Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-09-25

ocean. his heart leaped with hope that the Mermaid
had in some mysterious way redeemed her promise
your garden. girl"
crowd which cast curious looks upon Gerda she
WALKED by the side OF the Lord Mayors son.
ell me- what has happened, Gerda? he asked
her speaking low so that no one else might hear
last night, she whispered. 8" went to bed weep
midnight awakened by the roaring OF the sea.
1t grew louder and louder. and at last great
up even to the cottage door | frightened sorely.
But IN the midst ofmy heard soft voice cry:
Fear not, gentle Gerda, and weep more Tor
your lost flowers The gardeners OF the have
to restore your garden. And there will be fine
ing That nPo was e all The sea cessed Il.
roaring, and peacefully fell asleep. In the morning
when looked upon the plot where late my poor little
garden doomed, saw this Behold!
As she spoke they came to the edge OF the pool
The Lord Mayor stood with hands raised gazing down
INTO the pool; and every else was gazing too with
eyes OF wonder.
The water clear-as glass. and could see
- tle very bottom OF the hollow which had heidi
''eTda unlucl'y garden: Now the BASIN was hoored
With polished mother-oi-pearl with beds and borders
OF coored shells in lovely patterns. There lawns
OF many-hued ocean moss. bordered by shrubs OF
coral. blozsomng in every form and size and color
spikes and clusters daisystars and bell shapes all the
variety or flower garden. Sea-anemones and other
living plants opened and shut their tender petals
Delicate sea-ierns like maiden-har and Towering
grasses grew upon rockeries OF coral hedges OF
sea-weed green and brown. yellow and pink. waved
their irOnds gently i'll the leaves do in the
And and fro among the branches of seatrees moved
RlIttcrng shapes OF gold and silver. pink and pale blue
These the rainbow fishes. birds and butterflies OF
ocean their deIcate inns moving more gracefully even
than wings do Dear little sea-horses
up and down the coral alleys. and luminous forms
moved among the sea-weed. lighting the garden with
living lanterns. Here and there grottoes OF coral
and pretty arbors, and the garden thronged with
multitude OF curious sea-creaures even the OF
which knows. For the gardeners OF Cedric's
friend. the Mermaid had secured the find the
and most beautiful wonders which grow in a
deep-sea garden such mortal eye
Alter time the Lord Mayor recovered breath 10
speak, Maiden" he said. however you came by
is enough that have such treasure in kissing
n-by-tle-Sea. Among all lovely gardens it is
the fairest. Among all our curious flowers these
living ones are rarest therefore judge that you
belongs the prize.
Then a great cheer from the border OF the
pool where all the folk bending eagerly study
the wonders in the waters below. Even the maidens
whose gardens had not won the prize cheered-all
ccpt the Countess. She ground her teeth with rage,
Tor She that her wicked plot had been in vain.
The Lord Mayor stepped forward and took Gerdas
hand. Come hither. my son.. he said aud take
this lair stranger be your bride In this spot where
her little cottage stands will build for you beautiful
villa"
Then with happy face Cedric took Gerda's hand in
oi his. and with his other gave her the great white
bouquet of roses obey my fathers wish he said
lie needed not to tell that it his wish
1hereupon 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 Igly
goblin.