The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-12-11

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meath a group of high trees. whose green
wild home.
Within. chcerfully eating their humble
rcpast, sat two dark-bcardrd men. and a
little fair-haired girl.
The elder of the men had Il sombre ex-
preston on his face: now and then his
eyes rested upon the child with troubled
fear.
Unconscious of that anxious regard
Elite chatted gaily to her dog, a ragged
looking colley, who. lying at his mis-
tress's feet, gazed into her sweet face
with eyes full of mute alteration.
Good doggie- dear old Buzz; here is
some bread for YOU she said, holding a
piece Of stale crust towards him.
Buzz wagged his tail, and opening his
huge mouth. seized the bread between
his teeth.
Now father will tell us a story about
the prince changed into Il bear by Il
naughty fairy. | wonder, Buzz. if you
are Il charming prince disguised? Some
As she spoke. Elite rose from her little
wooden stool. and approaching her
father. climbed on to his knee.
Instantly II smile chased the shadow
from his brow. and pressing her to his
breast he kissed her with tender warmth.
my darling, my sweet little Elite;
Heaven guard you from evil; keep you
to bless Il fathers dreary lifc!'
why. Nat, old boy, how dull you
SOON Tonight ] oannnt thinl what hos
come over YOU. you We're so gay this
morning" Joe exclaimed. suddenly
aroused from his pleasant thoughts by
those agitated words.
1T is nothing much. Joe. A few
hours since | met my old enemy Ralph
Leigh. and the knowledge of his near
JOY. cannot forget the oaiiI he took to
be avenged. and if he did harm me what
would become of my poor child?" Nat
said gloomily.
Joe started and gazcd ut his friend
with surprise.
Hush. You ny At not give way like
this to such gloomy fancieS. Ralph
would not dare harm YOU"
ale would dare anltlling: that is why
] want you To promise me faithfully, il
aught happens. You will he Il father to
Elite. shield her from the rough world
as I have done" Nat continued ex-
citedly.
That ! promise with I'LL my heart.
You know Elite is rs dear to me- rs if she
We're my own child.
The gold-digger grasped his compan-
ions hand and shook il warmly. then
with Il sigh bent forward To kiss the pure
brow of his innocent little daughter.
The next morning. before the dawn
had crept through the misty sky. Nat
and Joe. with their tools Slung across
their shoulders. started to the spot where
they had for long been seeking gold.
Once Nat turned back. and entering
the hut went over to Elites small bed.
The child was sleeping peacefully, one
pretty arm flung above her sunny head;
Il smile crossed her face rs her fathers
lips touched her check. but the blue eyes
did not unclosc.
AT the foot of the bed lay Buzz. his
soft eyes fixed on the slumbering form Of
his young mistress.
Take care of her. Buzz. old fellow: |
leave her to YOU" Nat whispered. pat
ting the dogs shaggy head; then. with
one last lingering look. he joined his fell
low-worker.
An hour later little Elite awoke from
her dreams. and. springing lightly from
her cosy bed. quickly dressed.
After breakfast. and having fed Buzz
with her own dimpled hands. the child
tied Il big hat over her golden curls. and,
accompanied by the faithful dog. went
out into the fresh morning air.
Come. Buzz. let us see il We can find
some pretty flowers; you, as II fairy in
disguise. ought to know where the sweet
est bloom" she said gaily.
Buzz wagged his ragged tail, and
barked joyOusly. If he did not under
stand his companions words he knew
they were kindly meant. so was con
tent.
Very happily Elite danced over the
grassy swar,l. filling her basket with
delicate blossoms. Il few wild flowers
which, in spite of all, flourished in those
Australian wilds.
Unconscious of danger. she sang on,
her pure voice mingling with the har-
monious notes of many birds: suddenly,
however. Il loud report broke the still
ness followed by an agonised yelp. as
Buzz fell. bathrd in his own blood. to
the. earth.
With a sharp cry Elite sank ON her
knees beside him. calling upon him in
tones of tender cndrarment.
Her voice had no power TO rouse Buzz
from his last sleep; the poor dog was
dead-shot down by some ~treachcrous
hand. Il hand which was even then raised
above the little girls innocent head as if
to strike.
Elite. raising her teur-dimmed eyes,
met a pair of dark cruel ones fixed
upon her, and II low cry escaped her
trembling lips.
SAT hast revenge is in my power!
Through his child he shall suffer-
That voice. SO harsh and cNultant,
those ewes, so full of horrible hate. sent
thrills of terror to Elites childish heart.
and she wondered vaguely what he meant
by his strange words.
Selling her roughly by one arm. the
man dragged her along. sitting her cries
by his hard hand.
Arriving at the edge of II deep r%avine,
unmoved by her imploring gaze and
sweet, pitiful face, Ralph Leigh lifted her
high in the air, finging her with brutal
force into the yawning abyss.
Satisfied that his vengeance was ut an
end. The murderer turned away, saunter-
6GilavH towesas As own saAia-