New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1885-04-29
A STORY OF NEW SWEDEN.

A STORY OF NEW SWEDEN.
A Swedish colony had 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 was 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 noon day lunch he was to
carry with him to his days work Of
Telling trees, two miles away. Within
che single room his humble home af-
sfordsd, was Christine, girl of twelve
years, removing the remains of the
frugal breakfast.
<sChristine," called her father, IF the
mother is willing, you may come with
me to the 'chopping' to-day. The
hours won't seem so long where there's
g little lass fitting about"
Christine looked up eagerly at her
mother.
ooh can't I go? Father wants me
sa1d I shall be so happy in the woods
all day."
Yes, you may CO." said the mother.
adding as she spoke, rye cake to the
sEunchon "but don't get lost in the
woods"
Christine laughed at her moth er's
needless fears, and fastened to over
fake her father, who had already start
ed ON his way.
A fair type of the Swedish immigrant
WAS the father, with his broad shoulders,
nuddy complexion, blue eyes, and light
ala1rs and a quaint figure was the child
that kept pace with him along the rough
road
In stature, small for her years; but
She fashioning of her dress, spun and
woven by her mother with true house,
wifely skill, gave her the appearance of
a little old woman, as it hung in heavy,
straight folds below the top of the strong,
coarse shoes.
Over her head was tied dingy cot
san handkerchief, which afforded no
? protection from sun and wind; and the
Z faee beneath, never pretty, was now
zunburned and freckled. But the
i features were regular, the teeth
!, white and even, the blue eyes
s5,Ssar and truthful, the faxen hair long
andfine; for the two smooth braids hung
Gar below the corners of the futtering
handkerchief.
As her father struck off into narrow
spath down over the hill, Christine was
Obliged to drop behind; and she follow
ed after the broad footprints in the soft
leaf mold, catching, as she passed, the
great mosswood leaves on either hand,
.shat broke so easily at her touch.
a few moments more, and they reach
~ea the "chopping," a small opening in
SHE woods where few trees had already
been fe1led and placing his dinner pal
and coat at the foot of a 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 hi:
work.
Var and near sounded the ringing
strokes of his axe, and Christine watch
ed the great chips as they flew in ever,
direction. When the last severine
blow was given and the tree fell with
crash that awoke the echoes OF the for
est, Christine shut her eyes until he
fathers hearty laugh treasured her.
AHo! no! that's. the way they com
down. Christine What fine farm
we'll have one Of these days!"
Weary at last of watching her fathe
at work, Christine obtained permission
TO search for flowers and berries.
"Don't go out Of sight," said her ia
sher, and promising that she would not
she strolled along the edge of the woods
lost in delight to everything aroun
her.
In happy Inconsistencies OF impend
ing danger, she spent the hours of til
III. long summer forenoon, until her fathe
called, "Christine Christine!" anc
gathering up her woodland treasure
.she approached within eaay speakin
distance.
aWhat do you want, papa" she al
Iwered.
ut is nearly noon. and when I fnis