The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-05-18

''Well. Antonio. if you are indus.
trious and. will prove that you really
wish to learn, you shall be taught by 3
thoroughly good teacher, and by and
by you shall have flute of your own to
keep. How will that do?"
You may imagine how happy the
little Savoyard was at that Selling
the Kings hand in his small brown
paws he kissed it again and again, and
then an appointment was made for him
to come to the palace the next day, in
order that the whole matter might be
arranged. The next morning Antonio
walked into the courtyard OF the palace
with pride and happiness in his heart.
He was taken in charge by the
Court Capelmeister, who had been
given orders to see whether the child
really possessed any musical talent.
His report was most favorable, and
from that day Antonio had his hearts
| desire. He studied we'll, and made
such progress that soon he was al
lowed to play daily before the King.
All this kindness aroused the deepest
gratitude within the boys heart. He
almost worshiped the King, and longed
to give proof of his devotion. Strange-
ly enough an opportunity came in a
very short time.
One evening Antonio noticed an I'M
usual amount OF whispering among the
servants of the palace, who seemed to
be holding a consultation. Feeling
sure that something must be wrong, he
took care to rise early the next morn
ing, and to hide himself in dark corner
OF the kitchen, where he could see
without being seen. He had long
time to wait, but at last he saw one of
the cooks coming by with folded
paper in his hand. At first he thought
it letter; but it was very curious that
when the man opened it fine white
powder came sitting out, and fell
straight into pot of chocolate that
happened to be standing on the table
ready to be carried in to King Frederick.
Out came the little Savoyard from his
dark corner, and in state of the great
est excitement rushed off to the Kings
apartment.
''Oh, sir!" ne gasped forgetting his
manners and the respect due the pres
ence of the King. "Oh, sir, do not
mind what l say-refuse the chocolate
this morning. 1t will kill you-they
have put poison in i'll saw them-I
saw them"
Then as calmly as he could, Antonio
told his story to the King, and as he
ended breakfast came in. At almost
the same moment came a general to
hold council with his Majesty. The
King greeted him with tranquility. No
one would have known he had just
learned of plot against his life.
Presently the servant poured out
cup of chocolate and offered it to the
King. Frederick eyed him so sharply
that the man trembled and grew pale.
wv hat ails your asked his master,
in a quiet voice. care you ill?'
mo, your Majesty, but-I-I-"
POSSIBLY if you drink a cup of this
warm chocolate it may do you good"
cried the King.
The servant threw himself at the
Kings feet.
mercy, your Majesty; mercy!" he
cried.
"Wretched mani" answered the King
This cup is poisoned!'
The man protested that the powder
would only have made his Majesty I'M
conscious, that it would have done no
real harm For answer the King gave
the chocolate to a dog. The poor brute
had scarcely taken it whe,: it began to
suffer. and soon was dead. The SER
want then confessed.
The Kings charity to the helpless
Savoyard had made for himself a
friend whose shrewdness and devotion
defeated the cunning of the assassins.
And that was how Antonio saved the
King. Elizabeth Abercrombie, in ST.
Nicholas.