The Nain Rouge

Charles Montgomery Skinner (August 4, 1844 - June 30, 1928) was an American writer who published myths and legends collection books. His dream was to make American folklore heritage more glorious. Skinner's writings were wide ranging. His career in literature and journalism included editorship of the Brooklyn Eagle. His study of the paper's famed Walt Whitman appeared in the Atlantic Monthly. He also commented on turn-of-the-century America's turbulent economy in Workers and the Trusts and American Communes.

This short piece of prose represents a bright example of Skinner's writing style -- laconic and clear. He tells us about a magical creature from American pantheon, about the Nain Rouge, or, the Red Dwarf. He is said to be a harbinger of death for he appears before tragical events, and when they occur he feeds on human misery...