The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-06-15
THE RAVEN.

The Count Stibor was as brave as he
was highborn, and riches had poured in
upon him until he had become one OF
the wealthiest mobiles in the empire, 1t
CHANGED that one day he hunted with
great retinue among the mountain fast
nesses, and glorious was the sport Of
that gallant hunt. The light footed
chamois, the antlered deer, the fierce
wolf, and the grizzly bear were alike
laid low. When the sun was about
to set, he formed his temporary encamp'
ment on the pleasant bank Of the Waag,
Just where, on the opposite side OF the
channel, lone and precipitous rock
turned aside the glancing waters
The heart of Stibor was merry, for
the sport had gone well throughout the
day, and when his rude tents were
raised, the savory 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; a second
that he had not missed 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
a cup of honey.
"Hear me-" said the magnificent
noble, during transient pause in the
conversation. Il 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 will have no shadow cast upon my
own Joy, and therefore to compensate
You for these alleged mishape each OF
| YOU is free to form wish, and If 1t be
| within my power to grant 1t, 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 tc
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 hi
lester. who was standing apart playing
with the tassels of his vest and appar
emily quite uninterested in a subjec
which had made all around him cage
and excited.
"And thou, knave," said the noble
"hast thou nothing to ask? Thou mus
bestir thyself, or thy master will hav
little left to give, il the game go OF
thus"
Fear not, fear not, replied the fool
1.-THE claimants have been courteous, 10
they have not touched upon that portion
of thy possessions which l covet. The.
have demanded gold. blood, domain, tn
power to enjoy themselves, and to rem
der others wretched-they are welcom
to all they want I only ask for stones
A loud laugh ran through the circle
, "Stones, Betzko!' echoed the astonishe
, Stibor. Thou shalt have them to tn
hearts content, where and in wha
shape thou wilt"
~ take thee at thy word, Count 81
bor. will have them yonder on tn
, crest of the bold rock that stands on
5 like a braggart daring the foot OF mal
. and in the shape Of q good castle l
= which may hold my own, should nee
' no >, was the unlocked for reply.
Thou hast lost thy chance. Betzko'
= cried voice amid the universal merr
, ment that ensued. mot even Stibor ca
h accomplish thy desire. "
a "Who dares TO say that Stibor came
grant IL. il such be his will?' demande
the chieftain in voice Of thunder as J
rose proudly from the earth where
had been seated on couch OF SKIN
i 1.-THE castle of Betzko shall be builtl
i And it was built, and within yes
: a festival was held there, and the mop
!, became enamored Of his own creation
y for il was beautiful in its strength, al
II the fair DANES admired it's courtly hal
Y an much as the warriors priced its sol
II walls and its commanding towers. Al
l. Tins Count Stibor bought of the ro'
" fortress from his jester with gold, al
IS made it the chief place Of his abod
e and he Toasted there with his CUES
and made merry with music and dane
until it seemed as though life was TO
for him one long festival. Men OFT
c. walk over the spot which afterwa
d opens to bury them. :,
N Little by little the habit OF self !
10 diligence grew upon the luxurious nobl
ID Yet still he loved the chase beyond
a else ON earth, and his dogs were OF q
n |leetest and finest breed.
- He was one day at table, surround
80 Nv the richest viands and the rare
,, wines. when one Of his fayorite houn
~ entered the hall bowling with pain al
dragging after him his wounded LOO
which dropped blood as he moved aion
>, Terror seized upon the hearts OF :
at yassals even before the rage of their 10 !,
a burst forth, and when IL came terri
= was the storm, as he vowed vengeai
ID against the wretch who had dared Tn
lie 20 mutilate an animal that he valued
\. An aged slave flung himself at
feet Mercy. my lord. mercy! he