The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-27

why, where is your son?" asked Ja- cob with trembling voice.
 Heaven only knows" answered he Seven years ago he was Kidnapped from the market place."
 Seven yearsl'' exclaimed Jacob. horri- fed
 "Yes," said the shoemaker. Seven years ago an ugly old woman appeared on the market place and bought some cabbages. My wife sent Jacob with her i, to carry them and from that hour he was never seen again. The whole city joined in the hunt. but all in vain. Nobody had ever seen the old woman before: only a. single old man. 30 years old. said that it might have been the evil fairy Herbwise who come into the city once every fifty years to buy things"
 Thus spoke Jacobs father mournfully and hammered the shoes and stretched the wire with both hands. Jacob realized that something frightful had happened that he had not dreamed, but that he had served as the fairys servant in reality. Anger and sorrow filled his heart and threatened to burst 1t. He stood quite without saying word.
 Would you like some work done?" asked the shoemaker at last. Perhaps young sir, l could serve you with pair of slippers, or" added he with a smile, "a neat leather case for your nose.
 What do you mean?" asked Jacob "A leather case for my nose?"
 Well" replied the shoemaker, "every one to his tastel If I had your nose I would surely have nice red leather case for it. See, here Is a piece that will just do. We would need nearly | yard"
 Jacob was dumb with astonishment and fear. His hands flew to his nose. It was immensely thick and more than a foot longl Master he cried, choking back a sob. "can you lend me mirror?'
 Young sir" said the shoemaker grave ly, you have not a shape that should make you vain. l have no mirror, but if you want one very much go across the way to Urban the barber. He has a. mirror as big as your head. And now, good morning."
 He pushed Jacob gently out of the shop, closed the door and sat down again to his work. Sadly the lad crossed the street and asked the barber to let him look into his mirror.
 Frantic laughter from all in the shop welcomed the request. Certainly! Ger tainly!" said Urban Tt is no wonder you are vain, being the beauty that you are. Step right inl''
 Jacob looked into the mirror and tears started from his eyes. He wondered no longer that his parents did not recognize him. His eyes had become small, like those of pigs. His nose was monstrous and protruded beyond mouth and chin His neck had disappeared entirely. His body was no taller than it had been when he was 12; but his breast and shoulders had widened and hroadened, so that his upper body looked like a great sack This mighty structure was poised on thin, lit tie legs His arms were so long that they hung far below his knees. His hands were brown and his fingers were like spi- der's legs.
 well, Prince" said the barber, laugh ing anew, Eff you have admired yourself sufficiently I will make you an offer Stand before my door to attract trade l will pay you well"
 Poor Jacob was furious at the offer, but he contented himself with refusing quietly. He went down the street. re- solved to make another attempt to con- vince his mother that he was her son.
 He went to her, begged her to listen to him carefully and reminded her of all the events of the tragic day Then he told her what had happened to him. She listened. and marveled, not knowing what to think. She could not bear to believe that the ugly dwarf might be her son. but he was so circumslantlal in his &C., count of all the happenings that she de- cided to speak to her husband, and bade him accompany her.
 '.This person." said she to the shoe