The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1894-03-21

showing clearly from which direction
to expect the wind. Did she not
recall the woe the last October storm
had brought to three families?
Indeed, she remembered it only too
vividly. The wind as it blew strong,
er sounded more and more dreadful
to her. IT. as last year, they were
driven far out, it would be davs be.
fore all could return; until then what
terrible anxiety, The sight Of great
pair Of boots in the corner made her
shudder. for she knew they were the
fshcrman's doom. Weighted down
by these heavy rubber things. which
are buckled securely about the legs
and loins, there Is no possible chance
for man TO save himself in the
water. And thus it is that none Of
the fishers learn TO swim preferring
the drowning agonies to be over as
soon as possible.
Frau Muller rose at length and put
the little one TO bed, not dreaming
that Hans was watching every look
Old Walther 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 Colorlcss
when the children looked in dismay
from the windows. Could things
change so quickly?
The ucxt day the storm grew still
more furious. The mothers heart
became as lead. Her husband had
gone from his home young and
strong. Was he never TO returnP
Sh, would not, could not believe it.
The second night OF the storm she
was startled by cry Of pain from
Hans. and running to his bedside
ehc found him sitting up, white with
terror. Mother, the raven want :
my fathers life or mine. 1t came to
mo in my Sleep
My child, pray for your father $
life: he needs all our prayers, " she
answered, full Of her sad forobodinCs.
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 httl" fellow spent the next
dav in daIed condition. His mot her
was too full of anNietieS to notice that
he nett her ate nor spoke. One thought
grew stronger in his mind as the
storm increased He would find the
abode of the Red Forester What
was his life il only his father was
saved 80 the rest?
As the third morning dawned the
storm was lessening; 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 w""IA .,-----
return.
The little fellows brain was dis
tractcd II was still early morning.
The mother slept. worn out with care.
He must 20 at once. Putting on his
old Jacket and looking his last on all
he loved the little fellow mad. his
wav into the widest and most un-
frcduent"d part OF the wood. He
was good walker and strong enough
for his age. but his condition Of mind
for the last three days had brought
on fcvcrish 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. \ few hour- found
him ina strange. lifcleSs 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
ns hc walked ooh. my father. my
life for yours; spare my father"
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 a
great fire was burning. Had he in
deed found the Red Forester Yes
il must be so. A man in red gown
and golden cap was feeding the fire
with fierce delight
He would be burnt alive. That
would be his fate. But what did il
matter? He could not suffer more
than I've had done. lie made an at
tempt to attract the red mans notice.
but could not. His strength was
gone, ana, IOIIerlnE nearer tne dread
being with the cry, MY father, save
my father" Hans fell down beside
the fire unconscious.
1t was "A most surprised old gentle
man into whose presence the boy had
tum bled. Lovingly and tcnderly he
carried the child into warm, plea
SAINT room where all was done to re-
store him. His wet clothing was re-
moved; and although Hans felt the
comfort OF a warm bed, still, all night
long he tossed and cried in fever
MY father, oh, Red Forester, my
father
IL was into n hunting lodge of one
Of the royal family that Hans had
wandered. The old gentleman, who
looked so fierce in the glare Of the fire.
was most benevolent and gentle
doctor of eminenCe, friend Of the
Prince. The gnats had troubled him
40 during the day that a fire had been
made to attract them from the lodge.
II shall never he thankful enough
that | made the fire." said the doc
tor, as he worked over the child
Thank God, too, have my medi-
cine chest; what could the child
,,,aan ebnut hia fatberO WaU b.d