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struck by death —one year 1t would he an old man, another year a child in the cradle, 2 third year a brave salor, whose hail burque would be lost m a storm.

In the year 1656, the Black Virgin was once more awaiting a vietim o the yewr wis drawing to a close 1t was already o the latter hall of December - but not one of the cood people of Jedsmarken was missing as vet. One of the inhabitants, however, was 1, and it was upon him, no doubt, that the Black Virgin's choice had fallen. tie had only a few days more 1o live, for it was the twenty-third day of December, and it was cortain that little Axel would not sec the first of January.

S7RANT)

A AGASLNT.

smile and Lo sing, in the hope of bringing a sleam of pleasure into the boy’s eyes.

I'rida’s resources being insufficient to meet cxpenses, her athanced husband, Robert, assisted her s and Irida, looking upon this help as quite natural, had aceepted 1t for she loved Robert, and her love was returned, Pheir marriage had heen asettled matter for months, avery evening, after o hard day’s shing, Robert cune Lo see Irida ;. but when he pressed her to s the wedding-day she shook her head and, without replymg, looked at Axel.

That evening the 23rd ol December - when Robert entered the cottage, Frida and Avel were not alone : thor neighbour, an old

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Poor little Axel D He was hvang - bed, e head buried i the pillow, his white vou could almost see through them l’ull;__';h hod-clothes.

hands

Awanddering over the The Bire was erackling i the roonn ottside e snow wis falling, spreading s white mantle over the dark ground, and e Axel, who knew the legend, was saying Lo himselt hat the Virgin of the rock had marked by, nd that he would soon go 1o slecep under the white show.

Avel was an orphan under the care ol s Gster Frida. a handsome, stout-hearted young woman. Night and day she sat at his hed- Jde, holding his hand and telling him all corts ol wonderful stories: despair i her heart and tears in her eyes, yet she tricd 1o

fishoerman muned Christian, was talking to Frida in oo low voice while Axel slept Robort sat down silenty by the side ol Frida, Al listened to the oldman,

“Yes, saad Christian, 1 am quite sure that it is possible to cure Axel s people ma worse state than this poor child have been restored (o health, As to the Black \irgin well, she s not so hid as prople sav, and 1t 15 possible to turn hoer from her purpose 1f vou choose fvourable moment.”

cAlas T sand Frida, fhow can [ helieve 1 oso mueh happiness? Iovervthing tells us (hat dear httle Axel is doomed. My mother left him to my care, and this is all T have Leen able o do for him b Is it not crucl. Chrstian 2 Look how pale he s Thark