The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-10
SIMPLE JEAN
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SlM[LE JEAN
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 It was with sorrow that Jean left his beloved master and the loft where he dreamed such beautiful dreams. Never mind," he said to himself. What mat ters it? I shall be husband of the Kings ldaugther."
 He went away, and as he was looking for lodging in the city he met an im- posing procession. The herald of the king was passing, followed by four trum- ueters in gorgeous uniform. They stopp- ed in the public square. The four mount ed trumpeters sounded a call to the four winds. Then the herald read the royal decree, announcing that Princess Mitzi had reached the age of marriage. and that her hand would be given to the prince who would bring within eight days to his fiancee the most beautiful crown and most beautiful wedding dress. The four trumpeters again sounded a fanfare and the procession moved on.
 Jean was filled with sadness. It was the last blow. He had five crowns in his pocket and his Sunday clothes tied in a 1 handkerchief.
 Five crowns would never buy the most beautiful crown and wedding dress. As night drew near, bringing with 1t despair, Jean left the town. He reached the woods and on the way met an old man who was driving a lean and decrepit COW.
 How much do you want for the rope that is tied to the cow?" he asked the old man.
 Five sous, my son. was the reply.
 Here are five crowns" said Jean.
 For that amount of money answered the old man, as he united the rope. 'T would be willing to give you the COW as well. for I was just taking her to the butcher
 Let the poor animal live," said Jean. "I have no more need either of milk or money since I am about to hang myself because I cannot marry the Kings daughter
 When it was night he came to a grove of fir trees in the heart of the forest. He carefully selected one, tied his rope to the most convenient branch and hanged him. self
 No sooner. however, was his head in the moose than the branch bent down. ward. whereupon he tied his rope to a stronger and higher branch; but his labor was in vain, for this branch in like man. ner bent down to the very ground. He then climbed up the tree. tied his rope to the top and hanged himself, but the rope broke and he fell without hurting him. self. Looking around he saw. seated in the centre of circle number of tiny dwarfs, who were dancing merrily, and he at once recoznized his friends They, too. recognized him and cried. Jean has come to pay us a visit" Then one, who seemed to be their leader and who was the tallest among them, approached Jean and said You are welcome. Follow me- and Jean Obeyed him.
 The King of the Dwarfs conducted him into a cavern, the entrance to which was concealed by a bowlder This was his palace, and in many chambers dwarfs armed with hammers were working on precious metals at a forge and producing a delicious melody as they struck their ringing blows while in other chambers dwarfs clipped and refined gold, silver and platinum and in others many were to be seen melting metals and cutting precious stones. Finally the King took his guest into cellars where the most beautiful jewels in the world were ar ranged on shelves When Jean, who was amazed at the sight, had feasted his eyes on this splendor. he was conducted to a banquet hall. ere he ate and drank to his hearts content. The food was served on plates of the finest gold; the light was furnished from lamps of enor- nous rubies
 At dessert the King of the Dwarfs said to Jean:-"You have been good to my people, and I want to repay you. There fore. since you desire to marry the Kings daughter, I will enable you to win her hand"
 How can I?" asked Jean. '1 have neither gold nor silver nor precious stones. nor even a shop in which to work"
 Do not worry on that account" re- piled the King. Go back to the city to- morrow morning. hire the most beautiful palace you can get, then close all the doors and admit no one. If you do this you will succeed; as for the rest, depend on us."
 Jean suddenly felt drowsy and soon he was fast asleep. Wonderful dreams came to him. A soft caress awoke him, and To! he stood in a clearing in the mid dle of the forest. and the COW which he had rescued from the butcher on the pre- vious evening was gently licking his fore head.
 As there was no sign of a cave near him, Jean asked himself:-"Was it all a dream?" He soon however. came to the conclusion that dreams differ very little from reality, and obeying the Kings in structions, he returned to the city and started to hire the most beautiful palace he could find.
 'Is your Lordship prepared to pay some money on OepOSltf dSheu IHp oeS" ard. Jean mechanically thrust his hapd into his pocket and found some gold coins, which he certainly had not put there. He was not, however, astonished at finding them, and, handing them to the steward, he said:-"Here take what you want as a deposit and keep the rest.'
 As a result. while Jean took possession of the palace, the steward went around I telling every one that prince in dis guise had hired his masters residence and soon furniture dealers and other trade.smen besieged the doors of the pal ace, but to no purpose, for Jean would not open to them.
 During that entire day he drew designs of crowns and did not even take mo- ment's rest. Finally he made design which satisfied him. At night his friends, the dwarfs. came down the chimney and through the windows and brought him his dinner. While he ate. the little crea- lures critically examined the design which he had drawn, after which they took their departure.
 On the following day they came again. and with them they brought the various parts of the crown, and, carefully pack ed in the little bags of deerskin, beauti- full jewels, the like of which were never seen before even in the shops of those who deal in artificial stones.