Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1906-10-05

very elaborate, was much like bap-
tisms of present times, but besides
invoking the blessing of God, the aid
OF Wodin and Thor was asked. for
Olaf was still pagan, though Asia
was a Christian. After the baptism a
feast was prepared for the kings
friends and Thora was presented to
them.
Kings and chiefs usually sent their
children to, their distinguished friends
to be educated, these friends being
compelled to care for foster-children,
as they were called, the same as for
their own. But Thora had been away
SO long, that Olaf, who had great
respect for his Christian wife, permit
ted the child to remain at home. She
lived quietly until she was fifteen, then
Asia died. and as Olaf was about SET
ting out for England with a band Of
warriors, he took his daughter with
him. She had many privileges not CIV
en- to other girls, for her father was
very fond of her, and never denied
her anything.
The pretty fair-haired girl won the
hearts of the rough men and settled
many quarrels and disputes in her gen.
tie way. After the first battle, in
which her father was victor, she help
ed prepare the feast on the shore and
poured the ale for the men, for &C.
cOrding to their ancient custom, they
spent the night and part of the fol.
| lowing day in feasting and drinking.
But the next battle was disastrous
for the little princess, for her father
was severely wounded and taken
prisoner. Thora escaped, and losing
her companions wandered in the noun
tains many days. Her early life had
made her strong and brave so she
never despaired of finding Olaf and
helping him return home. For two
years she sought him among enemies,
and then going to their friends in
northern England she found her faith
er, an old, broken hearted man, al
ways calling for his Thora and Asia.
So then she determined, after getting
the consent of her kinsmen, to return
to Olafs own country, hoping her faith
er, among familiar scenes, would recov-
er his physical and mental health.
She worked untiringly until they wee
ready to start but on the first day of
the voyage a terrible storm wrecked
their fleet and many lives were lost
Thora, her father, and a few of the
men reached one boat, and empty
handed, all their treasures given them
in England being lost, reached home
only to find Sigmund had usurped the
throne in Olaf's absence, and that
owing to his bad management, the
kingdom was very weak.
This blow was too severe for the
old king who had been cheered and
urged by his daughter to think of the
pleasant years they would spend in
their own home, and in short time
he died, but Thora did not grieve fol
during their hardships Olaf had learn
ed to turn to Asta's God, and she on
ly looked forward to a happy reunion
But her work was not yet finished fol
Ingmund, her brother, must be estab
lished in his rights. So few still faith
full to Olaf's son, rallied and for three
years contended bravely but all ii
vain, for at the end of that time Ing
mund was killed while fighting. Their
Thora returned to England and enter
ed convent near her kinsmen. There
she lived a peaceful and useful life
and even now both in England and ir
her Norway home the name Of thl:
brave girl is whispered in sacred aw~,
RUBY CLIFFORD, '07.