The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1895-02-09

your OuIy. III all luSthut Ills OIu Sult
became transformed into one of richest
velvet. embroidered in gold and silver,
and his rough staff into a splendid horse
fully caparisoned and having round its
neck IL collar Of silver bells.
More astonished than ever, Bartolo
-ospended to the saddle the cage with
tie %bluebird. leapcd on the horse and
went his way as proud Ct his dress as u
donkey Of its ears.
Setting spur; TO his horse, he soon
reached the gates OF a splendid castle.
Some feast was taking place within.
The guests wererall seated under i shady
bower deploring that they had been DIS
appointed Of the Ministries who were to
have played.
Bartolo, On learning this, advanced
to tho bower, and after elegantly salut-
ing the lord and lady Of the castle in a
most refined voice said:
eff it be right for a simple knight to
offer his services tosuch a distinguished
company of rank and beauty, l think I
could promise to provide what you are
requiring"
ooh, do, at once, pleasc!' cried all
tho ladies, who were longing TO dance.
"Glucst Of blucbirds, Go your duty.'
said D;rtolo.
Suddenly in the distance was heard
the i,cise Of many feet, and u troop OF
musicians with their Instruments ap-
pcarcd, to the great delight OF the COM
pany.
The lord Of the castle thanked the
stranger and desired Kim to ouea the
ball with his eldest daughter, a maiden
fair and lovely, like a snow bird.
When the ball was at its height, the
hirdcage maker ordered an elegant ban
quot to be served, during which the
blucst Of bluebirds was commanded to
sing some songs, which were very much
admired" Games of chance followed,
and Bartolo, taking advantage OF his
good fortune, distributed among the
ladies pearls, bracelets and rings Of pre-
cious stones. All those present were
surprised beyond measure because tho
lord Of the castle was known to be ex-
trcmely nisgardly and mean.
The lord Of the castle, who knew how
all this had been done through the
agency of the bird and being himself Of
I'll inordinately avaricious nature,
thought he might do a fine stroke of
business were he to purchase the bird.
Hence. calling his unknown guest away
to his study, he proposed to him to pur-
chase the bird for what price he should
quote.
"You would never give me my price,
replied Bartolo.
"For it l would give my castle, with
its nine forests" said the lord of the
castle.
"It is not enough"
Very well, Twill add my olive plan
tations and vineyards"
THAT is still insufficient" cried
Bartolo.
81 will add the orchards, gardens
and houses"
Il want something else"
"What, still more? Why. man. you
must want paradise itself"
mot so. I want what you can give
me this very moment. I want your
daughter with whom l danced just now.
Let her be my bride"
What, my daughter::'' cried the old
miser in an ecstasy Of joy. "By my
faith, we shall soon conclude the bar
gain. Why did you not say SO before:"
He went to seek the girl and told her
Of the engagement he had entered into.
But his daughter, in utter amazement,
cried out:
"But what if he is a wicked elf and
ell no does be witchcraft?"
"You have an amulet of coral hang
ing from your neck. 1t is an antidote
against all witchery."
"And what if he be satan himself?'
II will give you a piece of blessed
candle, and he will have no power over !
you" replied the unrelenting father.
Taking her hand, he led her to the
stranger, who was already on his horse,
and assisted her to mount behind her |
future husband. Taking the cage with
the bluest of bluebirds, he watched the
r%etreating forms of the pair as the horse
carried them away swifter than the
wind, and when out of sight he pro-
ceeded to join his guests. The company
was all gathered inknots discussing the |
extraordinary powers of the bird and
all the events which had taken place.
peace, peace!" cried the lord of the
castle as he entered. II will perform
moro marvellous things than ever he
did. l have given him my daughter to
wed in exchange for the bird, and this
bluebird will render me more wealthy |
than the king of Aragon. Approach and
see the wonders I will work with it,.
He took the cage, and lifting it up to !!
look at the bird was astonished to find