ler, wandering alone on the steep side of a bare and
desolate mountain, came unexpectedly upon a tiny stream of water
trickling down between the rocks.

Following its course down the mountain side, he entered a wooded glen,
where the banks of the stream were covered with green grass, among which
he suddenly espied the sweet blue blossoms of a tiny flower.

For many days his path had lain across a rough and rugged country, where
no blade of grass or star-like blossom greeted his coming, so now he
eagerly gathered a handful of the pale blue flowers and tied them for
safety to the handle of his staff. Then as he turned to continue his way
he saw before him a great doorway in the rock, which opened to him of
its own accord.

Entering, he found himself in a magnificent home, where around him on
every side lay heaps of treasure--gold, silver, and rich raiment--while
fairy voices bid him help himself.

Hastily throwing aside his staff, and with it the "luck-flowers" which
he had gathered, he filled his pockets with jewels, and taking as much
treasure as he could carry in his arms he turned to retrace steps. As he
did so, a sweet voice sounded in his ear, crying, "Forget-me-not!
Forget-me-not!"

But the ungrateful traveler paid no attention t the cry, and as he left
the home the great door closed behind him with a crash.

Instantly he found himself once more upon the bleak mountain side. The
treasure which he had so greedily collected vanished from his grasp. Not
even his staff remained to him, for he had left it behind with the
"luck-flowers."

Then full of grief and disappointment, he continued his journey across
the lonely mountain; but though he sought it far and near he never again
found the precious "luck-flower," without which he could not gain an
entrance to the fairy cave.

Thus was his ingratitude punished; and the sweet forget-me-not growing
by the river-side contains a lesson for all who gather it, bidding them
ever remember the "Great Giver of all Good Gifts."

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Fairy Tales from Flowerland
THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

"Stars, that in earth's firmament do shine."
--_Longfellow._

A GOOD and holy man sat down to rest one evening beneath the shade of
the palm-tree in a far Eastern country, far away from home and friends.

The sun was sinking in the west, the air was hot and sultry, and all
around him grew strange and wondrous plants and flowers.

It was a