The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-03-03

storm was brewing; many shooting
stars had been seen the night before,
showing clearly from which direction
10 expect the wind. Did she not
recall the woe the last October storm
had brought 10 three families?
Indeed, she remembered il only too
wildly. The wind a. it blew strong
or sounded more and more dreadful
TO her. II, as last year, they were
driven far out, il would be days be-
fore al could return until then what
terrible anxiety! The sight OF aGreat
pair Of boots in the corner made her
shudder, for she knew they were the
fsherman's doom. Weighted down
by these heavy rubber things, which
are buckled securely about the legs
and loins, there is no possible chance
for a mar TO save himself in the
water. And thus il is that none Of
the fishers learn to swim, preferring
the drowning agonies to be over as
SOC as possible.
Frau Muller rose at length and put
the little one TO bed, not dreaming
that Hans was watching every look.
Old Walther's forecast was indeed
true, and before morning the sea was
terrific to look upon. The rain fell
in sheets, and the beautiful leaves Of
yesterday lay sodden and colOrless
when the children looked in dismay
from the windows. Could things
change so quickly
The next day the storm grew still
more furious. The mothers heart
became az lead. Her husband had
gone from his home young and
strong. Was he never TO return?
She would not, could not believe il.
The second night Of the storm she
was startled by a cry OF pain from
Hans, and running TO his bedside
she found him sitting up, white with
terror. Mother, the raven wants
my fathers life or mine. 1t came to
me in my sleep"
MY child, pray for your fathers
life; he needs all our prayers, " she
answered, full Of her sad forebodings.
The boy was in despair did his
mother really think he had brought
trouble on his home? Would the
Red Forester demand an equivalent?
The little fellow spent the next
day i'm IA dazed condition. His mother
was too full Of anXicties to notice that
he neither ate o spoke. One thought
grew stronger i'm his mind as the
storm increased. lie would find the
abode OF the Red Forester. What
was his life if only his father was
saved to the rest?
As the third morning dawned the
storm was %lcsscning; but when no
boats came in all was gloom and sor-
row. The old men shook their heads
as they looked on the sea. No doubt
some had gone out who would never
return.
The little fellows brain was dis
tractcd. II was still early morning.
The mother slept, worn out with care.
lie must go at once. Putting or his
old jacket and looking his Last on all
he loved, the little fellow made his
way into the widest and most IN
frequented part Of the wood. He
was IA good walker and strong enough
for his age, but his condition Of mind
for the last three days had brought
on n feverish state; for he had neither
eaten nor slept save to dream Of hor-
rOrs.
Hans had not walked far in the
cold, damp place before his limbs be-
gan to fail him. A few hours found
him in n strange, l~ifeless condition,
with only one idea before him, TO go
deeper and deeper into the black,
untroddcn wilds.
BY and by the fever took possession
OF his reason, and he began to mutter
us he walked ooh, my father, my
life for yours; spare my fathcr!'
Hours went by and still he walked
on, not knowing how he moved. The
darkness came on early, and the boy
began to fall in his weakness.
All at once he found himself in a
clear space, in the middle of which n
great fire was burning. Had he in
deed found the Red Forester! Yes;
il must be so. A man in "A red gown
and a golden cap was feeding the fire
with fierce delight,
He would be burnt alive. That
WOllu ne MS ldlt, pub Wlldi ulu IL
matter? He could not suffer more
than he had done. He made an at
tempt to attract the red mans notice,
but could not. His strength was
gone, and, tottering nearer the dread
being with the cry, My father, ave
my father!' Hans fell down beside
the fire unconscious.
II was II most surprised old gentle
man into whose presence the boy had
tumblcd. Lovingly and tcnderly he
carried the child into n warm, plea
SAINT room where all was done to re-
store him. His wet clothing was re-
moved; AID although Hans felt the
comfort Of a warm bed, still, all night
long he tossed and cried i'm fever;
My father, oh, Red Forester, my
father!'
1t was into a hunting lodge Of one
Of the royal family that Hans had
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