Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-17

When she reached the long, dark ravine,
where she should find the object of her
search, she saw reclining on the edge OF the
pool the hideous water-sprite, with its vel
lowish green eyes, its unshapely body
covered with coarse fur, and Its frog-nke
feet and hands.
"I have come for some of this water, said
Armide, proudly, exhibiting her costly
pitcher.
"Have you, indeed, my pretty maid?''
replied the sprite, "but you cannot have 1t
without my consent, and that will be given
only when you promise to return and stay
with me for a year. In my rocky cave you
shall rest on soft moss, and your every wish
shall be granted"
The girl, unmindful of her dying father,
answered: "Never shall I leave my beautl-
full home to dwell with such being"
"I expected this answer" said the sprite,
as it grinned from ear to ear, showing row
of sharp, white teeth, land such noble
ladv as YOU shall not return afoot. 1 shall
give you a steed to carry you home"
And, bending over the water, the sprite
picked up a smooth, white pebble, and
threw it into the air. As the stone fell to
the ground, there stood a handsome black
horse, which seemed so quiet and gentle
Armide's eyes shone with delight; for she
in mounting, and was soon enjoying canter
through the grove. When suddenly hoarse
voice cried: "Speed away, my good steed;
speed away, and carry the black princess to
her home"
Then the horse began to rear and plunge;
II rushed through thorny thickets, where
the low branches beat and scratched the
maiden's face; it few over dusty roads and
stony by-ways. and finally stopped before
the merchants house, where it vanished,
leaving Armide half fainting at her fathers
door.
The next day, the second daughter, Syl-
phide undertook the same errand as her
sister, and met with the same success
When told that in order to fill her pitcher
she must live for year with the water
sprite she said: "I love too much to dance
in the fields and meadows to stay in this
darK place"
"Oh, il dancing is all you want" said the
sprite, 81 can give you plenty OF that. You
shall dance in my whirlwind."
A shrill whistle sounded through the
dell, and furious wind began to blow. The
girl screamed with terror as she saw the
mighty oaks bending and writhing, and felt
herself lifted of her feet and whirled madlY
away. On she was carried in wild, dizzy
dance. over rocks and stones, through field
buu lOreSl uOh III SlOO0l e"N
again in sunny woods. For many hours
the tireless wind gave her no rest, but at last,
weak and exhausted, she was lett at her
own home.
And now Elfriede must make the journey
to the spring in the forest. With great fear
and trembling she set out on her way; and
her heart beat violently when, as she ap,
preached the pool, she saw the frightful
water-sprite sleeping on the bank with Its
uusightly head resting on q mossy stone.
She stood still a moment, hoping it would
awake and speak to her; but only the
rustllng OF the trees and the twittering of q
few forest birds were to be heard. Elfriede
then took small stone and threw it in the
water. The noise of the splash aroused the
sprite. who sprang up, and with its great,
green eyes gaZed curiously at the little girl;
then in a rough voice said: "What do you
want here?"
"I have come for pitcher of this life-giv-
ing water. was the reply.
''You may have it, said the sprite, eff
YOU will live with me for year."
Elfriede, terrified, looked at the hideous
figure of the sprite, and hesitated q moment
Then remembering her dying father, she
said: although fear you greatly, yet for
nv fathers sake shall do as you desire. %
The sprite laughed gleefully, and said:
'sTo-morrow shall come for you"
II then sprinkled few drops Of the clear
water over her, and instead of being dark
and homely, Elfriede became fair and
beautiful; her plain, white dress was covered
with sparkling gems and she appeared a. q