The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-04-09

thought best. Aslack frowned when
Harelds name was mentioned, but upon
hearing that he was expected to redeem
his farm anger subsidized and reluctantly
assented to the terms proposed
The stranger who arrived at the inn on
that lovely May morning was none but
Harold. After supper he repaired to the
parsonage where he made himself known
to his fathers friend, the minister, and
was received as son returning after a
long absence. After long and earnest
conversation he retraced his steps to the
inn and went to res but early dawn found
him on his way to a neighboring hill
where he knew he could obtain a good
view of the gorgeous sunrise. A short
walk brought him to the desired spot and
gathering his thoughts for review of his
past career, he seated himself on the rock
that had witnessed so many meetings
with the one uppermost in his thoughts.
He had lett penniless boy, had fought
his way in foreign land, and returning
able to claim the homestead his fathers,
he was assured, that she whom he loved 40
we'll had remained true to him during the
long years of his absence. While thus
occupied with his own reflections the
tones of the "lur" "a musical instrument
used in the mountains of Norway drew
his attention, and turning he discovered
we'll known female figure leaning on
the long instrument. They observed
each other at the same time and in mo-
ment were IN each others embrace. It
is useless to describe their emotions, for
words adapted to such description were
not given to man.
Shortly the signals from the opposite
side of the lake, where the sun already
gilded the highest hilltops, called them
back to consciousness. and while the orb
of day majestically rose over the eastern
mountains, the numerous flags hoisted on
every house and the peal of canons. far
and near, announced the arrival Of the
national HOLIDAY. The 18th of May, the
birthday of freedom in the north, broke
clear and bright over the land, whose sons
hail it with gratitude and JOY wherever
they may be.
AS the sun approached the meridian
the bells of the little church tolled forth
their joyous call and the multitude gath
cred on the square near the lake where
the national colors floateu on the breeze.
Harold mingled with the throng, but no
one knew him on account of his changed
appearance and heavy beard. He was
looked upon as chance traveller, per.
haps one OF the sightseeing Englishmen
or Americans who. yearly frequent these
beautiful valleys.
The last notes of the national
song, "Sons of Norway" died
away and the venerable minister
appeared on the stand to address the
people,, Referring to ancient history
to the battles for freedom that had beer
fought so nobly by their fathers, to the
little nation almost on the verge Of the
North pole that had maintained itself
free and independent through a thousand
years, he left no heart untouched, no eye
dry as he poured forth fervid prayer tt
the God Of Nations for the beloved native
land. Other speeches were made, othel
songs sung, and evening was drawing
near when the Old minister again address.
ed the people and commenced to relate
what, he said, was the story of YOUNG
man, whom they all had known in former
years. He followed the youth across the
ocean where he had enlisted in the army
of liberty; to the battle fields of Chatta
nooga and Chicamauga, to the prison and
hospital; through his subsequent tolls ir
pursuance of his aim and finally closee
by saying that he would now Introduce
to them their friend Of long ago, Captain
Harold Throndson. There was mo
ment of silence, and then shout of jo!
and greeting broke upon the evening
air.
Not much is left to relate. Only this
that before the seventeenth of May again
returned to the mountains and valleys O
Norway, Harold had taken his younl
wife to Christiana, where he had beef
sent to occupy the seat Of his father, as
representative of his native valley.