New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03
TIE Stolen Prince.
BIZ r. NJ. JAMESON.
Copyright; 1908: BY III. Tribune Association,
CHAPTER ".


CHAPTER ~
In little inner room she made up her own bed
for Count Ohio. and in five minutes ne fast
asleep, his curly head full Of dreams OF wicked
fairies and deeds OF daring.
For the princess the old woman spread q little
couch Of soft dry leaves. and over that feecy
sheepslin as white as snow, and another little
sheepslin for a coVerlet.
She tucked Nerissa in and made her snug.
But where are you going TO sleep?" asked the
princess. who was always thoughtful for others.
4 have my work TO do" replied the old woman
with a smile. 'and II will not weary to help
you TO gain your quest"
AS she spoke she drew bundle after bundle OF
green rusheS from distant corner and placed
them on the table. while Nerissa watched her.
leaning upon her elbow to look closer.
What can you be going TO 90 with those?" she
asked.
The old woman's fingers were busiy selecting
the finest rushes from the bundles. Wait and
you shall see" all she said in reply.
And for time the little princess watched her as
she wove and twisted and plated the PUSHES in
and out with steady, monotonous movement. Groom
ing a little plaintive song herself she did
Presently the little princess grew drowsy and
dFowsy; her blue eyes closed against her will.
and though she opened them moment later every
thing looked misty and far away and she thought
she the white dove futtering its wings the
old woman's shoulder and whispering in her ear.
And after that she fell asleep and dreamed that
the great white hawk with the ruby heart was
Tapping its wings threateningly over her head and
as she uttered 4 cry OF fear she awoke
The shining in the little window.
flooding the cottage with golden light and outside
snowy flight OF doves flew about in a state Of
neXcitement and unrest. They looked like little
specks Of silver in the sunlight against the Of
the trees.
The table was set for breakfast, the kettle
singing away merriy, but what attracted Nerissa's
notice first OF all a beautiful little green
hammock slung from two hooks in the ceiling,
swaying softly ana fro in the light breeze that
blew IN il the daintiest most fairylike thing,
with long green steamers OF ribbon depending from
81. while overhead was canopy OF leaves threaded
I'm and out In a marvellous manner as 81 stitched
by the needle OF magician The old woman saw
the princess looking at il. and she smiled.
rs that What you We're doing when went TO
Sleep" asked Nerissa. going closer 10 the little
hammock. How very, very beautiful il isl"
Il finished my task as dawn began tint the
sky" replied The old woman and she did not look
IN the least though she had been awake al
night
Her cap snowy her hair and her eyes
were a clearer blue than ever. Indeed they
puzzled the little princess greatly. for she a
very noticing child, and they appeared 10 her like
the eyes OF very young person, and yet 1t seemed
ridiculous idea when the wrinkles and white hair
taken into consideration.
Count Othe in a moment later. and they
all sat down 20 breakfast, the princess felt sud
denly very sorrowful and homesick. She seemed
little sisters sitting round the table
home each with silver bowl Of bread and
milk before her. But the Princess Ner.ssa's place
stood empty.
And presently. she knew. was bis custom. the
king would enter and kiss them ALL and grieve at
the absence Of his little daughter Nerssa.
The princess closed her eyes for moment, and
when she opened them she found her hostess and
Count Ohio looking at her IN surprise
Il was thinking OF home" she said, simply, and
otho. who was fond OF his home. felt a lump
in mis- throat which he bravely tried TO swallow.
E The Old woman looked at her steadily. and Nerissa
oyercame her doubts and a voice seemed 10 say,
go forward. little princess: be firm OF purpose
and lose heart"
And whether the old woman had spoken or not
Serissa never knew: but from that moment she
Z cried look forward instead or backward. and
; lost time ia regretdng what could not be
remedied.
Breakfast ended. the old woman began to make
lrsPsra.i9ns, FOR Or heir ..ir, aegsrtgre .,
u each she placed a tiny heart shaped box OF
opened one of the boxes. ana the princess and
Count Ohio saw that fl contained many tiny black
wicked fairy tie old woman said 'eWheneyer
danger threatens yoa swallow one OF these seeds
ond you Hiil change instantly into flower. and
you win return % your own forms. And now,
princess. you must rot wear that scarlet cloak; 1t
Is 100 vivid; and viii attract notice"
She unlocked a small silver clamped chest. and
OF budding branch as 1t unfolds in the spring
Sic put one round each child; they would protect
them. she SAID. nom robbers who might Turk in
the forests through which they must pass
And in4ced. they just the color OF the
greenwood she said, ana she spoke Drew
the little hood Nerissa's head stroked the
golden locks away tendery. The little princess put
up her and kissed her benefactress; she felt
very grateful for the kindness and they had
received ne ard Ohio looked W woodland
elves they stood ready for departure with their
little Wallets round their waists; the cloak conceal
lng Otho's gay G0ublet and jeWelled dagger
But the greatest surpFlse Of all awaited them.
A that white dove rew in the
WINDOW huttered its wings impatiently.
MY doves have asked 10 help you on your way"
said the Old woman: they know the wicked prac-
ices of the Fairy GolcOEda, and have again and
again suffered from her cruel treatment them
tclvfs
s'hSow YOU will understand why ] the green
PUSHES into a hammock. The doves will fly with
gou-the strongest and neetest IN the dovecote only
will eo-zs far they dare and this will save
gou many and many weary mile foot.
~They can go no further than q certain point,