Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-10-21
The Lion And
The Olul

Harry Ober had always wanted to
20 to the top of the great mountain
which doomed forbiddingly in the sky
and which hade the days so short. hid
ing tile sun from sight as eNrly as
8 O'Clock every afternoon. And very
often the greac mountains crest was
hidden by the heavy clouds falling
about it like robe. When the clouds
were white they resembled snow on
the mountain; when black and full OF
rain, they looked like shroud. And at
all times the top of the mighty noun
tain held interest and mystery for
Harry.
The Obers lived in fine fertile val
ley at the foot of the great mountain,
and, unlike their son Harry, Mr.. and
Mrs. Ober seldom thought OF the
mountain save as a background 10
their splendid landscape view. They
felt no curiosity concerning the top Q!
the great giant, never once contem
plating a journey up its rough, steep
side. They were content to live at the
mountains feet, till the soil, raise sheep
and cattle and enrich themselves in an
honest, homely way. But not SO with
their young son, Harry. He mas area
and dreams full of mystery. and Would
sit for hours together, looking longing
ly toward the top of the great mour-
tain which doomed over all that part
of the land.
"Some day I shall go there" Harry
promised himself Some day." But
the time flew by and still the day Ct
his going did not arrive. Next year
shall co." said Harry to himself one
evening as he drove home the cattle
"Next year, But as he spoke he heard
football beside him, and glanc1ng
round. was astonished and frightened
to behold a great lion trotting along
like tame dog. "Fear me not, youth
of Dreams spoke the lion. II have
come to lead you on your way to the
top Of the mountain"
Out but" stammered Harry,
chow did you know I wished to 60 to
the top of the mountain"
"The owl told me-" informed the
lion. "The owl and live near neigh
bors. NY cave is beneath the tree IN
which his wisdom, Master Owl, lives"
'.Yes, 1 explained to the lion, my
friend, that Youth Of Dreams lived
in the valley, and that it was his
hearts desire to go in quest OF adven-
ture.' So spoke another voice at tho
other side of Harry. And turning about
Harry saw very fine owl flying along
close to his head. His establishment
was great, and for some seconds he
was speechless. Then, finding voice,
he asked of the owl: "But, how did
you know that desired to go up the
mountain
'T am wisdom, my fine lad" replied
the owl. II know things without being
told. So come with us-the lion and
me-and we'll take you to the place
you desire to see."
"But what strange companions you
area lion and an OWL cried Harry,
much bewildered. 81 never knew that
creatures so unlike were companion
able"
(Which proves that Youth OF
Dreams does not know everything,
observed the owl calmly
'Will you come with us?" asked the
lion, shaking his great head. III not,
we'll waste no more time with you"
"I must drive my cows home ex.
planned Harry. Then If mother Will
permit me-
sYour cows will 60 home of them
Selves interrupted the owl. and no
one but you must know Of your going.
If you speak of it to another soul the
charm will be broken, and we shall
disappear"
Harry was thoughtful He wished
very. very much to go to the top of the
mountain; but he disliked doing SO
without first telling his parents about
it. The owl seemed to read his
thoughts, and said:
eve can't waste time with people OF
indec;sion. Will you go?"
eyes" said Harry. He felt that ii
was now or never. If he would see
the top of the mountain, he must MOI
waver about going.
'I shall carry you," said the lion
81 am strength and battle. | can
carry you anywhere and no animal
will dare to approach you so long as
you are on my back. Mount"
"And I shall lead the way" said the
owl. 81 am wisdom and good sense
Where lead no danger can come. :"
Looking after his cows to see thai
they were meandering homewards
Harry mounted to the lions back. and
away the three strange companions
went. The lion was swift traveller
and the owl as swift a flyer. Harry
sat easily on the great animals bach
and soon found himself ascending the
steep mountainside.
On and upwards they went, not one
of the three saying a single word. Al
last the lion paused beside huge
tree. my home is within that cave,
he said, being the first to break the
silence. And he nodded his head to
ward a dark hole which Harry knew
to be the mouth of cave.
and / live there" said the owl
pointing one wing towards the top OF
the tree. and let me warn you, now
Youth OF Dreams, never come neal
this spot again. 1t would not be safe
place for you Or any living Neul. This