The morning call., 1890-06-04
CARL'S VISIT
TO THE FAIRIES.

HlY<NDER an old willow tree, whose grace
Ey=ag fully drooplng branches hung low over
ss-EA the clear waters OF a broad lake, sat little
80 Carl PLAYING with the daisies aud butter
cups, which grew near, aud making irlends WIFI
the grasshoppers and katydids sporting so gayly
about him AS lie sat there in the deep grass.
The wind blowing his fair hair and his blue eyes
shining with childish pleasure. he might have
been taken for one OF the woodland fairies, who
we're thought to have their home in the grove
near by.
AS he turned a moment from his play, and al
lowed his gaze to wander over the water, ne
wished as lie had so many times before, for a
boat In which he could glide over the smooth
surface OF the lake. And he looked through the
forest as If half expecting TO tile little elves
coming in body carrying The deslie OF MS lieatI
But no one appear ed aud an old tOtien plank.
which had been washed ashore, was lhe nearest
approach TO boat that was to be seen 10 THIS
the boy was afraid to trust himself; but lie con,
tinued to look ongingly over Inc water, ana
thought when lie grew large ne would Duild
canoe, ana then lie would spend day and night
on the dancing waves
suddenly his attention was attracted to large
while swan, far out on the lake, floating maleS-
tlcally on tie wafer How proudly ii swan; now
this way, now that, and finally toward Carl VINO
gazed with delight on The beautiful bird, wnleh
he had never before seen, and whose name he
did not know. On came the swan, nearer ana
nearer the shore, then suddenly IL turned, and
gliding rapidly in the opposite direction, was
soon lost 10 view.
Tie next day it came again, and Carl allured
il with cake aud bread crumbs. great desire
TO have this beautiful bird for his own seized
him and he wished more earnestly lhan ever iur
a boat that lie might pursue this whlte swan ana
hold il iu his arms. Finally lie threw Inc OLD
plank IN the water, and 10 his surprise II dd not
slns When he spranG upon II and 1t still foaied
his 10y knew no bounds With Il LOUD hurTah he
began using his hands as oars, and was soon
speeding through the water. But the swan al
ways Kept IN advance, and would never he over
taken. After lime great WEAKNESS oyeiellne
Carl, and his arms dropped helpleSSly al us SIDE.
When lie saw himself IN the middle OF great
lake lie trembled with fear, and tried 10 direct
his boat toward ihe land. But The treacherous
plank turned over, and the boy Sank beneath the
blue waves.
When he again recovered he was lying on a
small snow-white couch around which hung
sIken curtains. Bending over him aud gazing
tenderly on his pale face was little creature
not so large as himself, whose dres and features
al once proclaimed that she belonged 10 the race
of fairies.
voice.
At first Gail was too astonished to speak. Then
he replied: " do not know. | was on the lake
chasing a beautiful bird; ana lhe OLD plank on
which | sailed upset, aud fell INTO the wafer.
When 1 awoke found myself here in his soft
beautiful bed. But tell ME where am aud who
are youY'
Tie fairy answered; "Thls is one of the
fairy palaces. 1t is my duty 10 stay here during
the day and take charge OF the house ana Inc
servants. But when night comes many OF my
brothers and sisters meet be- e and we have
grand bali. II is very lovely then; but the days
seem long and lonesome. How l wish that you
would STAY with me. / should show you all the
wonders OF fairydud; and when tfe stupid
people in the village are sleeping you could dance
in The moonlight with the fairies or glide over
the crystal lakes In our sail l-b0atS."
In his eager, childish way Carl cried: "
shall stay with you always, beautiful fairy, and
You shall never be lonesome any more"
You must remember" said the fairy, that
II you stay with me three days then you
never return 10 your home. but must live here
al "a mi - II n
you must at once leave the palace, aud l shall
conduct you 10 your home"
But Carl did not want 10 be led away, and was
sure that he would be happy always 10 live here
on The shore OF the lake. The fairy then led him
through the palace, where each room was richer
than the other, aud showed him spendors
OF which Carl, whose home had been humble
one, had never dreamed. Thrre were heaps OF
pearls and diamonds, and in The garden, which
TO The boy was the most beau iful place OF all,
were luscious fruits and rare flowers. Gay-cOl-
ored birds sang among tile trees or fttted
through the branches; innumerabie white swans
glided over the smooth surface OF tile water. and
did not seem the least dlstuI bed when Carl ar
preached aud stroked their glossy plnmage.
What royal welcome the fairies gave their new
friend when they held their festival that night;
and the banQust and sweet music brought new
pleasures TO the little stranger.
The weeks and mouths passed by, every day
bringing new joys,and the iairieS spared no pains
entertaining their guest. One evening at sunset,
when the fields and woods were glowing with its
rosy light and the birds were singing their good
night sons, while Carl was gathering flowers In
the garden lie began to think OF his home and the
little village In which he had lived. lie wished
TO wander once again through The familiar streets
aud 10 look on his mothers face. But he remem-
bered the fdiiy's words and tiled TO bansn the
thought The desire, however, became stronger
ana stronger. His bright face grew pale and sad;
but when asked the reason would say, L
only tired; shall soon be better"
The fairies grew anxious about their little
friend and brought hun all kinds OF dainty food;
but he could mol eat. Then they tried new games
IN order 10 please him. but all in vain.
Carl now spent most of his time in the garden
on the shore OF the lake. One day While here
there suddenly appeared before him a hideOus
The boy was much frightened aud was about to
cfy for help when the ugly cresture in a shrill
voice said: 81 know your trouble, aud that you
wish 10 90 home. Now If you Will bring me 4
handful Of pearls from the palace l shall take
you 10 the village for short time, then bring
you back, and Tie fairies VIII be zone the wiser"
"Out OF my way, old Which," cried the boy. II
shall never leave my friends without their con-
sent; and l shall not rob them of their jewels"
The old woman disappeared, and In her place
stood a beautiful fairy. 81 have heard your
words" she said, land for your fidelity TO US
you shall have your wish, aud return 10 your
home tomorrow"
Although Carl shed tears at the thought Of
leaving the fairies, yet he fell asleep that night
thinking OF The joy that store for him.
When lie awoEe next morning lie was lying
under the old willow on The shore OF the well.
known lake. Looking up he saw The white swan,
which seemed to ncd good-by TO him, aud then
disappeared.
There was great rejoicing In the village over
Carts return, and a large crowd gathered 10 hear
his story. Tie little ones never grew tired hear
Ing OF the faiiles and their beautiful palace, and
they watched ON the shore OF The lake ior the
white swan, but II never again was sren-PAYsIE
In Pittsburg Dispatch.