Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1882-11-24

Just down the lane, close by"
"You do. do you? l didn't see no
house." said the fairy, in a startled
voice.
That's because mother and father
arc out, and there's no light in the front
ROOM" replied Bessy
''Are you all alone?" asked the
fairy.
mo" replied Bessy; ''Ann and Lucy
are at home"
who's them?"
Mammals two servants"
"Any men at the house?'
mot now" answered Bessy. moth
er took Peter to drive. They IL be back
soon, Think
he old fairy turned out the light and
sat down on the ground; then she
| pulled Bessy down by her, and put he1
hand on the little girls shoulder. "Now
remember" she began, ''you promise
never to tell nobody"
81 promise true and sure 1 never
will, ifyou'll give me three wishes to.
night"
But Bessy wondered if all fairies
smelled so of tobacco.
"Will you do just what tell you@'
/ iohtO
Yes" said Bessy, nodding her head
very hard. II will"
Lets hear your three wishes, Them
growled the fairy.
First, want my shoes and papa S
and mammals filed with gold. Then ]
want an invisible cap for myself, and
/ then"
Now stop" interrupted the old
fairy; you've had four Already"
NO" answered Bessy, that's only
two. Papa's and mammals and nv
shoes filled with gold is one wish, you
| know"
well. 60 on
Let me see," pondered Bessy. 81
! guess you may give me happiness for
the rest OF my life. and that's all.n
All right" returned the fairy god
mother, you'll find them waiting for
YOU at three in the morning, II you do
what L tell you to-"
Pm ready" said Bessy.
You just run home, and bring me
the big key of the front door"
But papa said / must not touch that.
Besides, he would miss il. for he always
locks the door himself, and hangs the
key up by the hat stand"
Il shan't keep it," said the fairy.
"Pll give it right back. You see. if i
didn't know the size of the key-hole, /
mightn't send a fairy small enough to
get through"
"Ohr' said Bessy.
''Is the door fastened any other
way?" asked the old fairy.
Yes" said BesSy; "a big bolt at the
bottom, but it's broken. Papa said he
must send man to fix it, but he
didn't"
"All right. You run as fast as you
can. and don't let any one see YOU,
or the spell will be broken. Remem-
ber.'
Il know" replied Bessy; and she
sprang up and flew down the lane,
through the gate, and up the steps. She
could hear Ann and Lucy still talking
! and laughing i'll the kitchen, but no one
seemed to be thinking of her; so she
drew the key out softly, and ran back.
thinking how delighted her father and
mother would be in the morning. Bessy
found the old fairy waiting in the same
place.
She snatched the key. and said: 'I'll
be back in n moment" and vanished
into the darkness. Bessy was almost
wild with excitement. but she kept as
quiet as she could, and presently the
fairy re-appeared.
Her first words astonished Bessy:
Have you a dog?''
"Yes," answered Bessy, "but he's
the best dog that ever lived. He never
bites any but bad people, and his name
is Watch"
What do you do with him at
nightp"
why, we let him run around the
garden to keep away thieves"
You do, do you? That's right"
said the old fairy. "You just give
him this fairy meat; it will keep him
from barking ut the fairy / send, and
soaring her away"
Yes, Madam Fairy" returned
Bessy; "rll remember, and I'll put nv
shoes and papa's and mammals all in a
row by the door, and please tell your
ialry servant TO fill them up to the brim
with gold. Remember"
Good-by," said the old fairy, and
when Bessy looked around she was
alone. 50 she scampered back, and.
meeting Watch by the gate, whispered
III Ills car.
Here is a piece of meat the fairy
sent you. Now be a good dog, and
don't bark when she comes tonight
Watch took the meat, ate, and
growled over it.
Bessy put the key back softly. Then
feeling very lonely and excited, she
crept softly around to the kitchen door
for light and companionship. There
stood Lucy kneading bread for break
fast, while Ann sat by the door knitting
long. cotton stocking.
Bessy came close up to her and stood
still. looking into the kitchen. With
everything shining and clean, so cozy
and comfortable, il was quite delightful
after the mysterious lane, and the old
fairy who smelled of tobacco.
why. you darling" said Ann, 81
was just coming to look for you.
Where have you been? You look as
scared as cat. and as wild as a witch.
What's the matter?'
Nothing" answered Bessy. Il
wish mother would come. What time
is it?''
Half-past eight" said Lucy, look
a tho nlnnl- gsGA1fn