Holbrook argus., 1910-08-09
THE DUTCH P Al N T E R
By KATE LUBY

the cottage of the village painter, re- joicing in the odd name of Tunder, at whose door might be seen boards rep resentilg grotesque caricature paint ings, as signs of his profession.
 Of truth, poor Tunder had great love for his art; but, sorrowful to re- late, his art had no love for him.
 He was vain and corceited, as near ly all pretenders to excellence are, yet he found liberal patron and an ar dent admirer in old Fritz, who carried him his lovely little daughter Lula in marriage.
 Now Lula and her, good mother had another young gentleman in their minds eye; it was Rudolph, the hand. some young gardener and huntsman, who loved Lula most fondly and truly, but who failed to make an i'm pression on the f1inty bosom of old Fritz.
 The day was fixed for Lula's mar riage with Tunder, and mother and daughter went bristling through their preparations with fearful eyes and saddened hearts, which i'll befitted bridal day.
 To give more eclat to the wedding, Fritz ordered a new sign, and Tun- der's talents were called in requisi- ton.
 Just then, a young artist, who had that day arrived from the city, of. fered to paint sign, representing the archduke, on very reasonable terms. Lula and her mother voted for the artists sign, and stubborn old Fritz swore that Tunder alone should share the glory with himself. At length a compromise was effected; both paint ings should be done, and place over the inn door awarded to that one which displayed most ability.
 The wedding day had arrived, and Tunder was first in the field with his sign, but no one could make anything out of it.
 "Behold!" cried the villagers, "a miserable abortion, which represents neither fish, nor fowl?"
 What is it?" asked one.
 Tt is mutilated Indian from the .wilds of the vest" replied his neigh bor.
 Ignorant wretches!" shouted Tun- der, choking with indignation. "Ye have eyes and see not!" so saying, b seized his brush and painted under heath the portrait, ITO the great Leo pold."
 Shouts and groans followed this an- nouncement, not for Leopold" but for Tunder, who had so shamefullly misrepresented him.
 The city artists painting was next displayed, and produced spontaneous burst of enthusiastic applause.
 Never before had the people beheld so lifelike and well executed like ness of their very popular archduke: and the artist. in order to escape be- ing embraced to death, beat a speedy retreat into the garden in the rear. and sat musingly on bench.
 In the midst of triumph his heart was bowed down beneath the load of some secret sorrow that was devour- ing him.
 Unhappy Rollo! A few days since had seen him the favorite artist of a brilliant court, enjoying the reputa- tion of a Raphael, and on the high road to fame and fortune. .
 A noble lady of the court, and who was ward of the archduke, had made a deep and lasting impression on his heart, and he soon perceived that his passion was returned.
 He had not been long sitting in the garden, before he learned that there were others equally unhappy. Lula and her lover were sitting in an arbor, taking last, loving farewell of each other.
 Why not fly with me, dearest Lula?" murmured Rudolph. If you will not do so, a few short hours will see you welded to that hateful Tun' der, and lost to me forever!"
 Lula sobbed audibly; yet, drying her tears, she replied:
 q cannot fly with you, though you know how much love you, Rudolph; to fly would grieve my father and break my mothers heart. I am full of hope that Heaven will yet smile on our love-"
 Poor little Lulu!" sighed Rollo, as she and her lover left the garden.
 Archduke Leopold, with the beau tiful archduchess, accompanied by hel ladies and officers of the court, were on hunting excursion and dashed through the village. The archduchess placed chain of gold round Fritz's neck, demanding to see the village ar tist who had painted the sign. After long search Rollo was found peace ably sleeping in the garden.
 Great was their delight and sur prise at finding the glory of their court" as they termed him.
 The archduke folded him in his arms, and told him he had never l 1; Ia st fnc cto r,f