Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-05-13

of it's lofty tower; a wide moat surround
ed the high walls enclosing the domain,
and on it's drawbridge stood Stora in a
silk gown with a gold chain about her
neck. Taking her husband she led him
in to their apartment Entering the
large door they passed from room to
room completely and beautifully fur
nished with soft carpets, superb hang
ings, statuary and pictures. On every
side were domestics IN livery. In the
court stood a carriage with two beautiful
horses, a coachman in the seat and a
footman up behind. Nearby was gar,
den full of flowers, conservatory ana
aviary.
"Ah!'' said Stora, with an air OF
triumph what do you think of all this !!
Is this not better than a country house!
Are you not content?
Yes" said the fisherman, put Tor
the love of all that's good, let us stay
here"
A few days later, Stora remarked, to
her husband: 81 was on the tower today
and was astonished and grieved to lind
how little land we have. 1t is not
enough that you should be a lord. You
must have kingdom. You must be
king"
'sWhat extravaganza" cried the fisher
man. 'sNever. never will | permit it.
"'If you do not wish to be king, re-
piled Stora in a resolute tone, Il, never
theless, am determined to be a queen,
and | desire you to go and explain my
wish to the friend who is under so many
obligations to you, to the powerful
magician"
no. indeed" reiterated the fisherman
she has already been wonderfully gen
erous to us. [ do not wish to lrrltate
and tire him."
But the ambitious Stora insisted,
begged and threatened, and the poor
fisherman again gave way to her intieXi-
BILE will The fish looked upon him III
pity. SAYING sadly: This time also the
wish of your wife is granted
In place of the lordly chateau there
was a grand palace. with magnificent
facade and four imposing towers. A
marble stairway covered with rich car
pet led to the first floor, to the reception
room where the ministers, generals and
courtierS were cOngregated and where
StOra sat on a golden throne, an ermlne
mantle about her and crown OF dla-
mOnds on her head.
Finally" she said enthusiastically, to
her husband, there is a burst of fortune;
here is power; here is happiness. There
is nothing more | could wish"
'God be praised" he fervently replied.
A few moments later, with a grave
air. she took him by the hand drawing
him into the embrasure of a window
that she might talk to him unobseryed,
and said TO him:
II am we'll satisfied that | am a queen,
am we'll contented with the respect of
my ministers and the tranquility of my
subjects, but sometimes the sun rises too
late; sometimes the moon is too late, and
sometimes the wind whistles and blows
in manner that inconvenience me
greatly. [ wish to govern them accord
ing to my pleasure. The fairy fish can
refuse you nothing. He must grant me
this one additional favor 1t will be the
last"
The peaceful fisherman was stupefed.
He could not believe she spoke seriously.
But when she, in a resolute manner, re-
peated her demand, he declared he would
never take part in any such insanity.
But, alas, the poor man had not the
courage to resist the headstrong will of
his companion. After violent protesta-
tons he again acquiesced.
He went in fear and trembling to per-
form his strange mission. This time the
fish regarded him coldly; and said to him
in formidable voice:
This is enough. Your wife is insane
and you are an imbecile. You will no
longer have either chateau or lands. In
pity | will give you back your ancient
cottage. You deserve no more"
As the fairy fish disappeared beneath
the waters, the fisherman turned home
ward with bowed head to find his wife
dressed in wretched rags. and sitting
upon the doorsill of their oily cabin, la
menting their lost wealth.-From the
French in Short Stories (copyrighted).