The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1900-05-17
THE MAGIC pLow.
Ii Was Made for Farmer by Under.
around Smiths.

'ToSS OF SlOhc, WnlCn WIS Ouc vi ih"hy
that dotted the landscape in that far
away country, the Scandinavian Pen.
insula.
As he reached the cross he knelt a
few moments in prayer, as was his
wont every day. before passing IT,
But as lie rose this morning from his
customary worship he saw on the
base of the rocks strange looking in
sect that attracted his attention by its
brilliant color. Nor was that all The
little creature seemed very restless,
running about here and there over
the cross, and at its foot. as If it were
trying to leave the spot but was un-
able TO do so. Back and forth, back
and forth, It went but it got no far
ther than the base. when 1t seemed ir.
rcslstibly drawn back again.
For some little time the farmer
watched the insect; then he went his
way to his fields and forgot all about
the incident. But the next morning It
was recalled TO him, for on his way
to his work he saw it again, as he
knclt Mt the cross still running about
| here and there as if it were still try.
U
ing to get away but could not
/ The farmer thought this very
| strange. and recalling all the stories
that he had heard from his grand
father, while he was yet child, he
wondered IL there were any truth in
| them
Can it be-" he thought. that this
creature Is one of tltoS. that live III
the heart of the earth? Perhaps it
cane. unwittins!y. tou nCar ~ cross.
and now 1T can not get away
So he thought for moment and
the next instant he scoi1ed at the
idea; and leaving the spot, forgetful
of his customary prayer he FASTENED
TO his labor.
The next morning, however. and tiH
next and the next he saw the
same thing at the cross, and each day
his curiosity grew stronger and str0n.
ger. Unable ut last to bear it, he
stood at the rock with determination
to see if it We're but an ordinary in'
sect, or being not of the upper earth,
Breathing prayer and calling the
name of Diety, he caught the bcauti-
fully colored thing in his hand. But
II did not yield to his touch as he had
expected; instead it seemed to resist
him with supernatural force and
clung to the rock with every atom of
strength it possessed.
The farmer, however. gave strong
pull and found that he held by the
hair Il creature in appearance like Il
man, but only about six inches IN
length, while it screamed apd kicked
II Il most energetic manner.
"Ho! no! friendr' the farmer cried
"this is your trick. is it? Now tell me
who are you and what trade you know
that enables you to earn your living
in the world
The little one. however. would not
answer his questions, but continued
TO scream and struggle with all hi.
might.
BE still, little one" the farmer
cried; "be still and answer my ques
tions. and will give you your free
DOM
But all his threats and pleadng'
availcd him nothing; the little crea
turc remained as silent as chill,
that knows not how TO speak.
80 be it,"the farmer said at last
when he found his efforts unavailing
1--WE will see to what tune you'll sin:
by and by"
; And with these words he turned
back to his house with the little one
clapped him into huge sotty irol
pot, put the cover ON it, and carried i
, into the cold cellar. There he place.
heavy rock upon the lid. and as n
> left he cried out:
Remain there in the cold and tn
dark until you are ready to answe
civil questions"
Twice a week the farmer visited hi
prisoner, but with no result SO 81
weeks passed by, and one day the lii
tie one begged to be released, promiS
, ing to answer all questions.
First. then, tell me who you arr
: and how you got where l found you,
' the farmer said.
, "You have guessed it as well as
i can tell YOU" the black one said. "
I am one of those that live far down /
u the earth. We feed the great centrs
fire; that is why / am so black. On
day came up to earth, and happenc
> to pass near the cross. You kno,
that when that happens we cannot &c
u away and are compelled to becom
visible. l prayed to attract attentio
{ in my natural form, so took that /
Il the insect you noticed. Well yO
I know the rest. Now let me go If yO
i are honest"
I "You have told me all truly. | b,
/ lleve. But | have heard that you AZ
y also clever smiths. Is that SOP
o "Yes, it is true"
"Well, then, you should give me
1t present before | let you go; woul
;. that not be fair?'
II ''Yes, yes" eagerly said the blac
one, task what You will. gold. silvc
jewels, fine cloths or furniture.
shall be yours In an instant"
n "All that you mention l do not wan
rt but since you are clever smiths, mal
L. me plow so light that the smalle
If foal may draw 1t and not he tired"
h agreed! But free me noww
If "There! Co..
h The minute after the great pot WI
o. uncovered the little being disappeare
n but so suddenly that the farmer a
IN most haIiava1 thut ha had haou 1raoY =,