THE STORY OF A TINY MAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1834, 14 January 1887, Page 32

THE STORY OF A TINY MAN.

A FAIRY TALE.

{Continued.)

After a good breakfast the farmer took the black man to the wood cord, aud ho began to work with a will. , Then he called his little daughter Daisy—a pretty girl, with a merry laugh and rosy cheeks— and ' said to the Tiny Man : " " >J ow, ray fine fellow, I expect you to amuse my little maid. There are no idle people in this house, I can tell you. Everyone works for their living, from the master down to the kitchen-maid. If you do the same yon will have a pleasant time here, but if you do not you will just have to walk. Do you understand ?" '

"I'm not going to be a slave. Britons never shall be Blavea," answered he. ' . i

" Oh, well, perhaps you have got a fortune 1 " asked the farmer.

" No, not a penny in the world," replied the Tiny Man.

" Well, then, I am sorry for you, for you are au upstart. A true-hearted Britou is too proud to depend upon others for his bread without • trying at least to do something towards earning it. If you have got so far through your life without finding that out, it does not say ranch tor you."

The morning passed away very quickly for the black mao, for he was bnsily engaged chopping wood, and singing as he chopped ; but the Tiny Man was so cross and sulky that little Daisy grew tired of him, .and wont aud sat on a log near the wood-stack talking to the black mau aa he worked.

This black man was very gentle, and said nnch pleasant, kind things that, little Daisy exclaimed :

" You are so nice. 1 like you — very much better than the 'liny Man 1 like yon, for he is so cross and disobliging. When I asked him to stand on his head just now to please me, he said he would do nothing to please anyone but himself."

"I am afraid he will have to learn better," answered the black man. "If he knew as uxich of the world as i do, he would be grateful for kindness. X thank yon for your kind words just now, miss.. Not. many children have spoken kindly to me, because I am black."

" How cruel!" exclaimed Daisy, with tears in her bright, eyes. What difference can the cobur of your face make I You have a kind heart I can tell by the way you speak."

Jusfc then the farmer came along, and the black man said respectfully :

" I have finished the wood, sir, and I hope earned my breakfast. If I may I will get on now." i

" Don't be in a hurry, my good fellow," said the farmer. "Earned your breakfast! I should say ao. lam not one of those who like to take a mean advantage of others. You have earned more than your breakfast. Come in to (.(inner, and after dinner we will talk business.' 1

When they entered the kitchen the Tiny Man was perched on the edge of the table,' looking hungrily at the roast, beef and vegetables.

" Oh, no, yon clon'r. ! said iho furrner, lifting him down. " P^opta don't oal in this house unless they work

•' I will yy f >n a mean wretch," shrieked the Tiny Man. " i hay« been acuustomcd to the soeieiv ni! ladies and gentlemen — not of such as you. We lived in a better house than this. I had a house of my own, with satin and velvet couches and chairs, and we dined oft" ducks, not beef. I don't want your beef ! "

" Very glad you don't," replied the farmer. " Now run off, little chap, to where you came .from, for if you stay here abusing tne in my own house I shall have to set the dog on you, and- he could swallow you in one mouthful." With a shriek of fright, the Tiny Man ran, and the farmer leaned back in his chair and laughed hearfiiy. " Oh, father ! " remonstrated Daisy, <" it is not like you to be unkind."

" I am not. unkind, my love," said the farmer, " but that little chap requires to be taught a lesson, aud the sooner he lefirus one the better."

"When dinner wv.s ow-r tbc farmer *iid to the black man :

" I like you, my mao.' I believe you' to be hone?:-, and industrious, and t<»

' bpott.>m'fttoi if /you .think you calx settle '.dqv^jj.,wi]bh as^ I will give you your\.fodd and 1 fifteen shillings' a week besides, for I want a mam to. do odd jobs about 'the house and garden, and,you seem just the man to suit."