The morning times., 1896-06-21

Frost flake. 1t was very sad, to he sure,
the girl was little better than beautiful
Image of snow and Birgen Jack, when at
home from the wars, which 1t must be
confessed was not very often, beca ause
fighting was going Oh pretty much all
the time in those old days, was lonesome
in the great castle he had built at Ia
vastehus, where he lived in solitary state
with his daughter.
He had no other children. and though his
wife died when Frost-flake was born he
would not marry again. And SO it hap
pened at last as the girl grew up without
any change for the better. that Birgen Jack
made proolama ton by heralds throughout
all the north lands that whoever would
make his daughter. Frost flake, laugh or
weep should have her for his wife and at
her fathers death reign in his place over
the Tavastian people, for lie knew that
If she could be made 10 laugh or weep the
spell that held her would be broken and
she would become as ether maidens are,
alive to JOY and sorrow
THE RAVEN.
Now it Glanced at that time there lived
htRoja iok man named Knutsun. who had
-four cons whom he called North, West,
South aud East, but the last named, the
goungcst was always known as ASkeladen.
When these four lads heard the proclama-
tion and romise of Birgen Jack they gave
their father no rest until lie consented to
allow them to go to try to break the spell
under whith the kings daughter suffered,
though they. certainly had not the slightest
idea ECw Ills was to be done, and were
obliged 10 trust their good fortune and
their grandmother to find out. Their grand
mother. who was wise woman, lived
where folr roads met at the borders of
fores, through which they had to pass to
visit her.
1 When ikey arrived at her house, which
was two thirds underground. they saw
raven on the grass grown rCof that had in
some way caught and entangled one of its
claws in the tEatch, and could not escape.
1t had COL; of gold about its neck, a
golden crown upon its head. and the sign
Of the hammer in gold upon each wing.
The cldcs. :: the brothers fitted an arrow
70 his how 10 shoot the bird that he might
boast Of h:-v!nS killed the kin z of the ravens;
but the second brother suggested il would
be worth mere to take it alive and sell it
DO the king. who would without doubt pay
great price for it. The third brother how.
ever restrained them both, for he said the
raven was SO fer from being an ordinary
bird that he icfcved, for his part, it was
Rot really iiri 1T all but some one their
grandmother lad for purposes OF her own
transformed into Il raven and fastened to
tho roof of l:cr ltou~e and that he thOughtit
much safer TO take no notice of 1t. But /
AskcadeD. mach agansthisbrothers, wishes,
filled his drinking horn at o neighboring
brook and tuking food from his scrip, gave
the raven nent and water and gently dis
en;an Cling its claw allowed it to ny away.
The four brothers were greatly surprised
to see ii. aftercirciins ahout in the air two
or three tines, dart down the chimney,
and II morncntaf, {, erwaris tlicir grandmother
let them in ut the door.
what 10 yon w:int?" she asked.
''Wc wisl, you TO aid us in making Frost.
flake l1ugh md weep" they replied.
..Firsi yal raust tell me truly why you
Wish to do this"
/ sBecaussss answered the lirst brothess