The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-08-23
THE LOST JACINTH.

dwelt the worthy burgher Philip Dorm, n
jeweler and II cunning workman in GOLD
and silver. 1t happened that one day u
young country man came to his house with
stone which he had found in the neigh
boring mountains and had brought to
Philip, as an honest man, and one whom
he could trust. The jcwelCr took the
stone and after examining it attentively
said, with u careless air, that it was of
small value, but that he would give him
20 thalers for it. Tho country man, who
knew nothing of the value of precious
stones, instantly agreed, and Philip paid
him the money. A S soon as he was gone
our jcwolCr took the gem, which was Il
jacinth of great value, and regarded it
with well satisfied smile. "This,'' said
ho, sis the very thing which the princess
has so long desired. All, Philip, thou ur,
u lucky fellow! Thy fortune is made. Who
will now lie able to stand against the jew
eler Philip DORM So, after again sur.
veying his bargain, he put it into a case
in which he was wont to keep his most
precious things.
In short time another visitor came to
Philip. He was n little man of we'll fed
appearance, with enormous green specta.
cles, a high crowned hat and high heeled
shoes. This person demanded u stone
proper for ring, such as Il diamond or an
amethyst. Philip took down the case in
which he had deposited his precious ia.
cinth and exhibited its contents to the
stranger, who selected fine diamond. fer
which Philip took care TO ask double what
it was worth; but the stranger paid him
his demand without grudging, and went
away, saying that he would soon see him
again.
Philip replaced his case and set out to
inform his patroncss, the princess, of his
newly acquired jacinth. He went to the
palace, and, with many bows, informed
her highness of his good fortune, and was
desired to return next day and to bring
the gem with him. After dispatching this
business, he returned home and again took
down the case to feast his eyes upon his
jewel, when, on opening it, to Philips
CONSERVATION, no jacinth was to be found.
In vain he searched every corner-thc gem
was flown .y
In, great distress of mind Philip went
out and was bordering an apology for the
morrow when, on turning a corner, he
felt some one tap him on the shoulder
and, turning round, saw the gentleman in
the green spectacles, who with a knowing
wink asked him what had become of his
jacinth. The jewelcr was rather surprised,
as he did not remember having seen the
stranger examine it, so he very naturally
asked him if he knew anything about it.
"That l do, Herr Philip
The stranger Informed Philip that he
could not tell him at present, but that if
he came that evening to the forest at the
foot of the Schneeberg mountain he would
see, and perhaps regain, his jacinth. Philip
promised to be punctual, on which the
gentleman said adieu, telling him that
he had some business to transact at Rats
bon, but would be back in time. Philip
thought this rather odd, as that city is at
a considerable distance from Worms, but
he said nothing; SO, making polite bow,
he returned home.
| He waited with the utmost Impotence
for the appointed time, and whom at length
it began to grow dark he set out with a
beating heart for the rendezvous. Soon he
approached the forest and saw the clouds
eddying around the summit of the Schnee-
berg. He went on his way rejoicing, and
although at the first step in the wood he
plunged up to the neck in "a morass, Sc
immersed was he in his delight at the
prospect of regaining his jacinth that he
scarcely noticed his immersion in the
|
through brake, frequently coming in con
tact with the trunks of trees to the utter
discontinue of his sedate and sober wig.
The bushes seemed to get thicker and the
pools deeper che farther he proceeded, and
at length he was fairly brought to stand
by ii broad sheet of water, the leaping OF
which was out of the question, even to Il
much better leaper than our friend Philip
While he was standing considering what
was to be done, he heard voice crying
Here comes my worthy friend, PhiliI
Dorm Prepare ye the way for him." AND
shouts of laughter rang through the for
est. AT this Philip was sore amazed, but
seeing the pool disappear, he stepped bold
ly forward and found himself at the rocl
appointed as the place of meeting.
The gentleman in the green spectacle
made his appearance ON the top of it ant
greeted Philip with great politeness, and
although the rock was very precipitous, III
walked down it with the greatest ease anC
stood at Philips side. Now" said he
Herr Dorm, you will be good enough tt
follow me little farther" to whiCl
Philip bowed assent, though he would
rather have been excused. On they wen
for considerable time, through part O
the forest that Philip had never seen be
fore, till at length they reached wilder
ness of rocks, which appeared broken from
the mountain. They still proceeded, be
tween two high walls of rock, till the,
came to wide cavern, brilliantly lighted
in which Philip saw his jacinth suspended
by u gold chain, which seemed to ascen'
to an immense height, as its other en-,
was lost in the darkness "Now," Salt
his companion, "there is your jacinth
You have but to stretch out your hand an,
1t is yours. D." Philip stepped forward an
laid hold of his jewel and attempted t
take 1t from the chain, when suddenly h
felt the earth sinking beneath his feet
and, attempting to withdraw his hand
found it firmly fixed to the jacinth. II
turned round in agony to his conductor
and saw him standing laughing immoder
ately, with his spectacles in one hand an
his eyes flaming like burning Goals, "Hol
fast, friend Philip" he cried. "Hol
fastP' and instantly vanished in the dark
ness. The cavern closed with fearful
noise, and shouts of laughter, mingle