Connecticut western news., 1882-12-20
GRAY MAN OF THE FOREST
A POLISH CHRISTMAS LEGEND.

$ UNA l MAN UT HE IUhLO1 <.
 POLISH CHRISTMAS LEGEND.
 There was once poor Polish widow who was so destitute when Christmas { drew near that she had nothing in the house with which to still the pressing hunger of her children, who had not tasted food for over twelve hours-much less to provide presents and surprises for them, such as other children of their &C., quaintance were to enjoy.
 While the children were sitting in a corner crying, the mother knelt down and prayed: "Oh dear and merciful God! have pity upon me in nay distress. Up to the present time have been able to provide for my darlings, but now on the very eve of the celebration of Thy dear Son they must suffer hunger, go to bed supperless and rise without breakfast"
 The children seeing the despair of their mother and having overheard her prayer, said:
 "Dear mother, please don't cry; we Nil go i to the forests near by, and cut C;own mall 1vergreen. And If we can- not light up as our neighbors do, we shall be able at least to look at it, and tomorrow those who pass by, when they shall see it through the window, will think we had as good time as they did. And who knows but in our search we may find something or other whereby we may be able to still your hunger and -oufs ?"
 The mother consented and the three, brother and two sisters, started out, the boy taking hatchet, one sister a saw and the other basket. When out in the air they had to run to keep warm, for the cold was intense and the road covered with fresh fallen snow. On reaching the forest the trees glistened as though hung with diamonds, and in their great beauty the children forgot all about their hunger and cold. Each was eager to first discover the best evergreen tree. When they found one that they thought looked nice, it was too large; others were too small and so they got deeper and deeper into the vast timber.
 .tAt last" cried the brother, whose name was Bogumil (which means "Be- loved by God''), "I think I have found the right one;" and taking the hatchet he was about to strike a-blow, when g strong, gruff voice called out to him, "Hey, boy what are you going to do ?'
 Bogum1 dropped the hatchet and tim. idly replied: ''Surely there can be nc harm if cut down small evergreen fol Christmas tree, there are plenty more in this forest. We have nothing to hang upon it or to adorn it, but it is the best we can do to celebrate the day."
 'sBeware how you cut down trees which do not belong to you without first asking permission from the owner. | you are going to celebrate Christmas you must be Christian children; and if so you ought to know the ten command ments, the eighth of which says, 'Thor shalt not steal Cutting down trees o taking anything, no matter how small that does not belong to you is stealing.
 At this gray-haired but strong ma1 was noticed by the children; his cap long coat and high boots were all of flu and covered with snow; and he continued talking to them, although they huddlet together in fear:
 C No one has moral right, not eyel the owner of 8 forest, to cut down tree without planting others to replace them otherwise there would be a scarcity c rain, and drouth is not good fo poor people. But never mind, the evel greens will not run away help me to day to fill this bag which you see wit small branches until need you no more and I will see that you have nice tree the day is short and I have plenty to dc u. What say you? Are you willing to wor little while in order to have the Ire rightfully, or would you rather wait an cut one after I have gone out of sigh and there is no one to molest you?'
 Oh P they all cried, "we woul rather work for it and come by it hol estly," and :Bogumil added, "H takin thing even in the open air without pe7 mission is stealing, then would rathe 20 without"
 "Well, then, my children, come on
 The little ones in the excitment of tI moment followed the gray-heade strangers long strides cheerily. Whe they had proceeded short distance the noticed large pile of evergreens alread cut down, upon which their new-fou1 friend threw several more, which he fro time to time broke off at the roots al carried in his strong arms. The childre to please their fur-clad guide, shook t snow from the branches and limbs,
 that not single speck of the evergreen winter clothing was visible but all " green. As each tree assumed it's natu1 appearance he took from his fur co
 large golden apples and nuts; also sm wax-candles and tapers of different colo
 which he placed in his long bag.
 When he was through he sat.down
 stump and asked one of the girls: :.