Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-03

"my home is nearby. And do you also
I've

''my home is nearby. And do you also
live here?"
The lady smiled and replied: "Then you
do not know me? 1 am the queen of the
mermalds, and have my palace far beneath
the waters. But in the evenings, when the
summer visitors are gone, come to this
shore to see the beauties of the sunset"
Having thus spoken she arose and was
about to take her departure, when Annette
cried: "Oh, please do not go. You are so
beautiful; and 1 am very lonely on this dull
shore. Gould 1 not go with YOU to your
palace under the water? should serve YOU
so faithfully and true"
You know not what you ask" said the
mermaid: my people are not like yours
They live only for enjoyment; and often in
their pursuit after pleasure, are selfish and
cruel. They punish severely any violation
of faith made to them; and always resent to
the utmost any injury"
TRY me, fair lady," said Annette; stake
me with you; you will find me faithful and
Obedient, and 1 shall soon win the love of
your subjects"
Come, then" said the mermaid, "and
do not forget that you come by you own
choice"
Loosing a golden girdle from her dress,
she gave it to her, saving, "Put on this that
you may be known as one of nv people,
With it you will have power to live under
the water and to go where YOU will But
you must never mount to the surface of the
water, nor betray to mankind the secrets of
the sea"
Trustingly Annette placed her hand in
that of the mermaid's and with her ap-
preached the waves. When they reached
the water the setting sun had made a shining
path which led down, down, far from the
sandy shore even to the bottom of the sea.
There. instead of finding darkness and gloom
as Annette had feared, it was bright and
warm, and the sun shone just the same as
on the shore.
'Now you are in my kingdom" said the
mermaid, "and henceiorth this shall be your
home"
Annette looked about with sparkling ewes,
and thought she would never wish to leave
this charming spot. In the distance ap-
peared grove o. large trees whose wide
spreading branches bore leaves OF MANY
colors
'Ihat is my coral park" said the mer-
maid, noting the direction of Annette's
glance; land in the midst stands my palace,
whose crystal walls you can zee cleaning
through the trees
AT that moment hundreds of fairy crea-
lures appeared bowing before their Queen,
and bidding her companion welcome.
'These are few OF my subjects, - said the
mermaldi "and so long as you are faithful
to me, they will obey all your commands,
and will neglect none OF your wishes"
The wonders of a mermaid's realm did
not enc with crystal palace and coral
park; there were palm groves, brilliant col
ored flowers, and innumerable shells with
their dainty tints. But to Annette, the
most beautl ul OF all was when, as the sun |
was sinking and the shadows of the coral |
trees began to lengthen, the Queen would |
bring her golden harp, and sing of the |
treasures of the sea until the moon arose and |
the stars danced merfily on the waves.
One Gay, while wandering through the |
grove Annette discovered narrow uath |
which until then had been unknown to her.
Following its intricate windlngs she came |
TO wide space grown over with sea weeds |
and water lilies, and among the flowers and |
grasses, lay men and women, and even little |
children, all apparently resting quietly and |
sleeping sweetly. AT first Annette was at a |
loss to understand this strange scene; but as
she drew near, and found the bodies stiff |
and cold, she knew they had been victims |
OF cruel sea, and perhaps had been carried |
here by the mermaids while anxious friends l
were watching for their return. The thought |
filled her with such horror that she wished /
to fee at once from the spot But at the |
same moment a kissing noise sounded |
hdIST anu a gigantic monster i
sped past her. Annette knew this to be the
dreaded sea serpent, which always left
death and destruction in its path, She
screamed with terror as she saw shin rlid-
ing through the tide. Annette could see on
the deck OF the vessel young girl and an
old man; then a crash followed and An
nette stood as if fixed to the spot. She saw
the serpent, having done its dreadful work.
continue its way, and the old man carried
by brave soldiers to the shore. But the fair
Young girl sank, was seized by the mer-
maids, and was laid among the water lilies.
Annette was no longer happy in her beau
tiful home. The secrets o. the sea had !
brought no pleasure. Her constant thought
was of the Old man and his great sorrow,
One day, unable TO endure the strain longer.
she mounted to the surface OF the water, and
saw on a rock bv the sea the silver-haired
man, his head bowed with grief. Annette
approached him and said kindly: "Do not