St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1902-02-22

it only lasted few minutes, refreshed
them as though they had slept the
whole night long, and when they
awoke, rubbing their eyes, they found
that eack one had had different
beautiful dream.
In the meantime the little carts had
been packed with all sorts Of good
things. "You may take these home
for the little brothers and sisters, -
said the kind fairy, land now I have
one thing more in store for you, a
great pleasure, the very greatest
that there is. You shall all have pres
ents to give to one another!"
And as she spoke she passed her
fingers through her hair, and from
out the long silver threads she kept
drawing some lovely jewel or toy or
chased gold ornament, and handed
it to each child in turn.
At first they could only stare en-
raptured at the magic gifts; then
suddenly they remembered what they
had them for, and they began giving
them away, each one to his or her
dearest friend. Only two wanted to
keep their presents for themselves,
and Immediately the precious stones
were changed into jumping frogs that
hoped away and would not let them
selves be caught. Finally the last
two children to receive gifts were al
lowed to choose for themselves. The
one was little girl whose parents
were very, very poor, and she wished
that her brothers and sisters might
never be cold or hungry again during
the coming winter. ''Good," said the
fairy; you shall not only have your
wish, dear child, but what is more, if
ever again you feel afraid that
bad times are at hand, then
you only have to rub this
thread I give you from my spin
die and all will go well.
Now it was the turn of the other
child to wish. He was very small
boy, and he took some time to make
up his mind. II want little live
horse to ride" he said at last. That
moment the sound of galloping hoofs
echoed through the forest, and a
beautiful little dun-colored pony, with
long name and tail, dashed out and
came straight up to the boy and
rubbed its nose on his shoulder, as
though asking to be caressed.
'Oh, you darling little creature"
cried the boy, beside himself with de-
light; "but he cannot really be my
own!"
eyes, he is really your own; but
I am going to ask the guest in whose
honor the banquet has been given
what he would like for himself?"
"But I have had a present." said
Arnold; II may not have another
wish?"
eyes, you may"
swell, then," said the boy, 81 want
to ask you, kind fairy, to pardon these
two friends of mine, whose presents
the frogs have run away with, so
that they may not have to return
home ashamed and empty handed aft
err such day."
He had hardly finished speaking
when the loveiest precious stones
were already in the boys hands, and
delighted, they embraced Arnold, and
rushing up to the good fairy, kissed
her hands and stroked her shining
hair. And the others seeing this, all
crowded round, begging that they too
might be allowed just once to touch
her beautiful hair. And as they did so
feeling of gladness so intense came
over them it was as if the whole world |
were theirs.
"You little guess what 1t is I have
bestowed upon you," said the fairy,
smiling. II have lent you the power
to do good to others, to make happy
all those you love. Now you must SEQ
to it that you love many, and try to
help many, for without love the
charm will not work. But since my
favorite, Arnold, has asked nothing
for himself, shall give him my spin
die; he will make good use of it. As
often as you wish to help Others"
she continued, turning to the boy,
you have only to touch it and what
ever you want will be there. But it
will never grant a selfish wish, nor
need you have any fear of its being
stolen from you, for it can take good
care of itself. Would anyone like to
try to take it from me?" asked tho
fairy.
One boy, holder than the rest,
put out his hand, but the
magic spindle at once began to be-
labor him with such good will he cried
out for mercy, and instantly it was
back again in the firm, gracious hand
that held it out to Arnold. 'Take it;
and as for all Of you who now laugh
SO loudly, remember that in Arnold's
hand it may still be benefactress
to you. Hold it in high honor, for it
has been very dear to me, and has
worked for me for many year, and
has helped me more chan any Of you
can understand
But now when it came to the leave
taking, the children were so dis
tressed and begged SO hard, with
tears in their eyes, that they might
see the fairy again some day, that
she said at last: IF for whole year
you have all been good children and
not one of you has had to be punished
1or to be kept in, at school, and no
one has been unkind to brothers and
sisters or playfellows, nor disobedient
TO his parents, then you may all meet
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