The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-09-16
THREE WISHES.

THREE WISHES.
Many years ago in Ireland, not far
from the city Of Cork, there lived an old
woman and her grandson, Jack, a bright,
handsome boy Of twelve. ' -
They had no other relations, and both
worked hard for their food and clothes.
The grandmother spent most of her time
knitting, while Jack gathered peat, Der
ries and other treasures from the neigh
boring forest, and carried them to the
city Tor SALE, s...... ,..s 1srss ,
One evening as he sat at the door of
their cabin, wearied by day of labor, he
was accosted by an aged woman leaning
upon a stick, who begged hum, in the
name of charity, for a cup of goats milk.
She looked many years older than his
grandmother, who came briskly to the
door and invited her in, while Jack ran
to the goat-pen to procure the coveted
draught of milk, which she drank as
though nearly famished. Il ....r
She was invited to remain for COM
Portable meal, which was soon prepared,
and readily accepting their hospitality,
the little old woman-who lacked several
inches OF standing as tall as Jack-tak-
ing her stick, hobbled uptto the table, and
partook ravenously of the substantial
food.
!: After she had eaten every thing that
was set before her she arose, and giving
her long nose pull which seemed to
double its length, she said: ~" -.... -.
II am fairy, good people, and for
your kindness to me will allow you to
make three wishes for your benefit, nv
lad. The first two belong to your grand
mother, for her care and kindness in
rearing you, and shall be granted i'm
mediately. The other one you can ex-
press and l will grant you on your
twenty-frst birthday Do not ask for
wealth or fame, for such treasures are
not IN my power to bestowe. I control
only the heart and passions of my be-
nefciary, and can give you traits of char
acter that will enable you to do much
good in the world" ...@.. -= c....
The grandmother, who desired her boy
to be good, rather than great, said un-
hesitatingly: a.r . II.
"Grant that Jack may always be COM
PEELED to tell the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth" 1~a -
II viii, J" said the fairy; "but remem-
Der that perpetual truth-telling NAV
lead him into difficulties and dangers.
and even death itself may be the re-
suit y I .sa .-''s s....E .
"Then," said the dame, my next
wish is that the limb which attempts to
lnjure my boy may become paralyzed to
its owner until he shall repent and make
amends" q, ~t.-.ss... ....
L "Granted," said the fairy. sAnd now
you shall see me no more until Jack has
reached his twenty. first birthday"
Then, raising her stick, she passed it
slowly over her head, describing a half
circle, and was gone. @@t =
Not long after, as Jack was gathering
peat by the wayside, a traveller riding q
jaded horse drew rein beside him and
said:
"Boy, my horse is nearly exhausted, I
have lost my way, but if you will tell me
I am on the direct road to Cork, I will
give you this silver half crown which /
hold in my hand.''
"You are not,' said Jack, telling the
truth. "You took the wrong branch three
miles back, leaving the Cork road to the
left. You are now travelling directly to.
ward the Big Fcrest.''
sis it possible, said the stranger
'that l am wrong again? And but tol
your honesty, my lad, you would now be
enjoying the possession of my half. crown
and I travelling to almost certain death
among the h1ghwaymen of the Big For,
est!''
II must speak the TRUTH" said Jack,
bluntly. ....... ... ....'
"Wen," said the stranger, :;you have
lost the half crown, but I want you tc
take me to your cabin and let me tarry
with you until morning. am diamond
merchant IN the city Of Cork; I need a
Jerk who is strictly honest; will hire
you, and you can earn many halt-crowns
If you continue always to speak the
truth ~ - + h
So Jack, thanking his intended bene-
factor, led the way to his grandmother's
cabin, where the weary traveller was kind
| ly entertained. aT
Early the next morning, bidding his
grandmother fearful farewell, he fol.
lowed his new master to the city, and
| entered upon the light, pleasant duties OF
| a clerk. ssat@5.a . $685..
He soon became a great tavorite with
the merchant, who trusted him with un.
counted diamonds, knowing that when
questioned regarding them he would al
ways tell the truth.
One day the merchant purchased a
lot Of paste diamonds, which were such
perfect limitations of the real gem that
none but a connoisseur could distinguish
the difference.
Soon customer, attracted by thei,
beauty, inquired the price. Finding il
far below what he had expected, he i'm.
| mediately purchased set without ask.
ing any further questions regarding
them. a
While he was counting out the money
to the merchant, Jack approached him
The purchaser said:
81 am buying some diamonds from
your master. Are they not pure and
beautiful2''
aThey are beautiful, said Jack, ''but
| not pure"
"What!' exclaimed the astonished
purchaser. do you mean to say they
are not pure2"
stThey are not diamonds was the