or Inter renlem'
Der me-"
"Ah have you any request to mako
Of GodT" asked the beggar.
"All Christians have soul to save, y
the young man replied, in serious tone.
"And havo you nothing to ask OF Him
in regard to Rosa?" urged the other.
Berncc Wis silent for moment. At
lust he exclaimed:
"Then you know NIL. Well, il I am
poor, it is no sin to love Rosa. Mar
chime, however, would never take us n
brother.in.law one who has fewer PEN
nics than he hns dollars"
"But what if l should give you rs
many pounds Ms he bns pence !" said tie
old man, in subdued voice.
"You2" cried Brrnec, somewhat dis.
concerted.
ayes, even J." the beggar calmly re.
pcated. -,
"And what 60 you desire in retu,nl"
asked Brrnec.
The other answered: "Only plHcc
iu your prayers" =,
"But will the performance of tho task
that you will give mo Interfere with my
souls wclfarol" inquired Bcrnec, still!
distrustful Of tho beggar.
"No; it will require only courage,
was tho reply.
Hearing this, Bcrnec dropped his
chiseI, and impetuously cried: "Tell
mo what slInll do | would risk my
life hundred times 10 gain Rosa at
last."
"Listcn to inc, 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
tho river, but not OF their destructive
return; he was told about the hidden
treasure, yet naught Of tue dangers TINT
attended IT. removal; and, furthermore,
rs you may well suppose, he learned
nothing from the periidious old man OF
tho blood that must how-the prico Of
the gold. Bernec, sure that God would
protect him, determined to net aca0rd'
ing to the OLD bcggar's advice.
"Old man, call Heaven to witness"
cried he, "tllat l will avail myselt OF
this opportunity, and also aver TINT you
have claim upon me which l shall never,
never forget. Only leave mo now to
finish this cross, and ut the appointed