The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1891-08-29
THE GOLDEN PARTRIDGE.

overland monthly.
THE GOLDEN PARTRIDGE.
In the dark, gloomy North Of the
frozen zone there was situated in the
White Sea q large island called Duran,
on which were rocky mountains COW
cred with pine trees. About the centre
of the island there stood a shanty made
of thick wooden logs having small
windows Of flint-glass or crystal. which
in winter were thickly covered with
ice and snow. This shanty afforded
shelter for young Russian peasant
Ivan Pastoukhoff, and his wife Olga
both refugees from the persecution OF
Ivan the Terrible in the great Nov
gorod republic. Their uneventful life
flowed on quietly and happily. Ivan
was strong and broad-shouldered and
passed his time in hunting.
olga a tall powerful woman OF fair
complexion. with long, faxen hair.
was industrious and, made their little
home as comfortable as possible by
covering the walls and floor with bear
w
hunting. she went fishing.
Once fierce snow-storm ragged for
many days. and their supply OF food
was nearly exhausted when Ivan sug-
gested that he put on his snowshoes
and 60 to the woods and see II any
birds had been ensnared in his traps,
of which he had many set in different
places and saying at the same time
that Olga had better try II she could
catch few fish. So Ivan pat on his
long snowshoes and went to the forest
and Olga proceeded to the seashore,
but alas! both returned empty-handed
in the evening and there was nothing
to cook for supper. Olga was greatly
depressed, and scarcely looked at Ivan
who related to her peculiar story Of
how. on examining his traps, he found
them all empty until he came to the
last One-and it contained a golden
kouropatka, or partridge, the most
beautiful bird he had ever seen. and
which had begged him-oh! so pitt
fully-to spare her life and give her
her freedom saying:
If there is ANYTHING you wish for.
come and say: My handsome part
ridge, turn your smiling face and listen
to me-"
You big fool. " shouted the infuriat-
ed Olga; nov we have nothing for
supper. and u partridge would have
been just the thing. II you go to-
morrow to meet your golden partridge
! am sure you will find no trace OF
her. while she will but laugh at your
foolishness.
Rising early. he took shovel and
removing the snow from the doorway
OF his shanty. put on his snowshoes
and departed for the forest, followed
by his friendly dog Vaska-
When he reached the forest he
paused and said: my handsome
partridge, turn your smiling face and
listen to me-"
The golden bird appeared before
him smiling and happy. What can
do for you, Ivanushka?" she said.
Ivan replied: 1--WE have no food.
ard my vito is both hungry and angry
and will not speak to me-"
rind everything you require to eat and
drink"
When Ivan returned to his home he
found a table in the middle Of the room
heavily laden with caviare. different
kiads of meat fruits. wines, liquors
and preserves. Ogla met him with a
smiling face saying:
Vxyo In xx,n
everything we want to cat and drink.
Your golden partridge sent it. 1t Is
like q merchants life-full of every
thing; only tat we now want better
home. Since your bird has been so
kind, ask her IL she cannot get us a
better house to live in"
Ivan again visited the bird and on
coming home was greatly surprised to
see beautiful large house surrounded
by lovely gardens. On entering he
was still more surprised to see luxur-
ious furniture. largo mirrors and serv-
nnts in attendance upon his wife in the
dining room, where an elegant repast
had been spread. The table appoint
ments were superb, and comprised a
profusion OF gold and silver dishes and
snowy linen. Still unsatisfied, Olga
said:
Now, Ivanushka you must go and
ask the bird for better dresses and
handsome ornaments, with nice boots
OF real skin, having golden designs Of
the finest pattern; also sarafaD. to oe
of cloth of-gold handsomely embroi-
dered."
Ivan again wendell his way to the
bird. and his wife's wishes were fully
satisfied. for when he reached home he
found herin be autiful peasant dress
profusely ornamentcd with precious
stones, and her fingers covered with
diamonds of the purest water.
Are you satisfied now, my darling"
asked Ivan.
Yes" she replied. II would like II
become boUarinia (noble's wife), sur
rounded by many servants, and u
associate only with thenobilit ~"
Ivan. though feeling ashamed u
make so many requests. proceeded
thoughtfully to the fores. He called
tho bird again. and she came cheer
fully and asked. What Is the mattel
now. Ivanushlxap What does you
wife wantP She has everything"