Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-02-07

tue OF water, ana, hoping tnat IL
might have some magic power. she ran to
fetch it, and sprinked few drops over
the fierce swarm of rats. In moment not
tail nor whsker was to be SEEN Each
one had made for his hole as fast as his
legs could carry him, that the Princess
could safely take her pot of pinks. She
found them nearly dying for want of water
and hastily poured all that was left in the
pitcher upon them. AS she bent over them
enjoying their delicious scent, soft voice.
that seemed to rustic among the leaves
said
Lovely Felicia, the day has come at last
when l have the happiness of telling you
how even the flowers love you and rejoice
In your beauty"
strangeness of hearing a cabbage, hen,
and a pink speak, and by the terrible sight
of an army of rats, suddenly became very
pale, and tainted away
At this moment in came Bruno working
hard in the heat had not improved his tenn
per, and when he saw that Felicia had sue
ceeded in finding her pinks he was SO angry
that he dragged her out into the garden
and shut the door upon her. The fresh air
made her open her pretty eyes, and
there before her stood the Queen of the
Woods, looking as charming as ever.
You have bad brother" she said; 81
saw how cruelty he turned you out. Shall
l punish him for it?"
"Ah no, madam" she said II am not
angry with him."
but supposing he was not your brother,
after ALL what would you say them" asked
the Queen.
"oh, but think he must be-" said
Felicia
What" said the Queen, have you not
heard that you are a Princess?"
Il was told so a little while ago, madam,
but how could believe it without single
proof?''
"Ah. dear child" said the Queen, "the
way you speak assures me that, in spite
of your humble upbringing, you are indeed
real Princess, and l can save you from
being treated in such a way again"
She interrupted at this moment by
the arrival of very handsome young man.
He wore a coat of green velvet fastened with
on his head. He knet upon one knee and
kissed the Queens hand.
All" she cried, my Pink, my dear son,
how happy l am to- see you restored to your
natural shape by Felicia's aid, and she
embraced him joyfully: Then turning to
know all the hen told you, but you cannot
have heard that the zephyrs, to whom was
entrusted the task of carrying my son to
the tower where the Queen, your mother,
anxiously waited for him. left him in
stead in a garden of flowers, while they
flew off to tell your mother, and then a bad
fairy, with whom l had quarreled, changed
him into pink, and l could do nothing to
prevent it.
II was very angry, and l tried to undo
the mischief she had done, but there was
help for it. l could only bring Prince
Pink to the place where you were being
brought up, hoping that when you grew up
he might love you, and by your care be re-
stored to his natural form. You see every
thing has gone right, and when you gave
the silver ring, it was a sign that the
power of the charm nearly over, and
the bad fairy thought she would frighte1
you with her army of rats. That she did
not succeed in doing; so now, my dear
Felicia if you will be married to my son
with this silver ring, you will be happy
forever. Are you not willing to marry such
handsome and gentle Primer"
Madam" replied Felicia, blushing, you
overwhelm me with your kindness know
that you are my mothers sister, and that
by your art you turned the soldiers who
were sent to kill me into cabbages, and my
nurse into a hen, and | feel for the first
time in my life how good it is to be loved.
Can you indeed give me the Princes hearth"
ut is yours already, lovely Princess" he
cried taking her hand in his. But for the
horrible enchantment which kept me silent
/ would have told you long ago how dearly
| love you"
This made the Princess very happy, and
the Queen, who could not bear to see her
dressed like a poor shepherdess touched
her with her wand, saying
81 wish you to be dressed as BELTS your
Princesss cotton dress became a magniti,
cent robe of silver brocade, embroidered
with pearls, and her soft dark hair was
encircled with a crown of diamonds, from
which hoated thin white veil With her
bright eyes and the beautiful color of her
cheeks, she was altogether such dazzling
sight that the Prince could hardly believe
his eyes
How pretty you are, Felicia" he cried
Don't keep me in suspense, =! entreat you
say that you will marry me-"
II am sure" said the Queen, "she will
not refuse you noW."
Just then Bruno, who was going back
to his work, came out of his cottage, and
thought he must be dreaming when he saw
Felicia. but she called him very kindly ane
begged the Queen to take pity on him.
what when he has been unkind tC