Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1899-10-05
fWriftsa for che Beacon
The Fairsst Of Nine.
BY UNCLE NED.

an old man who had q wife and
three soma, whose names were res
pectivelY, Jack, Jim aud JEFF.
Jack was Of . romantic disposi-
ton, While the other boys thought
tlizrs 49, - plscs ne h0ns. 81.
after consulting bis parents. he a.
ually decided TO go ont into the
world TO seek bis fortune.
One beautiful May morning Jack
set ont with his knapsack upon bis
back to brave life as he should
find it in a strange land. He trav-
eled for several days until he came
across handsome residence. His
eyes we're dazzled at the spleudor
and magnificencc that met his gaze
on every side.
As he approached the mansion,
he was met by welLdressed man
who stifiiy demanded of him his
business on the premises.
Jack told him that he was look
ing for work and that he should be
glad il they would give him q job.
So. his business was made known
to the King for Jack had accidently
stumbled upon the Kings palace.
He was asked what be could do
and Jack replied that he could take
hand at almost anything and was
not particular at what they put
him at.
The porter told Jack that they
only hired work on conditions.
Now, it happened that the King
had nine daughters, and one of
them was fairer and more beauti-
fnl than the rest, and the condi-
tions were that If any one would
do whatever was ordered their re-
mnneration would be q bnshel Of
dollars and the choice Of his daugh-
ters for wife, but a failure signi-
fed forfeit of their head.
Jack thought that the wages were
good, but did not like the condi.
tions though he finally agreed to
win the prize or lose his head.
j Jack was a fine looking lad
men were still lads at 81 in those
days-and the fairest of the nine,
who was peering through the win.
dow all the while did not fail to OBJ.
serve it.
Jacks fret job was to remove
the compost from the stables which
had not been cleaned ont for forty
wears, and to find gold ring which
had been lost about the same FOL
many years, aud the job was Il
be completed in one day.
Poor Jack was in it and ther,
was no way oot.
So, the next moning, he took OF
his shovel and went to work, bu
bis heart was sad. He worked oil
until about noon, when a beauti
ful lady appeared and asked hin
how he was getting along.
Jack said that he was fast ap
preaching his end, that he cou',
. not accomplish impossibilities.
! "Oh, Jack, your job is easy
J Lie down aud rest, for you are tired
and" she added, .'be careful al
ways to obey me, if you value you
!. life.
So. Jack, vas soon 10 the Ian
!, of dreams. aud shen he awoke th
stables were as clean as could b,
8 and the ring was placed in b
i hands to present 10 the King.
About the close of the limite
time, Jack went straightway to tA
= King, handed the ring over as
proof that his job was completed
n "Well DONE" said he, .'but 20
: can't win my daughter so easil,
! have other jobs for Tou, N
+ boy"
"Now. my lad, your next Job vi
,, be to build me ship in one day
e sail without wind or water"
. Gracious. thought Jack, how CT
{, that be done:
n The next day, Jack was cor
manded to 90 down in the wood
!, and before the setting of the 81
# to have his chip completed and sl
& ayound the palace three times.
% Jack, with all the necessary too
% set out for the woods, but, soI
: found that his work was in val
n About noon again appeared
or friend 10 comfort him. She to
et him 70 rest as before, and she
see what she could do for hi