Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-02-03


tinctly on our ears; and when in the east
bright streak appears in the deep blue
sky, when little red clouds float upward
and the mountain peaks glow in the first
kisses OF the new light, we envy the lark
that can pour forth its thanks to the
Creator in one exultant song.
The young man had now reached a
high plateau, from which path led down
ward between lofty cliffs to more level
regions. A rock jutting out beneath the
shadow Of the cliff invited the tired wan
derer to repose. The young man sat
down. but had scarcely done so when he
heard voices near him and perceived be-
hind huge rock an old man and a Young
girl of eighteen. The old man was lust
saying: & knew on Good Friday that
we'd have no luck this year Your
mother got up early in the morning, and
what happened? The dog barked and the
cat mewed. When this happens at the
same time on Good Friday some misfor-
tune is coming, old Lisbeth says, and she
knows everything, for her father was
learned man. IL did come The hail
destroyed our crops, our farm house was
burned, and the cattle died Nothing was
left except the little house where your old
aunt once lived. and must pay taxes on
that, and if I don't pay in a week we
shall lose this last bit Of property"
Don't lose courage, father said the
young girl cOnsOlingly; &C perhaps help
may yet come"
"Helpr' exclaimed the old man bit
ter'y; I'd like to know where it's com
ing from. | went to all my old friends
three days ago. a compassionate shrug
Of the shoulders was the answer to nv
lamentations and entreaties for help"
." Then what more can you do, father? ?"
cried the young girl, eagerly. eff every
thing is taken away Matthias and I have
strong arms and will work, that our father
and mother may want for nothing. Don't
be cast down, father; remember the song
you taught US and said we ought to know
because it sustained people in trouble
Don't you recolIect it?" And the young
girl sang.
What was that? A voice clear as a
seraph's, whose tones stole into the heart
and fingered there with an unearthly
magic! The young hunter had never
heard more beautiful, touching singing
than this girls. Hastily forming his
resolution he stepped from behind the
cliff. The old man and his daughter were
not little embarrassed when they sud-
denly perceived the stranger. The girl,
especially, could scarcely find a reply to
his question about the way to the village.
Her father spared her the trouble and in
vited the young man to accompany them,
as they were going there.
Who are your he asked curiously.
q? [ am a huntsman in the employ
Of nobleman; was ordered to go to a Ger
tain post, lost my way among the noun
tains on my return home, and wandered
here"
Father Zeiner shook his head incredu-
lousy and Marie cast a suspicious glance
at the hunter. But their distrust was
soon conquered by the young mans frank
words, and the old peasant became quite
confidential on his way to the village. He
said he had worked honestly all his life,
that he had lost two sons in the war, and
only one-the youngest and daughter
remained of four children, and now in his
misfortune hewas deserted by his friends
"What will my poor wife, my children,
do when l close my eyes? ?" he added.
let me remind you of the song your
daughter sang?"
DID you hear it?'' asked Marie in
turn
Certainly, and I am greatly indebted
to you, for it made deep impression on
my mind''
The young girl blushed, but did not
answer, while the huntsman smilingIy
continued
1t is always darkest just before dawn.
Perhaps it is fortunate that you met me-
| may be able to say good word for you"
ooh! it'll do no good at the tax office;
fair words are of no use there; they want
nothing but money" replied the old man.
6 The King needs it, they say. I'd like to
know why he wants so much money"
The hunter laughed. "Why, for the
army and the housekeeping expenses, I
suppose"
We are at peace, and the King needn't
use so much money for housekeeping if
he had a wife to look after things; but
he's determined not to marry. In the
picture We have at home he seems to be
fne-looking fellow; he can't find it hard
to get good wife,
Perhaps the right one has not comet"
replied the hunter, laughing; 9" and the
heart ought not to be forced"
The gentleman is right there!" said
the old man, and the girl nodded assent.
They had descended the path and now
reached the entrance to the village. The
old man urged the hunter to enter his lit
tie house and take lunch of bread and
milk. They went into pleasant sitting
room, in low-roofed cottage, and were
cordially welcomed by the mother and
son. The shypeSs the old woman and lad