The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1885-05-07

Swedish colony hal been founded
in an almost unbroken wilderness OF
Northern Maine, and in memory Of the
dear fatherland, named New Sweden.
Among the first to cast his fortunes
with this little colony wss Carl OLSON,
accompanied by his wife and four
children.
The log houses of the Swedish colon
lists had been built near together, both
for security and for companionship; and
one bright midsummer morning OLSON
stood waiting before the door of his
home for the MONDAY lunch he was to
carry with him to his days work of
telling trees, two miles away. Within
the single room his humble home af-
fordsd, was Christine, Q girl Of twelve
years, removing the remains of the
frugal breakfast.
Christine" called her father, IF the
mother is willing. you may come with
me to the 'chopping' to-day. The
hours won't seem 50 long where there's
Q little lass fitting about"
Christine looked up eagerly at her
mother.
ooh can't I 60? Father wants me
and shall be SO happy in the woods
all day."
"Yes. you may co." said the mother.
adding as she spoke, rye cake to the
Luncheon "but don't get lost in the
woods"
Christine laughed at her mothers
needless fears. and hastened to over
take her father, who had already start
ed on his way.
A fair type Of the Swedish immigrant
was the father, with his broad shoulders,
ruddy complexion, blue eyes. and light
hair; and 0 quaint figure was the child
that kept pace with him along the rough
road.
In stature, small for her years; but
the fashioning of her dress. spun and
woven by her mother with true house.
wifely skill, gave her the appearance Of
little old woman, as il hung in heavy,
straight folds below the top of the strong.
coarse shoes.
Over her head was tied dingy cot
ton handkerchief, which afforded no
protection from sun and wind; and the
face beneath. never pretty. was now
sunburned and freckled. But the
features were regular, the teeth
white and even, the blue eyes
clear and truthful, the flaxen hair long
and fine; for the two smooth braids hung
far below the corners of the fiuttering
handkerchief.
As her father struck off into narrow
path down over the hill, Christine was
obliged to drop behind; and she follow
Cd after the broad footprints in thu eft
leaf mold, catching, as she passed, the
great mosswood leaves on either hand,
that broke SO easily at her touch.
~ rev mofueIts more, anu tuey Ieocu'
ed tie "chopping," q small opening in
the woods where few trees had already
been felled; and plac cling his dinner pail
and coat at the foot OF tree and direct
ing Christine to place of safety, so as
to be out Of range of the tree as
it fell, Carl OLSON commenced his
work.
Far and near sounded the ringing
strokes of his axe, and Christine watch
ell the great chips as they flew in every
direction. When the last sever,ng
blow was given and the tree fell with a
crash that awoke the echoes of the for
est, Christine shut her eyes until her
fathers hearty laugh treasured her.
"Ho' no. that's the way they come
down, Christine. What "a fine farm
we'll have one of these days!"
Weary at last of watching her father
at work, Christine obtained permission
20 search for flowers and berries.
"Don't 60 out Of sight," said her fa'