The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-11-17

breakfast ut fora prince, laid on q
service OF exquisite silver and glass
and the whitest OF cloths, Bartolo,
.astonished, hung himself on his
knees before his benefactor to thank
thim, but he raised him up, saying:
II am the good genius Of the hon
lest workingmen OF CASTLE. Sit down
and eat without fear Take advan-
itage of your lucky STAR" and then
suddenly disappeared.
Bartolo reyerently bent down and
kissed the spot upon which he had
stood, unable to flnd adequate ex-
Ipression of his gratitude. He then
sat down and ate bis breakfast. After
his meal, Bartoio judged that man
who had toasted In such an elegant
manner ought to have other, better
clothing than his well-worn working
suit: and, lifting his staff, he cried
Ito the bird: Bluest of blue birds.
do your duty!" In an instant his old
suit became transformed into one
|of richest velvet. embroidered in gold
and silver, and hia rough stan into q
splendid horse fully caparisoned. and
having round IT'S neck collar OF
silver bells.
More astonished than ever. Har-
tolo suspended to the saddle the
cage with the blue bird. leaped on
the horse, and went his way. as
proud of hts dress as donkey OF its
ears.
Setting spurs to his horse, he soon
reached the gates Of a splendid cas-
tile. Some feast was taking place
within. The guests were all seated
under a shady bower. deploring that
they had been disappointed OF the
ministries who were to have played.
Bnrtoio, on learning this, adyan-
ICED to the bower, and. after ele-
gantly saiuting the lord and lady of
the castle, In a amost refined voice
said:
IF 1t be right for simple knight
to offer his services To such dis
Itinguished company OF rank and
beauty, think could promise to
provide what you are requiring"
Oh, dot at once, pleased I cried
all the ladies, who were longing TO
dance.
"Bluest OF blue birds, do your
Quty.s SAID bartOlO.
Suddenly, in the distance, was
heard the noise OF many feet, and a
troop Of musicians with their instru-
nents appeared, to the great delight
of the company.
The lord OF the castle thanked
the stranger, and desired him to
open the ball with his eldest daugh-
ter, 4 maiden fair and lovely, like a
snowbird.
When the ball was ut its height.
the bird-cage maker ordered an ele-
giant banquet to be served, during.
which the bluest Of blue birds was
which were very much admired.
Games of chance followed. and Bar
tolo. taking advantage OF his good
fortune, distributed among the
ladies pearls, bracelets and rings of
precious stones. All those present
were surprised beyond measure, be-
cause the lord of the castle was
known to be extremely niggardly and
mean.
The lord of the castle, who knew
how all this had been done through
the agency of the bird. and being
himself OF an inordinately avaricious
nature, thought he might do fine
stroke OF business were he to buy
the creature. Hence, calling his un-
known guest away to his study, he
proposed to him to purchase the bird
for what price he should quote.
You would never give me my
price," replied Bartolo.
For 1t / would give my castle
with It's nine forests" said the lord
of the castle.
1T is not enough"
Very well, l will add my olive
plantations and vineyards"
THAT is still insutiicien.in cried
Bartolo.
II will add the orchards. gardens
and houses"
What, still more? Why. man,
you must want paradise itself..''
Not so; / want what you can give
me this very moment. | want your