Evening journal., 1906-12-27

look here, mother. why will you not let
me sleep?"
''Lie down, my darling" said she. "Do
not disturb yourself. but I must tell you
OF what I was thinking as you slept.
seemed to see an aged boatman on the
shore of a lake, and he complained that
he had been ferrylng people across for
twenty years without any one coming 20
take his place. and he was begging TO
know how much longer he must continue
at the task"
"Ahl'' said the giant. "he is a silly fel-
low and no mistake. All he needs to do IS
to put his oars in the hands Of the flrst
conner and jump ashore. whoever re-
ceives the oars will have 20 replace MIN
as ferryman. But leave me IN peace
mother, and do not wake me again have
to rise very early
Next morning the wind whistied round
the castle. and. Instead Of an aged man,
a beautiful child awoke on the old WON
ans lap. IT was the glorious sun He
babe her goodby and few out OF an eastern
doorway.
Then the old woman turned over the bas-
ket under which Paul lay concealed and
said, Look, here are the three golden
hairs, and YOU have heard the answers TO
your three questions May God direct you
and send you prosperous journey. You
will not see me again. for you have no
further need Of me-
Tic thanked her gratefully and started
tho unfruitful apple tree he was asked by
the kins what news he brought.
Excellent" replied Paul. "One could
not wish for better. Dig about your apple
treo and kill the snake that lies among
tho roots and the tree will bear lust as It
id formerly"
All turned out as he had said and no
sooner was the snake destroyed than the
tree burst forth INFO a cloud of blossoms
Then the King gave Paul twelve raven
black horses laden with as much wealth
as they could carry.
Later in his journey he came to the
town with the Dried up well. What word
do you bring from the giant Phoebus?'
asked the king.
Have your we'll cleaned out" said Paul.
"and remove the frog you VIII find OBJ
STRUGGLING he flow Of water in the passage
that connects the well with the spring"
The King had this DONE and he was so
reioiced TO see the wonderful water return
that he gave Paul twelve swan white
horses ard as much gold and silver as they
could carry.
Paul now went on until he came to the
shore Of The rockbound lake. There he
found the aged boatman, and after cross
ing with his twenty-four horses he told
him he could gain release from his labor
by placing the oars in the hands OF the
first traveller who wished to be ferrled
over.
At length Paul reached the palace OF his
royal father-in-law, and the old king could
hardly believe his eyes when he saw the
giants three golden hairs. AS for the prin-
cess, she wept with Joy to have her dear
)ne with her again. But how did YOU
get such splendid horses and so much
wealth. she asked.
They were given me-" he replied. ''for
hardships endured and services rendered.
I showed one king how TO regain posses
sion Of the Apples Of Youth and another
I told the secret OF reopening the spring
OF water that gives health and life"
Apples OF Youth. Water Of Lifer' in
terupted the king. Il will certainly 20 and
find these treasures for myself All, what
joy! Having eaten Of the apples I shall
become young once more. and having
drunk OF the water OF life I shall be free
from all aches and diseases"
SO he started OFF in search OF the magic
apples and water. and at length he came
70 the shore of the roclSbound lake. He
beckoned to the ferryman. who took. him
into his boat. But just as they came 10
the other shore the ferryman thrust the
oars into the kings hands and ran away,
leaving him to do the ferrying for the
future. He may be there still, for he has
not yet returned.