The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-09-24
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES 1N9@IO656I7GN9NsZJ

ocean, his heart leaped with hope that the Mermaid
had in some mysterious way redeemed her promise.
I" Very we'll" said the Lord Mayor frowning. Let
US see what this foolish whim betokens- Show
your garden, girl"
Down the slope they went, followed By the gaping
crowd which cast curious looks upon Gerda as she
walked by the side of the Lord Mayors SON
Tell me, what has happened, Gerda?" he asked
h peasn 9g low 50 tSIt no pns else might hear
ing for my lost flowers and my lost hope BIT at
midnight was awakened by the roaring Of the sea
It grew louder and louder, and at last great wave
seemed to burst the sea-wall and come foaming
up even to the cottage door frightened sorely
But in the midst of my terror heard soft voice cry:
Fear not, gentle Gerda and weep no more for
your lost flowers The gardeners OF the have come
to restore your garden. And there will be fine gown
for you Look for it upon the door-stone in the morn
ing. FAREWELL That was all. The sea ceased its
roaring and peacefully fell asleep In the morning
found upon the door-stone this green gown, And
when looked upon the plot ghere late my poor little
AS she spoke they to the edge of the pool
And chorus of wonder rising from the crowd.
The Lord Mayor stood with hands raised gazing down
into the pool; and every one else was gazing too with
eyes Of wonder.
The water was as clear as glass, and one could see
to the very bottom OF the hollow which had once held
Gerdas unlucky garden Now the basin was hoored
with polished mother-of-pearl with beds and borders
Of colored shells in lovely patterns, There lawns
OF many-hued ocean moss, bordered by shrubs of
coral poisoning in every form and size and color
spikes and clusters daisy-sars and bell shapes all the
variety of hower-garden. Sea-anemones and other
Delicate sea-ferns like maiden-hair and Towering
grasses grew upon rockeries of coral Hedges Of
sea-weed, green and brown, yellow and pink waved
their ronds gently the water leaves do in the air.
And to and fro among the branches of seatrees moved
gtterng shapes of gold and silver pink and pale blue
These the rainbow fishes birds and butterflies of
ocean, their delicate fms moving gracefully even
than wings do Dear little sea-horses ran races
up and down the coral alleys, and luminous forms
moved among the sea-weed, lighting the garden with
living lanterns Here and there grooes of coral
and pretty arbors, and the garden thronged with
which knows. For the gardeners of Cedrc's
friend, the Mermaid. had secured the ocean to find the
rarest and most beautiful wonders which grow in a
.deep-sea garden, such no mortal eye ever sees.
After time the Lord Mayor recovered breath to
speak Maiden he said, however you came by
is enough that have such a treasure in Kissing
ton-by-the- Sea- Among all lovely gardens it is
the fairest. Among all curious flowers these
living ones rarest therefore judge that to you
belongs the prize.
Then great cheer arose from the border Of the
the wonders in the waters below. Even the maidens
whose gardens had not the prize cheered-all
cept the Countess. She ground her teeth with rage
for she saw that her wicked plot had been in vain.
The Lord Mayor stepped forward and took Gerdas
hand Come hither, my son., he said, and take.
this fair stranger to be your bride Tn this spot where
her little cottage stands will build for you beautiful
villa"
Then with happy face Cedric took Gerdas hand In
of his and with his other gave her the great white
bouquet Of roses obey my fathers wish" he said
He needed not to tell that it his wish, too.
Thereupon every one cheered again, waving caps
and handkerchiefs, for could help loving the
beautiful pair and wishing them happiness Only the
Countess stood silent and frowning, looking ugly
goblin.