Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1914 — Story of the Miracle. [ARTICLE]

Story of the Miracle.

Here is the story of The Miracle, as taken from one of the “Legends of Long Ago,” written by Gottlieb Keller, called the Shakespeare of short stories. In the peaceful shade of an ancient cloister there lives a pure and beautiful girl, Beatrice In the old v churoh there stands a miraculous statue of the Madonna, clothed in rich and precious robes, and is the object uof pilgrimages from all parts of the world. Now, one day there appeared a handsome; well-dressed knight, who forthwith becomes entranced with Beatrice; but dares not speak to her. A few days later, however, while enjoying the hospitality of her companions, he contrives to tell Beatrice of the gay and lively World without and invites her to come and drink of the cup of pleasure. At first he is met with resistenee; but finally, upon enticing her outside the sheltering doom he seizes her and carries her to his castla Having left the protection of her friends and church, she gradually weakens and falls before the tempter. Meanwhile; the Miraculous Statue, unwilling that disgrace should fall upon her friends, has descended from the pedestal and assumed the appearance of the faithless Beatrice. The fame of the Statue has suffered no harm, as the pilgrims fall to miss it. Now we must return to Beatrice, who has plunged into the mad whirlpool of worldly pleasure She had loved the young knight but alas, she finds that men betray! As a last resort to retrieve his heavy losses at the gaming table; he gambles with a baron guest for the possession of the glri and loses. She is forcibly carried away to a castle, where she meets with many thrilling adventures. After trying to kill the man who won her at dice, she has a thrilling escape; aided by tbe old gate warden, only to fall into the hands of • bend of robbers. Tbe leader is entranced by her sweetness and beauty end offers to shield her. She pleads for the liberation of the gate warden, who was also captured. The cap tain of tbe outlaws releases him and also offers her freedom if she does not wish to stay. Touched by his manly words, Beatrice decides to remain. The old warden returns to the knight and implores him to resene Beatrice. Now ensues a long and fierce battle between the knights and outlaws, in wliieh both leaders are slain. With a heavy heart the repentant girl Is led back to her peaceful cloisters, the Statue is again enthroned, and quiet peace apd happiness ones more reign supreme At Princess Theatre Thursday evening, January 22»<L