Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-09-27
ROBERT AND HIS PONY.

lived all alone in Il little house In the
} middle OF forest His mother had
died when he was "a mere child; his
father died few years later. and al
his last hour he had said to him: "My
dear son, il had not been the victim
OF a cruel sorceress you should have
inherited "a handsome fortune; but
now can only leave you this house
and my pony, u good beast; treat him
we'll"
This pony was, in fact; rem arkable
animal, very intelligent and very
handsome.
Robert had no other means OF living
except his work in the forest He
gathered dry branches for firewood, and
heath 10 make brooms. He tied them
In bundles. and placing them upon the
pony's back he went TO the city to sell
them. There he bought food and gar
ments for himself, and oats for his
faithful beast
One day, after having sold his bun
dies. he was preparing to return To his
home. when an elegant lady approach
ed him and said
lis that your ponyp"
Yes"
''He is n fne-looking beast. Will
you lend him TO me for half an hour |?
i wish to go and look at one of my
farms. and | will give you shilling
! for him.
Robert had never parted with his
brave little horse, and he hesitated to
contide it to the beautiful unknown.
But shilling was more than he made
in a week
Very WE'LL" he said. II will lend
you my pony, but only on condition
that you treat him gently, and that
you will not beat him. He has never
been beaten.
Have no fear" replied the beautiful
lady. She 20 ted herself upon the
pony and rode off.
"Who is that woman ?" Robert ask
ed.
Nv hat ! you do not know her That
Is Mistress Hippoharpy, who lives in
the great house you see down there
She is very rich.
Il hope" he replied, that she will
treat my pony well.
lie was very uneasy, and impatiently
awaited the rich lady's return. At last
she appeared. She tossed HIM a shl-
ling, and hastily departed Robert
had no time TO thank her, and he GER
tainly would not have done so had she
remained, for he saw that his pony was
painting and was covered with mud.
and on his skin he could see the marks
left by whip. Robert wiped him
carefully. carressed him and led him
to his stable
A few days later he once met Nine.
Hippoharpy, who called him TO lend her
his pony again.
mo. " he replied; "you shall never
have him again"
Il will give you two shillings she |
said.
No he said, mot for your entire
fortune"
All" she cried, looking at him
angrily, you will repent this"
Suddenly, az he was entering
the forest five men threw them
selves upon him. bound him and carried
him of with the pony TO the great
house where Madam Hippoharpy
lived
There he was obliged to brc TX stones
to repair road in the park. and his
dear little pony was delivered TO the
cruel lady. who beat him and drove
him almost to death.
Alone, defenselcss, closely watched
by his vigilant guards, poor Robert
had to submit TO his lot But often he
could not restrain Il groan. One day,
as he was moaning over his cruel fate
he heard little futelike voice, which
said; Il pity you, pity YOU"
The same voice repeated: II pity
you, Robert, | pity you"
lie looked again, and saw on a bush
a robin rcdbrcast, who nodded his head
ut him.
as it YOU" said Robert: lis it you,
my beautiful bird, who spoke TO rep
Yes, replied the bird, making
little bow and wagging his tail. Can
be OF any assistance TO your
Il am very much obliged to you, but
fear that you can DO nothing for
me-"
do you think so? Well, tell me
What you desire"
Il wish to regain possession of my
1ony.n
If restore him to you will you do
or me what ask you to-.
ooh, certainly"
Nv ell, listen 10 me. W hen the dim
ler- bell rings, instead OF returning to
he kitchen, conceal yourself among
he bushes near the stable, and you
will see what will happen"
Robert did rs the bird told him.
The robin redbreast few to the stable
where the pony was shut up. ,
a servant was there, who, on coming ,
nut ought TO carefully close the door.
~ his mistress order But while he
vas finishing his work he did not not ice
hat the active bird had piled some bits
# wood around the hinges of this door,
which would prevent his closing it
lightly, and when the man came out
he robin redbreast flew to the pony !
nd began TO tear the rope by which /
&c was tied 10 his stall. But the task I
'as u difficult one. Notwithstanding I
il its efforts the bird could not break G
he rope. Suddenly he heard n shrill I
title voice, which said: do you want i
ne to help your I
The bird looked and saw mouse on 4
he hay. T
n 4. n