The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1826-04-13
THE ROBRFR.

aus region of bohemia. aud nrri, cf
without the SLIGHTEST accident nj the
estate of my Uncle in that kingdom.
There. | used generally IN spend the
evening in walking. In one Of thes
pei Smhulatious night overlook mc
in wood bordering on nv unele's
ttlomain and extended on The contra
~ side Ia chain Of mountains. Ny
Imagination was ~ occupied with
my native lard, and The dear objects
had left behind, that wandered
unc"nscionsiy from The path. On
aNaking from his delicious tlrea ~.
found that lad LOST my aav. MI
my endeaNoura to regain he right
track We're MA, aling, and such was
my situation, Whrn | heard n sud
! den rustIihg near me IN the thicket.
On raising my eyes. n man stood by
my side. and enqnirek whittier I
was going ? | replied that had lost
10Y way and at the same time menti-
oned the name of my unele's mansi-
on, requesting him to conduct ne
the nearest road to il. lie paused
for few moments and then answer
ed Ills n great Way. and | can
not possibIy conduct you no" but
If YOU will accept "f Il nights lodging
in my house follow me-
| hesltated not moment to accept
this proposal. He walked along by
my side in profound silence, answcr
ed nOnr OF my stlnnS.aud appear
ed To be eotirei, absorbed IN thought.
At | myth he said,--. You have not
been log in this Kingdom No
said l.. but I" ho made YOU 0cquain-
ted with my situation p Yaurseif.'
| stood still and looked at him with
the utmost astonlslment, Myself
cried !. in amaze, Yes, yourself,
this wood in frequented by Robbers,
and you seem not to be afraid
Why should | be afraid. have mo-
thing about me that could be OF any
value to robbers tie now grasped
my hand with oagerncss. Young
man. said he, you have nothing to
fear !; the robbers in this wood never
commit murder
Amidst this conversation wo ar
rived at the door Of hahitation con-
cealcd IN a deep recess Of the wood.
My companion knocked three times;
rough voice cried from within
ho is there A son Of night was
the reply Of my conductor. The
door opened saw myself by the
light Of the lamp. in spacious n.
partment painted black, the walls
were decorated with arms, q few
chairs and two tables composed the
Whole of the furniture One of them
stood beneath the looking glass, was
covered with white cloth, and upon
it lay a human skull. Jacob, said
my companion to man with
frightfui physiognomy, make a fire
in the chimney, aud bring provisions
for my guest. In few minutes a
fire bla2ed on the hearth j; he took
me by the hand and we seated our
selves by it.
l now had for the first time an op.
portunity OF examining this extraor-
binary man. candidIy confess that
| never beheld more perfect mo-
del Of manly beauty. but never were
the characters of the most profound
sorrow and affection so leglbly in.
scribed on any brow.
No sooner did our conversation
commence than esteem and astonish.
ment took possession of my soul. Ne
yer had l met with man vino com
bined such a variety of attachments.
He passed with perfect ease from one
subject to another, and it appeared
as though he had devoted q whole
life, to the study oil each. Mean
while a clock that stoud in the uext
room struck twelve, and at the same
time 1 heard the report of gun
without l started !; That is the
signal for dinner said my host; 'we
turn day into night and night into
day. You will set down with the
refuse Of mankind, with a oand of
robbers,bu you have nothing to fear.
At the table of kings you may often
eat with greater villains, and the
rights ofhospitaIity are with us ga
cred and inyiolable.'
He took me by the hand, a table
was spread beneath a messy grey
oak in tho frnnt If the huf 1 aaatad