The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1895-08-15
LOHEIR HUNTER.
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Long years ago when the fairies
still used their power there lived
young man named Lohier. He was
good looking and not without wit,
but the poor fellow had one misfor-
tune. He never succeeded when he
went out hunting and yet he obsti-
nately persisted in hunting all the
same.
What a rare thing among COM
mon people at that time, Lohier had
pretty home of his own-the gift OF
generous lord whose life he had saved.
1t was made up Of a cottage beside
little pool of fish, a few acres OF land,
and a moor, where doubtless, there
was plenty of game under the broom
and the briars. The moorland was
the torment of the poor mans life.
It was in vain that he set out at the
break Of day, his rifle on his arm, and
his dog, Pataud, at his heels, to beat
the bushes until evening. Rabbits
and hares slipped away between his
feet, while tine cartridges and the lit
tie birds flew up before him without
hurrying as if they knew his i'll luck.
There is no need to say that the peo-
pie of the of the village laughed loud
ly when they met Lohier with his
empty game sack and Pataud lowering
his ears. But when he came home the
unfortunate hunter had the same re-
ception. His wife, Paulette, over
whelmed him with reproaches.
oh
grace and was Only bent the more on
going hunting.
However, one evening he came back
in a bad humor, after having spent
in vain his whole provision Of pow
der. He found at the cottage his
cousin William, who was waiting for
him with all his mates to ask him to
his wedding. After the first compli-
ments, Paulette brought out jug of
cider which put every one in a good
humor.
"See here, William" cried I4ohier,
while they were drinking each others
healths. "What present do you wish
me to make you for your marriage?'
His cousin ansv cred, jokingly: "Oh,
Pm not hard to}please. Just bring me
few fine pieces Of game for the
wedding breakfast. That will be easy
for hunter like you"
This displeased Lohier, who became
quite angry as he saw the other smil-
ing. So, striking the table a heavy
blow with lis fist, he said: Don't you
believe that if I wished to take the
trouble I should be as good hunter as
any Of your
prove it them" answered the young
OF III
anger.
'"That's easy enough" retorted the
| imprudent Lohier carried away by
| self love. If after two days l do not
| bring you six rabbits ard twelve par
| tridges shot with my own hand,
| will give you my house and property
without any conditions"
~Agreed!' they all cried. And the
! young men came, one after another
| to take tire open hand of Lohier as E
| sign of the agreement. Then they al
! went away.
| as William and his companions ha(
| disappeared she filled the house will
| her lamentations cid overwhelmed
her husband with her reproaches
/ "Do you wish to have us ruined?'
she said, weeping. AFTER two days
| we shall be DaggarS without a roo
to our heads, for you are too clums!
to win this wretched bet
Lohier answered, sharply, though a
heart he trembled, asking himself
how he should get out Of this evi
plight
With the morning he set forth, &C
companied by his faithful Pataud
| hn 1oi7 Nv IN f1n 10 n
dogs, "Here we 60 again to miss ou
game"
The first days results show ed tina
the wise Pataud was right. Not al
animal with fur or feathers ha(
He did rot dare 90 back to the house
complaints and reproaches Of Pau
lette.
'My poor comrade," he said to hi
dog, as he shared with him the re
mainder Of his bread, I think we shall
have to get used to poverty. To-mor
row I shall certainly have lost tn,
prosperity which I risked so foolish
ly."
When he had finished his fruga
meal, the fresh water spring bubblin,
refresh himself. Then he stretched
himself out sadly on the briars, wher
sleep did not delay finding him.
It was near midnight when the hun
ter awakened with a start. He wa
stupefied at the sight before kim. Il
the midst of deep darkness, for tn
moon did not shine that night, tn
gray rock had grown luminous, Will
the water of the spring, sometime
blue and sometimes rose color, seeme'
to sparkle with sapphires and rubies
Lohier remembered that the old me-
Of the country called this 'the fairies
rock" because, they said, those mys
ferrous beings held council there. Al
idea suddenly entered his mind, an
he cried out with loud voice:
Fairy Of the briars, have pity on
wretched man! Help me to kill to
morrow the six hares and the twelv
part1idges which will permit me t
keep my home"