The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-09-23
RAPPELCHEN.

entirely alone in his handsome rooms. On
tho second a mercl ant by the name OF
Zimmet made his home. He was not 80
rich as the Count, but his wife and little
daughter Olga added much to his happi-
ness and the small family lived very con-
tently. Among 0lga's pets was large,
white cat called Schnurrdiburr, which was
noted for its excellence In catching mice.
On the top floor of the old stone house
lived the tailor Schnapps, whose purse
was ever empty and whose healthy fam
lily of boys and girls was always hungry.
Above the tailor's residence was a loft,
whore Schnurrdiburr loved to wander on
moonlight nights, and here he often met
his friends, at which time the eats would
sing In such a manner that any one who
heard them imagined them to be In great
agony; but that was not the fault Of the
cats, for they had clear strong voices. but
had never hal the proper training.
Under the foot-board In the tailor's
workshop lived a large family OF mice.
They had chosen this place for their homo
because the tailor greatly disliked cate
and would never allow Schnurrdiburr In
his room. Thus. all the mice OF the second
and third stories sought refuge In the
tailor's apartment. But they did not en-
Joy very bountiful living; for work was
often scarce and the hearty children left
very little Of any food that was brought
into the house.
One time. the mice were so hungry that
they stole the bread and cheese which the
tailor had put away for his dinner. This
made the man so angry that he said to his
daughter Katrine:
Tomorrow you might no to Merchant
thinner and borrow his cat and 1t will not
take Schnurrdlburr long to rid US OF these
thieving MICE"
The poor little mice, from their place
behind the foot board, heard these words.
and trembled with fear: for they knew
what sharp claws and teeth the mer-
chants cat had. That night family
council was held, and an old mouse. who.
on account Of her age and wisdom, was
called the counsellor. thus spoke while all
the others kept respectful silence:
1--WE have cousin Knuppchen, who, pro-
vided with every luxury. lives on the first
floor OF this building In the Counts room.
Since Schnurrdiburr's arrival none OF us
dare to visit our relatives, for more than
twenty of our number have persisted by
this cruel enemy. ] know not whether
our cousin still lives, but II he does he will
be able to help us. He knows Of n chest OF
gold which was buried In the cellar years
ago by an old miser, who Is long since
dead. Knuppchen. thinking to find bacon,
once gnawed n hole In his chest and was
much disappointed to find gold. or course
the gold is no use to mice, but we could
give a couple Of pieces to the tailor II he
would promise to keep the cat out OF his
apartment"
But how are we to do this2" asked one
mouse. eagerly.
Il shall tell you" replied the counsellor.
'Katrine's doll Nina is very good to us,
and often shares her supper with US. Rap
pechen shall go to her and tell her our
plans. Katrine always takes her doll to
bed with her, and In the night-for that is
the only time dolls can talk-Mina will tell
the little girl what we propose to do. In
the morning Katrine will relate her dream
to her father, and thus the tailor will hear
of our wish to save our lives by giving him
gold, and surely he will pity u.s.
All the mice we're willing to profit by the
counsellor's words, and so soon as the
tailor's family had gotten quiet for TIE
night Rappelchen crept to the bed where
Katrine lay with her doll casped in her
arms. The brave little mouse told his
story, which Nina at once whispered in her
young mistress ear. In the morning the
little girl said:
20, father, have had such strange
dream. thought that the mice were In
great trouble, because you had told me
to bring Schnurrdiburr here, and they
said that IL you will keep the cat away to-
day they will bring us gold.
H m" said the tailor, 81 have very lit
tie faith In dreams; but you can try IL you
want to, and keep the cat out Of the way"
In the afternoon Katrne said to her
doll:
Mine, / am going to Merchant Zim-
NETS room; but cannot take you with
me, for am going to play with Schnurrdi-
burr, so that he cannot run after the
mice
The mice listened with delight to these
words; and a moment later Rappelchen
started on his way to the first floor, where
be arrived in safety. He soon found a
snug little hole, lined with wool and pieces
OF sat silk. Here was large, fat mouse
taking his afternoon nap.
Rlppelchen recognized his cousin, and
spoke politely to him. Knuppchen awoke,
kindly greeting his visitor, and, after
treating him to generous lunch from the
Counts storeroom, he willingly led the
way 10 the chest of gold. Rappelchen
took two of the shining gold pieces in his
mouth, and, after thanking his friend and
promising to make another visit soon,
he hurried back to his home in the tailor's
workshop, where he was received with
the greatest joy and many questions con-
cerning his trip. Kappelchen told that on
his way home he had made narrow es-
cape. Just as he was passing the ner-
chants room, Katrine, with Schnurrdi burr
ia her arms. opened the door. The cat
fpied the mouse, and wished to spnng
III er IL; hut the little girl held him so
last that lie could not get away until Rap
PEI. en- al made his escape. The gold
sliecc- w''Ie instructed to Minas care.
efuily placed them on Katrines
. 10 af the little girl had fallen asleep.
=. morning. the tailor WAS SO de-
t. t wlen his daughter gave him the