THE MINER
DECEMBER 18, 2013 |
1B
Wrap upyour Holiday Shopping The Christmas Cuckoo
Shop
Whitman’s Collectable Tins
~FINALE~
BY FRANCES BROWNE
This strange story spread through the North Country, and great company came to the cobbler’s hut, -- rich men who had lost their money, poor men who had lost their friends, beauties who had grown old, wits who had gone out of fashion, -- all came to talk with Spare, and, whatever their troubles had been, all went home merry. The rich gave him presents, the poor gave him thanks. Spare’s coat ceased to be ragged, he had bacon with his cabbage, and the villagers began to think there was some sense in him. By this time his fame had reached the capital city, and even the court. There were a great many discontented people there; and the king had lately fallen into ill humor because a neighboring princess, with seven islands for her dowry, would not marry his
eldest son. So a royal messenger was sent to Spare, with a velvet mantle, a diamond ring, and a command that he should repair to court immediately. “To-morrow is the first of April,” said Spare, “and I will go with you two hours after sunrise.” The messenger lodged all night at the castle, and the cuckoo came at sunrise with the merry leaf. “Court is a fine place,” it said, when the cobbler told it he was going, “but I cannot come there; they would lay snares and catch me; so be careful of the leaves I have brought you, and give me a farewell slice of barley bread.” Spare was sorry to part with the cuckoo, little as he had of its company, but he gave it a slice which would have broken
Scrub’s heart in former times, it was so thick and large. And having sewed up the leaves in the lining of his leather doublet, he set out with the messenger on his way to court. His coming caused great surprise there. Everybody wondered what the king could see in such a common-looking man; but scarcely had His Majesty conversed with him half an hour, when the princess and her seven islands were forgotten and orders given that a feast for all comers should be spread in the banquet hall. The princes of the blood, the great lords and ladies, the ministers of state, after that discoursed with Spare, and the more they talked the lighter grew their hearts, so that such changes had never been seen at court. The lords forgot their spites and the ladies their envies, the princes and ministers made friends among themselves, and the judges showed
$998
no favor. As for cha m b e r
Spare, he had a assigned him in
the palace, and a seat at the king’s table. One sent him rich robes, and another costly jewels; but in the midst of all his grandeur he still wore the leathern doublet, and continued to live at the king’s court, happy and honored, and making all others merry and content.
Variety of Russell Stover R Candy Lights • Ribbon Gift Wrap • Bows • Cards 509-447-2484 336 S. Washington Ave. • Newport,WA
CELEBRATE OUR 16TH YEAR WITH COUPON
• Ski Rentals • Boot Fi ng • Ski/Board Tuning •Full Lineup of Ski Gear
Buy Any Meal & Get One 50% OFF Kids Eat for $250 (Equal or lesser value)
December Specials Valid thru 12/31/13 Gift Certificates make Great Gifts COUPON
Two Loca ons: 213 Church Street, Schweitzer Village 208-263-5157
2 Locations to serve you NEWPORT • 311 N. Washington • 509-447-0195 DEER PARK • 115 N. Main Street • 509-276-2357
o
e ar a n c l C y a e d i S l
50% Off
Great Savings Storewide
e al
H
Merry Christmas Lights • Garlands • Wreaths Tree Stands • Decorations • Trees (excluding fresh-cut trees and wreaths)
We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to serving you.
to you, our very valued customers.
We wish you all the happiness of the Holiday Season.
Last minute Stocking Stuffers & Gifts Selected Toys and Games On Sale (priced as marked) Gift Wrap Boxes & Bows
BEN FRANKLIN
®
SELKIRK “YOUR HOMETOWN DIFFERENCE”
208-437-5669
East End of the Oldtown Bridge Everyday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Open 8-6 Christmas Eve Closed Christmas Day Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
like us on facebook.com/bfoldtown
(208) 437-4822 • 201 East 4th Street North • Oldtown