Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-09-21

longer heard; instead of the sweet wild flow
ers grew rank and poisonous weeds, and the
ground was covered with such a dense
growth Of thorn bushes that no one ventured
beyond the limits of the meadow. Carl,
who had once seen the dwar S. now won-
dered what had become of his little friends,
and il they still lived in this deserted place.
He spent many hours on the old log bridge
over the brook, peerlng eagerly into the
forest in hopes that he might again catch a
glimpse OF the green caps and gray coats,
but without success, and he had about con-
cluded that the dwar! had gone in search
of more pleasant abode. One day, when
be had gone to his favorite resting place, a
small gray squirrel hoped on the end of
the log, not seeming the least alarmed at the
sight of the boy, but looked at him so be-
seechingly that Carl was sure it wanted 10
say: "Pl-ase do not move. rom the snot."
Curious TO know what all this could mean,
Carl sat very still and watched the antics OF
the squirrel, which rushed back and forth
in very strange manner; now on top, now
under the log. Then the old bridge fell
gently into the water and floated down the
stream toward the forest, while the squirrel
ran along the bank, always keeping himself
in sight. In few moments the log, as ii
guided by an unseen hand, glid-d to the
shore. There, to the boys great delight, il
a grassy spot, free from thorus and bram-
bles, were the dwarls. One of them, differ
ing from the others, in that he wore a white
coat and had golden crown on his head,
advanced, and thus addressed Carl; ave
are in great distress and must seek the aid
of some true friend. For this reason we
have brought you in our realm, and we beg
that you will not refuse us your help"
Then all the dwarfs fell on their knees
and held out their hands so pleadingly TO
Carl that be could but promise TO do as thew
wished. The king then led the way to his
home among the rocks And when they had
partaken of the dainty meal prepared for
them, he said:
81 shall now tell you the cause of our
trouble and how you can help u.s. Several
years ago, when this barren land was COW
cred with blooming trees and lovely flowers,
a race of swamp dwarfs, who are ugly and
cross, and who love nothing that is fair and
beautiful, took up their abode in this forest.
They wished to destroy the stately oaks. and
have only sharp thorn bushes and homeiy
weeds. But in our treasure chamber was a
gold ring, by which we had power over the
trees and flowers. So long as this was in our
possession the swamp dwarfs were powerless
to accomplish their evil designs. We
guarded the ring most carefully, placing it
strong iron walls. One day stranger came
to u.s. who pretended to be cousin from dis
tant lands. and brought us messages from
our friend. Like us, he wore green cap
and gray coat. Thinking no evil, we re-
ceived him into our home and spared no
pains to entertain him. We told him of
our great wealth, and finally led him
into the treasure chamber, where we gave
him gi Us of pearls and rubies. We
even showed him the gold ring and ex-
planned its wonderful power. As soon as
our guest had seen the ring, both he and it
vanished. Then we were in great distress;
for we knew that Igelborst, the king OF the
swamp dwarfs, had sent one OF his men to
steal our treasure. Our beautiful forest
then disappeared, and you can see the other
dlreful changes which have taken place. II
we could but gain the ring again, all would
be as formerly; but we are much too weak
to conquer this power ul king. Y u, how
ever, are large and strong, and could easily
force him to give up the ring. But il you
do this or us, it must be done without hope
OF reward; Tor this must be the deed of q
friend"
When the King finished speaking there
was dead silence in the room; but this
lasted only for a moment, and the dwar s
broke out into loud weeping, and begged
Carl that he would restore their beautiful
home to them. Unable to resist their en-
treaties, the boy promised to visit the king
dom Of the swamp dwars and demand the
ring. The gray squirrel was sent forward
as guide, and led the way through many
rough, thorny paths to the dwelling OF Igei-
borst. When Carl had crept through The
narrow entrance, he found himself ia 3 long
hall, in the middle OF which was a tinv
throne of gold and ivory. On this throne
sat the King of the swamp dwar q, holding
in his hand a jeweled scepter. Around
him we're his subjects. hideous little Great
ures, with green eyes and crooked noses:
The King nodded kindly to Carl, and said,