Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-10-10
A FAIRY STORY.

messengers of thought, as they sped across the blue ether. and he saw them take on many strange shapes. Now d munstrouS troll, as the mountain giants are called in Norseland. would stand out ln bold relief, and again curious beasts and birds would present themselves tu his eager eye.
 All al once he Was atloat in folklore land. where he was tu meet face tu face beings of whom he had heard su much He was bound to visit tine castle of the Mountain King. the mightit>t uf trolls. The air was full of music, and he heard the birds singing about this king and his treasures.
 Hans now heard a whizzin% i'll the air, and there appeared before him the big Eest bird he had ever seen i'll his life As II plunged down beside him. it almost seemed as though huge load of hay had been dumped on the ground.
 If Hans would get on his back. the bird told him he would bear him to the Mountain Kings castle, but the boy must hold fast To the feather at the nape of Bird Dams neck lest he fall. This feather, you must know, Was as big and as tall ,:s half grown spruce tree.
 Hans did as he Was bid. and away they went sailing through the air so fast that the wind whiStl,,l after them. Presently they reached some noble graiutields, and hero Bird Dan paused to fill his crop. IL frightened Hans to see how much he could devour. The boy himself sat down 10 partakr of the modest lunch he car riel with him. when he saw u man lying with his car close Io tin, ground
 What are yvu doing" asked Hans.
 Il an listening to the grass. was the reply, My ears are su fine l can hear every blade us il grows. need less sleep than q bird. and can see hundred miles by night as well as by day"
 You'd he d useful man to have on my journey" said Hans. Will you go along"
 "Nv>. if Bird Dan will take lur. and If you'll give He some of your lunch.
 My lunch isn't much, but such aS il k I'll gladly share il with you slid Hans
 Bird Dan consented, and away they went with the new cumradr. When next they paused. Hans SAW d man walking about with his hand over his mouth.
 What k the matter wlth yuu:" cried Hans.
 I'm the man that has swallowed sev- en summers and II winters. and l keep my hand over my mouth lest they all escape al once and make utter confuslon ill tnv wvrli."
 You'd hc a useful cumradr," said Hans. Will you join my party" The man was willing if hu might have somc lu,.ch ,.nd If Bird Dan would con sent. x 1T vvaS quickly arranged fer him to %.
 Alter Blrd Dan had pursued hls swift flight for time with tA,sG thrco co l. rades ou lis back, Hans asked: How far shall we have ;o go" As far aS thc cast les from the west. Was the reply. 1 How long will it take u>;"
 As long as it takes the sun to make i the same journey At this moment the man whose eyes 1 and ear- wcrr ,,,, sharp cried out: Il can str Iuto thr Mountain King 1 castle. Th.rr i~ urr who has told him 1 you are coming. Hans. and tine king is ready for you.
 Il think I'm afr,ud," said Hans 1 Don't fear. said the man with the seven >ummrr~ and the I5wintyr> I'll help you.
 ,'Wcrr most there now, said BirJ Dan.
 Sur, enough there, tlirk,rtd and tlamcd hrtor" them hedge of fire. and beyond it cu>tlr glnwrd lik,. lh" noon day sun.
 Now, cried Bird Dan. our good friend with the many seasons may ler out piece ot , winter
 The man sent forth . chilling blasr that quickly parted the flames and mad, Hans shiver.
 Go roldly into the castle, now sail Bird Dan 10 Hans. and perhaps tht Mountain Kin, will uot bc 50 La--,r,u Il. as you think. lis body Is bigger an, stronger ;huu yours. but you have nor, >tnse than he. h"ep your wits abuu you, and if you need help call on you ready helpers.
 Hans made !:,s Way Iu the castle. H, passed through room after room, bu saw no one. At length he came to tn great hall where the king sat at a 1abl counting his money.
 -'IIu-;r~tu!" cried the king. "Hov dare yru enter my castle: Don't VOL know could grind you Ia powder witt one blow If my hand:" That lu." cried Hans ill tlatteriu! lone But know yuu won't harm m for all that And why, pray" thundrr,ri tin, l Mountain King.
 Because I'll make myself >u useful [, you said Hans.
 You useful [" me-" ~nrcred tn mountain king Try me" cried Hans. Very we'll" said the mountain king
 If you're luan enough to sit ill m, snokehvuse and teUd to the furnac whil,. 3o0 cords of wood are burned il il. l >hau't harsl you ''Ill do il, said Hans. if l may talk friend uf laine along.
 Take all yuur friends. was the reply given with an air of assurance.
 May have: r~urt if 1 come out aii,..
 Aye. truly. if '.,, I:. out ahve!''
 So Hans took tn" lm.rn N-i.r had Swa lowed so many winters and summer and they entered Ih" >In"lrhpu>,. abol
 dusk. There was already >curchin
 fire in the furnace. ami tnvrr Was no q
 cape. for the king had locked the door.
 You will have to let l,sr>,' six or >evt
 winters" said Hans |" ilS friend. . The man did as he was asked and " the night wore on the temperature h
 came actually chilly. Now a few SUI
 mers were let out. and the friends slel comfortably until dawn. When the king opened the door in Il
 morning. the man of many seasons ble