Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-05-26
From the Philadelphia Times.l
THE NIKE OF THE ISLAND.
A Greek Fairy Story.

Years and years ago, when people be-
heved in miracles and fairies more than
they do now, there lived in Arnark, a
small village In Albania, young man
whose name was Nicolaki and a pretty
young maiden whose name was Euraine.
They had grown up together, they had
played around the same fountain, gone
to church together and had always had
the idea fixed in their minds from the
earliest infancy that they were destined
tor each other and that as soon as they
reached manageable age they were to
be united
But their parents died and they were
both left orphans and had to go to work
for those who were able to hire. They
were very unhappy at being separated,
but still, as they could see each other at
church and feast-days, when there was
no work, they did not complain. But
the separation made them desire more
than ever to marry that they might al
ways be together
!" If I only had enough to buy a little
cow and lean pig" said Nicolaki, CT
would take little piece of ground, and
the good father would marry us and we
would go and live together.
What on Nicolaki did not mention.
"Ah, sighed Erranie, "but it is so
difficult. The COWS and pigs are dearer
than ever at the fair and [ have almost
given up hope"
g I am afraid, too that we will have to
wait long time. Somebody has surely
put the evil eye on us. I can never see
the moon over my right shoulder any
more"
And [ never see cricket any more, %
said the maiden, sadly.
Day after day, month after month, it
was the same, and they grew more and
more weary. It seemed as though as
fast as they saved money toward their
little COW and pig, those animals had
advanced IN price accordingly, and they
lost heart, and many a little Euranie
wept herself to sleep and then dreamed
of the little home she so desired. So one
at work and told her he had made UP his
to seek his fortune.
Tears and prayers did not avail, for he
was determined not to spend the best
years of his life before he could accom-
plish the little he desired to make his
happiness:
"The Birds" said he, ''fy from one
country to another, till they find thsir
field of corn, and the bees till they
meet with flowers that yield them honey.
Is it for me to be less courageous than
those unreasoning creatures? ALI
want is the price of our little lean COW
and pig. If you love me, Euranie, you
will not oppose my project"
!" I do not, N.colaki, but I deplore the
necessity of our separation. Think how
lonely shall be without you
"God will sustain you until I come
back" said the honest fellow, sure of
the girls heart, for unfaithfulness to
VOWS is unknown among these simple
mountain folks.
"Go, then, Nicolaki," but before you
start [ will give you something that will
be of service to you on your long jour-
ney. These are heirlooms that have
been in our family from time forgotten.
This is the bell of your patron saint, st.
Nicola. Its sound can be heard at any
distance, however far, and will ring till
your friends hear it and know of your
danger. The knife once belonged to st.
4Corentine, and its touch dissolves all en-
ehantments, even were they made by the