Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-06-13
DRACK, THE SPRITE.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

In the last century there lived in the
little town of Gaillac young merchant
named Michael, who, finding himself at
the age to marry, set about seeking a
wife. Provided she was gentle, pious,
rich, pretty, and of good family, it was
of little importance as to the rest, for
Michael knew that it was necessary to
be modest in ones desires. Unhappily,
he did not see person in Gaillac who ap-
peared worthy of his choice. All the
young girls there had known defects,
without speaking of those that were un-
known.
Finally, he was told of demoiselle of
Lavaur lowered with virtues unnum-
bered and 20, Coo crowns. This last sum
was exactly the amount Michael needed
to establish himself, so he Immediately
fell deeply in love with the young lady
of Lavaur. He was introduced to the
family, who found him very agreeable,
and welcomed him favorably. But the
young heiress had several suitors between
whom she hesitated. After some prelim-
inaries, it was decided that they should
all meet at an evenings sociable, and,
being compared, the relatives of the
young lady should make choice
On the day assigned Michael left Gail
lac for I.avaur. He had put into his
portmanteau what was the most suitable !;
an apple green coat, pigeon throat
purple vest, black velvet trousers, hose of
silk with silver facings, and buckled
shoes, beside powder and satin ribbon for
his queue. His horse was covered by a
long netting to protect him from the flies,
and the bride was ornamented with
tufts of silk, while the saddle was of hog
skin. Moreover, the prudent traveller had
not omitted putting pistols into his hol-
sters, where also was slipped in small
flagon of brandy and few slices of
pistachio nut cake.
In reality, Michael was SO anxious
about the arranged test that he felt at
each instant his courage oozing away.
Hence, perceiving afar the church of
Lavaur, he came to a sudden pause. He
first refined in his steed, then put his foot
upon the ground, and in order to reflect
upon what he should say during the
evening of trial entered little grove,
where he seated himself upon the turf.
He had drawn from their place, for the
sake of companionship, the pistachio nut
cake and the flask, placing them between
his knees so that, without thinking, he
might accompany his reflections by swal-
lows of liquor and mouthfuls of food.
These distractions resulted in reassuring
him and giving him confidence. He ar
rived at the point of believing himself
possessed of all the graces of wit and of
virtue, and he was infallibly assured of
victory.
So, as the sun disappeared behind the
horizon, he rose to continue his journey.
when noise was heard behind him in the
thicket. 1t was as of multitude of little
feet striking the sod in cadence to the
sound of drum and cymbals. Michael,
astonished, turned about, and by the light
of the first stars perceived troop of earth
men led by their king, Tambourinet; the
buffoon of these little people, Goblin
Drack, came last, turning hand springs
and uttering cries like a jackdaw.
The fairies surrounded the traveller with
thousand testimonials of friendship and
good wishes. Michael, who had drank
too much not to be brave, welcomed
them like old acquaintances, and seeing
that their little eyes were fixed upon his
cake, broke it out to them as to so many
sparrows.
Despite their great numbers each had a
bit, save Drack, who arrived when all
was ended.
Tambourinet wished now to know
what was the quality of this brandy, and
the flask was passed from hand to hand
until it reached the jester, who found it
empty, and threw it away.
This is just, my little man, he said
to the goblin, for those who arrive too
late can expect but disappointment.
II will give you something SO that you
will always remember your words, cried
Drack in a rage.
"And what is that2" inquired the trav-
eler ironically "Do you think yourself
big enough to fight with me?"
Drack disappeared without replying,
and Michael remounted his horse after
taking leave of Tambourinet.
He had not proceeded a hundred PAGES
when the saddle turned and threw him
into the dust. Ha rose, slightly stunned,
rebuckled the girth, and again mounted
his horse; but little farther along, as he
was passing bridge, the right stirrup
suddenly broke, and he found himself
seated in the middle of the way. He
started forward in very bad humor, and
had third fall upon the stones of the
road, and there found a resting place.
Fearing that if he persisted he should be
unable to present himself to the family OF
his intended, he decided to ride his horse
bareback and carry the saddle upon his
shoulder He Thus made his entrance