Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-12-25

what to tell thee, but yonuer htile
pitcher has long ears. So" he con-
tinued, turning to mite OF girl
sitting sedately near the blazing nre'
place, intently engaged in thumbins
a well-worn primer book, thou art
studious, min lila flicka, as | told
thee to be. Come hither, my little
maid, and show me thy book"
He took the book quickly onered
him, and deity placing in 1t something
he secretly drew from his pocket,
thrust 1t out Of sight behind him.
"Dost remember, sweetheart, that
| told thee the rooster pictured on
the front page of thy book would
bring thee something if thou vert
good?"
ia, brother Karl, and so have
been good; ask sister Olga" said the
child, smiling up into his face.
Indeed, yes" answered Olga, draw
ing the little sister close into her
arms, and giving her a hug and a
kiss. "Thilda is always sweet and
good"
well, then, let us see what the
rooster has brought thee, my Thilda."
Opening the book, Karl pretended
to be amazed at something he saw,
and showing it to Olga, she raised
her hands In well-assumed astonish.
ment. Thilda. unable to restrain her
curiosity, suddenly seized the book
carelessly held in Karl's huge hand
just within her reach, and opening
It, uttered shout Of delight as she
drew forth a beautiful white candy
dog, with pink ribbon round its
neck.
Thank you, good Karl" she said
simply, pouting up her lips for a kiss.
May, child, tbs not me thou hast
TO thank, but the rooster" he ex.
planned, adding: Nov, min lila
flicka, thou knowest that the good Jo-
han is far away from home, wilt go
into thy chamber and pray for thy
sisters betrothed? have that to say
to her which thou mayst not hear.
Good child" he continued, patting her
head as she turned obedlently to
obey.
Il have some news, my sister, about
thy sweetheart. 1t is of some i'm
portance, since 1t tells me that thy
Johan still lives"
May the good God so ordain," said
Olga fervently. "and may He restore
him to my arms"
i "Amen," murmured Karl. "but to
the news. 'Tis now three days since
Johan went into the dark forest to
cut the frs for the Jul Tieden and
returned not as he should have done
that same night. The next day we
found his ak buried deep in a tree,
as thou knowest, but all other trace
o: him was lost. Well, to-day we pen.
etrated as far as the gloomy Falun
mines and found his empty wallet"
I Authorization didst follow his
steps in the snow?" stammered Olga.
"Tell me quickly, Karl, my brother"
THAT is what we did not do, Olga,
for the reason that there were no
footprints in the snow. The wallet
could not have been cast there by any
one, for we tracked circle OF a hun.
bred yards and found the snow un.
broken. Moreover, a piece of ore was
laid upon it as If to prevent its being
blown away. 1t was placed there, but
not by Johan, Olga"
Thank God, he has found a shelter
there, some miners, perhaps. He
uay even now be on his way to me-"
said Olga, jealousy. Go quickly, my
brother, to meet him"
do not raise thy hopes too high,
my sister, neither let thy heart sink.
Thy Johan is alive, true, but the hand
uat placed his wallet where 1t was
found was not that of a mortal. Nay
be not alarmed" he said, putting
an arm around her, for the girl was
seized with a fit of trembling. BE
brave, my sister, and all will be well
II thou wilt be guided by me-"
In anything and everything. my
brother" said Olga, clasping her
hands. my soul for Johan's IL need
be-"
Not that, kara soster, not that shall
be required Of thee, but bravery thou
must show, little woman, such brav.
cry as few men dare show. Thy 10.
hans return depends upon thee"
~ am ready to face death himself"
said Olga, "only tell me what to do"
Listen, then. l would do 1t for thee
myself, but thou alone canst lace the
ordeal. | believe the Skogfrau-"
"oh. my God, the skogfrau, the ter.
rible forest WITCH" cried the terror
stricken maiden, falling on her knees
and holding up her hands to heaven.
Spare my Johan, oh, heaven!"
80 this is thy bravery" said Kari
sternly. Rise from thy knees and
Eerve myself for an ordeal that 10
not diflcult, but requires bravery to
tell thee. Wouldst lose thy Johan for
everT The Jul Tieden begins at mid
night, and at that hour thou must
stand alone upon the spot where Jo-
hans wallet still lies, and demand Q
git from the Skogfrau. She cannot
refuse thee II thou are the first mortal
TO demand 1t at that hour. It's thy
only hope, for she has lured Johan
into her power, and If thou shalt de-
rand him In the name of the Christ
Child she may not refuse thy request.
riuSc a. bhiS sSdSOh suo lOSSs uor
power and is at the mercy of mortals,
but once only"
"Thou will be close beside me, my
brother?" asked Olga, shiVering.
within five hundred PAGES is
charmed circle which none but thou
may enter, but | will be just beyond
It and hear thy call for aid should
aught happen requiring it. Thou must
stand alone upon the spot and say
three times. 'Skogfrau, in the name Of
the Christ Child | demand a gift Of
thee Three times, remember. my
sister. She may appear terrible In
her wrath and threaten thee and thy
Iohan. but fear not, she will be power.
ess either to harm thee or him. Come.
prepare, for the way Is long and mid