Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1896-08-24
THE RAVEN.

L
was highborn, and riches had poured in
upon him until he had become one q
the wcalthiCst mobiles i'm the empire. Ii
CHANGED that one day he hunted with
great retinue among the mountain fast
ncssos, and glorious was the sport Of
that gallant hunt. The light footed
channels, the antlered deer, the fierce
wolf, and the grizzly bear were alike
laid low. When the sun was about
ment on the pleasant bank Of the Waag,
just where, on the opposite side of the
channel, a lone and precipitous rock
turned aside the CHANGING waters.
The heart Of Stibor was merry, for
the sport had gone well throughout the
day, and when his rude tents were
raised, the savUry steam of the venisOn
and the sparkle Of the wine cup bright
ened his humor, and he listened, with
a smile upon his lip. to the light sallies
of the joyous company.
As they talked idly Of the days hunt
ing, however, one wished that the deer
had taken another direction; second
that he had not missed q certain shot;
third that he had not lost his couteau
de chase in the underwood In short,
there was not an individual among
them who had not some regret blended
with his triumph, like drop OF gall in
cup Of honey.
"Hear me-" said the magnificent
noble, during transient pause in the
conversation. 81 seem TO be the only
hunter Of the day to whom the sport has
been without blemish. 1t is true that
all your misfOrtunes are light enough,
but Twill hive no shadow cast upon my
own JOY and therefore to compensate
you for these alleged mishaps, each Of
you is free to f,T7n a wish, aud if it be
within my power to grant it, pledge
my word that it shall be fulfilled.
A murmur Of admiration ran through
the astonished circle, and the work Of
ambition soon began. Gold was the first
thing asked for, for avariCe is ever the
most greedy Of all passions, and then re-
venge upon an enemy, for human nature
will often sacrifice personal gain to
vengeance and then power, authority,
rule over their fellow men, the darling
occupation and privilege of poor, weak,
self misjudging mortals. In short, there
was no boon within the reach Of reason
which had not been asked and promised,
when the eye Of Stibor fell upon his
Jester, who was standing apart playing
with the tassels of his vest and appar-
emily quite uninterested in subject
which had made all around him eager
and excited.
"And thou, knave," said the noble,
hast thou nothing to ask? Thou must
bestir myself, or thy master will have
little left to give, if the game go on
thus.
Fear not, fear not, replied the fool
"The claimants have been courteous, for
they have not touched upon that portion
of thy possessions which l covet They
have demanded gold, blood, domain, the
power to enjoy themselves, and TO rem
der others wrCtched-they are welcome
TO all they want. | only ask for stones.
A loud laugh ran through the circle
"Stoues, Bctz.:o! echoed the astonished
Stibor. Thou shalt have them to thy
hearts content, where and in what
shape thou wilt.
81 take thee at thy word Count Sti-
Dor. Will have them yonder ON the
crest Of the bold rock that stands out
like braggart daring the foot Of man,
and in the shape Of good castle in
which / may hold my own, should need
be, " was the unlocked for reply. ~
Thou hast lost thy chance, Betzko,"
cried voice amid the universal meITi-
ment that ensucd mot even Stibor can
accomplish thy desire. "
"Who dares to say that Stibor cannot
grant it, if such be his will?" demanded
the chieftain i'll voice of thunder as he
rose proudly from the earth where he
had been seated OH couch of skins.
"The castle of BCtzko shall be. builtr'