Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-08-31

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The Spccter rose to its fttu height before
him.
And the Duke of Orleans, followed by
Francois, slipped into the subterranean
hovel, which was not more than 3 feet
| III height and about II feet square 1t
was paved with an immense slab of
granite, whereof one corner served for a
hearthstone, on which pine log was
blazing The smoke. driven back by the
wind which was bowling outside. whirled
| about in stormy volumes and filled the
place with a dense cloud of mingled
sparks and fame. At moments it resem-
bled the breath Of the pit. Two beds, n
bench. a chair and "a table composed all
the furniture Of this retreat, but it was
kept with scrupulous neatness.
The dukes earnest anxiety was to dis
cover the mysterious stranger whose
voice had impressed him so powerfully.
But at first he perceived only the specter
whose hand had guided him to the spot,
and who turned out to be an old man of
from 70 to 50 years of age thin and
bent, but with look of inspiration that
revealed one Of the northern trolls.
! Francois took him to be the devil. At
/ his feet a cat and bear were playing
anicably.
The old man, without taking the slight
est notice of the strangers presence, be-
| gan to strike a succession of quick, light
taps on bench, pronounced a few unin-
telligible words and then lighted long
| pipe, whose smoke soon disagreeably sur
pIised the nOstrils of our French travel
ers.
There! Didn't tell you that we We're
in the presence of Beelzebub?" murmured
NJ. Guillemot. This abominable smoke
is more than sufficient proof against
the accused heather"
My friend" said the duke to the old
man, fixing his keen, scrutinizing eye
upon him, ''since the language speak is
as familiar to you as my name, will You
have the kindness to inform me to whom
| am indebted for this hospitality. since
most assuredly you are not what Your
mode of life and the poverty Of your
abode would betoken."
The old man shook his head and again
pronounced few words which no one
understood.
Il never heard" observed Guillemot,
"that it was the devils custom to have
representative of himself upon the
earth. But certainly this creature is
fully worthy t o play second to Luci-
fer, or at least to be his vicar general
Come, you old clown, open your mouth
and tell us who you are, SO that we may
know whether or not we have any reason
to congratulate ourselves on having
made your acquaintance"
My father, Tuisko, is only poor in
habitant of Karesuando. He humbly
prays his royal highness the Duke Of
Orleans to consider himself welcome in
his cabin" said the sweet voice which
had so gracefully and cordially invited
the strangers to enter.
The duke turned quickly in the direc-
ton whence this voice proceeded. Judge
his surprise when he discovered in tho
depth of an alcove the white and pure
countenance of young girl far surpass-
seen in the sumptuous salons Of the Tuil
cries or under the fresh shades of Yer
sailles. She was clad in gown of Fin
land wool. with blue and red stripes, her
chestnut tresses foated in long and silky
curls over her shoulders, her blue eyes
sparkled with intelligence, an indescriba-
bic charm of youth surrounded and filled
her whole person, and yet from her mel
ancholy and tender expression it was
plainly perceptible that the flowers of
her life had been mingled with many
thorns, but this only rendered her more
beautiful and seductive.
The young nobleman saluted her with
the same respect that he would have
shown to princess of the blood.
"Monseigneur, she continued, 1--WE
have been waiting for You "A long time.
Yesterday when You were quitting NIL
onioniska my father was grieved at your
having horses hitched to your sledgcs.
horses are not adapted to these regions,
as they require beaten tracks and sure
relays. You have not yet tried our rein
deer, monseigneur. You know not how
delicious it is to glide along with the
rapidity Of lightning over the glistenng
plains by the glow of the aurora boreals
and the great stars of these ATTITUDES.
Tomorrow it will be too late The thaw
haa begun, the broad levels will become
inlia able and the rivers swell to ton
rtuts, Oh, what a pity it is that you
have missed such a pleasure"
The pleasure Of breaking ones neck
nj the heels Of wild animal! mullnuled
Francois GuillemOt,
"ThoY your father knew the hours
md minutes Of my trip Yesterdays asked
she prince.
~ esterday evening at three.anarters