The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-05-31

d lew hours before OUT FRANZ WenG 10
work gathering them up with shaking
hands. The chips flashed and sparkled
in the moonlight, and soon the basket
was full. The Grey-man had watched
him all the time, now and then laughing
his low, ugly laugh.
Leave your basket here" he said.
" You will find it safe. Follow me"
And off went the Woodman, followed
by Franz, who wondered what would
now befall him. On went the Grey-man,
up hill and down, over brooks, through
brambles-he almost seemed to fly, aud
poor Franz painted after At length he
stopped at the foot of hill, stamped his
foot, and spoke some words Franz could
not understand. A door sprang open,
the Woodman entered, and pulled Franz
in too.
Coming out of the darkness, it was a
second or two before the boy could see
rclearly in the great glare of light which
now burst upon him A great FIRE burned
at one end of the cavern (for such it
seemed), and number of strange figures
all clad in grey, like the Woodman how
cred about the fire. They seemed to
take no notice of Franz, and he covered
in the shadow near the place he had en-
tered
Every thing in the great cavern seemed
made of silver the floor and the roof
glittered; even the stools and one long
table appeared to be made of the same
precious metal. The grey figures set
silver vessels on the shining table, and
then the Woodman rang bell which
seemed to echo through a wide space.
Franz saw door open, and file of mis-
cradle looking persons pass slowly in.
Each held in his hand silver candle
stick, from which burst blaze, though
there was no candle in the socket.
" Here, you boy, GOMEZ" cried the
Grey-man turning towards Franz "you
have gathered the silver chips, now three
times year you must stand at my table,
and bear a silver candlestick."
At this all the grey figures burst into
loud laugh, and one of them thrust can
dlestick into the afrighted boys hand,
and pushed him into line with the other
bearers. But what was his dismay, as
his fingers closed around the candlestick,
to find it burning hot Yet he seemed
unable to drop it. So there he stood
looking at his miserable companions,
with the dreadful candlestick in his
hand.
Poor Franz began to think his hand
must soon drop off, when great bell
again rang. Then the grey men laughed
long and loud, and seemed to fade away
the fire died out as quickly, all was dark
ness, and Franz found himself under the
rrpaof hac,Io T., lor1roG IL
chips. ishand was aswhole as the other,
save deep, black mark in the palm.
Surely, Ipay dear for the silver chips"
thought he, eff must go three times a
year to that dreadful place, and bear a
burning candlestick. But I may as well
carry these home" So he lifted the bas-
ket and trudged towards the cottage.
On he went, and the load seemed to
grow heavier at every step. He shifted
the basket from his arm to his shoulder.
But it grew heavier and heavier Still
Franz would not give up his silver chips.
STOPPING under the increasing weight, he
held it on his back with both hands. Sud
denly he heard the hooking laugh of the
Grey Woodman.
"Oh why did I ever gather these
awful chips?" cried Franz in terror, and
now tried to cast the basket from him.
But alas, the basket would not fall from
his aching back Franz made desperate
effort to shake it off, then stumbled and
fell. Down came the silver chips-chips
no longer, but great masses Of silver, fall
ing all about poor Franz to crush him
under their weight.
" shall perish I shall be crushed to
death J" cried Franz, as the silver tumbled
about him, and the ghouls laughed terri
bly,.
Franz, Franz what is the matter
Why do you moan and cry out in your
sleep?'
Franz started up-there was Gretchen
shaking him there sat his father and
mother looking anxiously at him.
Where am l ?" said Franz. "Have
been away, and have 1 still those dreadful
silver chips ?''
is the boy out of his head? What
shall we do?' cried his mother.
No, no, mother, said Franz, " I must
have had dreadful dream"
" And did you dream Of silver chips ?"
asked Gretching smiling.
" Yes, 1 did, " said Franz. And then
he told his dream, and the covetous feel
ings which had prompted it. He felt
little ashamed, but he told ALL
All, my boy" said his father, when
Franz finished his etranoe ta1e &C baet