Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-08

which was confined a pure white swan.
which thrust its head between the cords of
the net and tried in every way 10 escape.
The man became 3ngry over the birds
struggles and beat it with his fist, and
wien it did not at once grow quiet, he
threw II on the ground and struck the swan
Gith his great foot.
Ado, who never could endure to see in
nocent creatures suffer- watched until the
dark man began talking to neighbnr, then
the boy stole up to the net, and cutting with
his penknife the heavy cords he released
the swan, which joyfully tapped its wings
and after whispering, Follow me-" it
SCARED into the air, and few awav
Not pausing to witness the owners sur
prise and anger over the escape of his cap
tive, Ado ran through the streets, alway
keeping the bird in sight, until at length
weary and finding himself far from the
city, he cried ont: so, beautiful bird, Stop
and tell ME why you wished ME to follow
You"
Then the swan slowly descended to the
ground, and said: q thank you manv
times, Kind youth, for your timely rescue
from the net l am no swan, but q princess
changed into this form by the wicked en-
chanter, whom you saw in the market place.
If you will save me, honor and wealth will
be YOURS"
Ado fell on his knees before the swan and
begged 20 know how he could aid the
Princess. Then the bird continued: Far
from here, where great river flows into the
sea, is beautiful, green valley, enclosed by
wall of solid rock. In the midst of the
valley is a clear lake, in which are many
white swans. VINO, as l. are fair maidens in
the power of the enchanter. Every feast
day one of the birds is killed, and its heart
devoUred bv the cruel master. | was to
have been the next victim, but by chance
the chain by which was fastened broke
and flew awsv, only to be caught again in
the city. Had you not released me, my Ii e
would soon have been taken. Near the
middle OF the lake stands high, bare rock,
on the top of which is small box contain
ing white stone. If you can gain possess
sion of this stone the enchanter's power over
US will be at an end. The only entrance to
she valley is through an iron gate in the
rocky wall. When the enchapter is not at
home the key Of the gate hangs about the
neck Of an eagle which flies about in circles
above the wall"
With these words the swan flew away,
and Ado determined that he would make
an effort TO rescue the maidens from their
hard lot. The boy looked about MIN, and
discovered that no house Was in sight and
tnat night WAS fast coming on. As he was
an old man with a sad, distressed face, ap-
preached him. When Ado asked where he
could find food and shelter, the old man
said: lit is many miles to the CITY; but
my home is not far distant, and you will be
welcome there"
As they walked toward the little cabin.
almost hidden bv the trees, the old man told
Ado that once he had been contented and
happy; but his wife had died, and a few
days later a tall, dark man had called at his
house and asked for nights lodging; and
the next morning both his guest and his
three beautiful daughters had disappeared,
and had never since been heard of Ado
then told what be had heard from the swan
aud how he intended to Tree the captives.
Il can help you, /" said the old man, who
was now sure that he now knew the where
abouts OF his children. "You must stay
with me for three days, and l shall prepare
poisoned arrows with which to kill the
eagle"
Ado remained in the little cabin until the
arrows had been prepared, and then armed
with these and a small sword which the old
man had given him, he Sc; out to find the
enchanted valley. 1t was not until he had
Journeyed several days, that he saw the
great river flowing into tine sea, and discov-
cred the rocky wall, OF which the swan h ad
told him. Above him the eagle circled in
the air, and uttered piercing cries. Ado
now knew that the enchanter WAS not at
home, and quietly placing Que OF his pois-
oned arrows in his bow, he shot at the bird.
which fell lifeless a! his feet Ado lost no
time in securing tine key and opening the
gate into the magic valley. Here all was
sunshine and beauty. Birds sang in the
trees, crystal fountains played in the cool
shade, the air was heavy with the perfume
of sweet flowers. In the distance could be
seen clear lake on whose smooth surface