Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-22

busy making plans for the next day. TAX
Ing crust of bread which had been given
him for his breakfast, he ran down the
creaking old steps and out into the street
After walking few blocks, he met a kind
looking old gentleman, whom he asked
"Can you tell me the way to the Black
Forest?'
The old man seemed astonished, and then
pointed out the way. But" he added,
my little man, do not enter those dark
shades; for only terror and fright await
you"
Unmindful of this warning, Julius
hastened away TO the gloomy woods, whose
giant oaks never lost thei. dark green
foliage, and through whose spreading
branches the winters wind whistled mourn
iully. The boys stout heart almost failed
him as he entered the lonely place. He
seemed to see hideous forms gliding among
the trees, and ugly distorted faces grinning
through the bushes. But remembering the
suffering at home, he whistled merrilv and
trudged on, trying to keep his ewes fixed
on the ground that be might not see the
terrors about him. He had gone but short
distance when ne noticed lying directly ac-
cross the path trunk of a fallen tree, on
which sat very old man, whose shoulders
were bent as ii accustomed to carry heavy
burdens. His old felt hat was drawn down
over his eyes, and he seemed to be resting
from long walk. He looked curiously at
Julius and then asked: "Have you any
bread or meat? am half iamished with
hunger"
Julius showed the crust, which in his ex-
citement he had forgotten to eat, and offered
1t 10 the stranger, saying: 81 have not
much; but you are welcome to this
The old man eyed the food for moment,
and then ate it greedily.
And now" he said, show came you in
the Black Forest; and why do you brave
such dangers?''
Julius soon told his story of the poverty at
home, and OF his intended visit to his rich
uncle. The old man laughed scornfully,
saying: You will get nothing from him
but harsh words. l know him we'll; and if
you are determined to make the attempt. /
shall accompany you to the end of the lor-
est; for while with me you will be safe."
Julius thankfully accepted this protec-
tion, and in the dark shades kept yery close
to his guide. Although many curious faces
peered through the trees and mockinp
laughter sounded through the woods, there
was no further evidence of elfsh sport
When they reached the end of the forest the
old man directed Julius to his uncle's
house, and then suddenly disappeared.
With beating heart the boy approached
the great stone mansion, and lifted the
heavy brass knocker. When ushered into
the presence of the stern old man, Julius
was so frightened by the keen, forbidding
stare that he almost forgot his errand. But
there was no need to waste words, for when
his uncle had listened unmoved TO julius
pltiiul story, he called the servant and
ordered him to chase the boy from the house,
threatening direful punishment should he
be iound there again. Distressed over his
failure, the thought of again traversing the
BLACK Forest came to him with new horror;
and, throwing himself on the ground, he
wept bitterly. Hearing a hoarse laugh, he
looked up and beheld his former friend
standing before him, who said: ''I suppose
you have your gold?"
But when be observed the bov's grief he
added: Come, cheer up; 1 can belp you,
and you need not return to your home empty-
handed"
Julius smiled through his tears and.
trusting his guide, followed him through |
the forest, until he stopped be ore a LARGE |
black cave cut in a rock. The old man i
Lighted pine torch that hung at the en- |
trance, and bade Julius enter. The fiarino
light cast great shadows on the wall and /
the sound OF their footsteps echoed again
snc-agaln in the empty hall
Here, said the old man, disclosino |
strong IRON chest standing at one end OF the