Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-15

feasts and dances. I am certain we shall
see them, if We can 60"
"Of course we can 60" replied Sidney,
81 am not afraid, and tonight after every
one has gone to sleep, we shall steal quietly
out of the house. We can be back before
daylight, and no one will know We have
been away"
Ethel approved of her brothers. plan, and
agreed to go with him in search of the
fairies. Linden Hill, which stood about
two miles out of the village, was slight
rise of ground which took its name from the
many Linden trees growing on its summit.
Here, also, were several large rocks FORM
ing small cave, which was supposed to be
the abode of the fairies.
That night two little figures stole noise
lessly down the wide stairway, out the front
door and into the village street. Here all
was very quiet, and no one was to be seen.
As long as the children could keep near the
houses, and knew that any cry for help
would be speedily answered, they were very
brave, and chatted gaily about their mid
night adventure But when they had
passed the last house in the village, and the
way lav along lonely country roads and
through quiet lanes, Ethel crept closer
10 her brother, and thought that
the noon had never before looked
so large. Sidney, too, although he
would have scorned the idea of being afraid
thought what strange shadows the trees
cast, and wondered if it was always so still
in the country at nights. Even the birds
seemed TO be sleeping, and no sound WAS
heard save the dreary croaking Of the frogs
in 4 pond nearby. The children now spoke
only in whispers and FASTENED their steps
toward Linden Hill. Finally the rocks on
the top OF the hill appeared and Ethel cried:
20, Sidney, don't you smell something good
to eat9''
Sidney thought he did and said: "May-
be after all we shall find the fairies, and
what fun it would be ii they should invite
Us to supper"
Suddenly the sound of sweet music foated
Oh the air, and as the children drew near.
they could hear voices joining in gay songs.
Now, Sidney" said Ethel "after this
YOU will certainly believe in fairies"
But the boy was too busy wondering how
he should get to the fairies to paw any at
teution to his sisters words. Through the
crevices in the rocks, rays of bright light
ghone; but the openings were so small that
the children could gain no view of what
was going on inside and although they
walked round and round the rocks, they
could find no entrance into the cave. The |
sound of music and singing grew louder, !
and the air became so fragrant with the |
odor of good things that Ethel and Sidney |
became very hungry, and they thought they
must surely starYe if the fairies did not ap- ,
pear soon, and invite them to the feast
perhaps, if we call they will come and |
show the entrance, said Ethel. Then the |
chlldrer's voices sounded above the music |
Of the fairies: please let US in. We are
starving"
For moment all was very quiet, taen a |
6ue voice said: "Who is there?"
Two children, who are almost starving
and who want to see the Fairies, was the |
reply.
Shouts Of laughter followed these words. |
Then suddenly the rock opened, and a !
dwarf, having but one leg, appeared, and |
sald; Our Queen has heard your request /
ana says that you may enter"
Ethel and her brother lost no time in ac-
cepting this invitation. They could hardly |
keep from laughing at the comical appear
Rnce OF their little guide, who hopped along
brIskly before them through the narrow
passage, leading under the rocks to the BAN
quet hall OF the Fairies. The children had
expected to see great splendor, but they were
almost dumb with establishment at the
wonderful and beautiful scene. The walls
and moor OF tue room were of white marble,
and many coIored lamps furnished the light. |
Fountains, surrounded by flowers. and pour
ing forth crystal waters added to the beam
tv OF the place. In the middle OF the room /
stood long table, laden with the choicest
daintieS and around it sat the golden-haired
Fairies enjoying their feast and listening to
the music which the dwarfs, who sat near
the fountains, were producing on their tiny
harpS
When the strangers entered, the Fairy |
Queen, who was more beautiful than apy
Of her subjects, rose and kindly greeted her
guests. shs'then gave them places at the
table, and ordered that golden plates and |
food should be brought for them. The
children spent a very happy hour hearing
the fairies tell of their other homes. some