The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1880-06-10

winding along among the trees,
till il was lost in the distance, and
after hesitating a few moments, he
struck boldly into it.
He was riding slowly and sadly
along. when strange sight caused
him to rein in his horse. A butter
fly, which had become entangled
in the web Of a spider, was stlug
Cling fercely for his life, while at
the same time the cunning spider
was binding her faster and faster.
Frederic's pity was excited, for
he had a tender heart, and dis
mounting from his horse, he liberia
ted the unfortunate insect, and
placed her carefully on messy
bank.
For a little while he watched the
wearied butterfly, but soon his
thoughts returned to his own mis-
fortune. He was startled from his
reverie by a silvery voice:
"Frederic! you have assisted me,
and you shall find l am not un-
grateful"
Frederic rose in establishment, but
could see nothing.
"Look down. Frederick said the
silvery voice, ITO where the butter
fly was"
Frederic look down, and saw an
exquisite little fairy, sitting on a
clover leaf.
"And can you help me, do you
think?" asked Frederic, looking
doubtfully at the fairy.
81 am the fairy Goodwill" was
the reply, land tor daring to ever
else that quality against the ex-
press orders Of the queen | am con
demned to wear the form of a but
terfy for a time; that time has now
expired, and but for you my life
had ended with it, for the spiders
are my enemies. In gratitude,
therefore, l will assist you. You
seek the golden bird; now, none
are able even TO see her whose
eyes have not been anointed with a
preparation which l will give you.
Then you will be supplied with a
magic knife with which TO cut the
bands that fasten her to the tree.
All the other princes have failed
because they had not these, but
you will be successful, so take
courage and FAREWELL"
So saying the fairy put into his
hand tiny vial and golden knife,
and disappeared.
Frederic carefully anointed his
eyes and then proceeded on his
way.
1t was not long before he heard
the singing of some bird, and he
eagerly FASTENED in that direction.
The melody was enhancing, but,
to his surprise, there appeared to
be words which he could under
stand. II seemed to be saying
Fred er ic! Frederick"
Excitement lent wings to his
feet, and he soon stood beneath
the tree upon which the golden
bird was sitting.
"Frederic," said the bird, "have
you come at last?'
Frederic conld not reply for as.
constituent, for he never heard
that talking was one of the birds
accomplishments.
Il will GO with you gladly" con-
tinued the bird; "but you will have
to come up and get me, for l am
bound to the tree"
aft
on the topmost branch of the tall
est tree in the forest, and Frederic
wondered if he would be able to
climb the tree. He grasped the
trunk firmly and tried to climb it,
but could not for long time, be
cause it was slippery elm tree,
and as fast as he climbed up lit
tie way he would slip back again.
However, at last, being determined
be got up, cut the magic bands and
descended with the bird.
When he reached the palace of
the king he was at once shown into
his presence, and was regarded as a
great hero. When he came before
the king he bowed low and said:
"Here, oh king. is the golden
bird -
But before the king could make
reply the bird began to sing. and
she sang so beautifully that every
one paused to listen-even the
cook in the kings kitchen, the SER
wants and all the kings house
hold.
While she was still singing the
fairy Good will appeared, riding in
a little car which was drawn by two
housefies, and springing lightly
out, she touched the golden bird
with her wand and disappeared
Great was the establishment of
all present when they saw the bird
transformed into a lovely maiden.
Even the king and all his courtiers
rose, so great was their aston!sh
ment; and all. as soon as they had
recovered from their surprise, beg
ged the maiden to explain so
stran ge an occurrence.
Pm the daughter of a kingw
said she, "snd when ! was but sew
enteen years of age my dear father
died, leaving his kingdom to me, as
he had no son. He had a brother,
my uncle, who was a magician and
a very wicked man, and soon after
my fathers death be commenced
to urge me to wed his son-wno
was a magician also-ny cousin.
But this | refused, for L entertained
for him the greatest fear and dis
like. On my refusal, he at once,
seized the kingdom, and changed
me into a golden bird, whom no
one was able even to see unless
his eyes we're bathed in an ONT
ment which the fairy Goodwill
alone possessed.
Then the king caused a splendid
feast to be prepared. and gave the
beautiful princess to Frederic for
his wife. They set ont for her