Lincoln telegraph., 1838-05-31
MISC Ell | A N E0 U S !.
THE SECRET BANDIT.

There lived in Denmark wealthy noble,
who had an only child. n fair daughter. =
The maiden lacked not suitors, both for
her beauty and amiable qualities, and for
the lands she would one day inherit bu.
among them all she selected one who was
no less distinguished by his handsome per-
son and gallant bearing, than for his appa-
rent riches. although he was a stranger in
those parts, and no one could tell where
lay his possessions, or whence he came
In short, the day was fixed for their be-
trothment, upon which occasion magnifi-
cent entertainment was TO be given by the
nobleman.
1t CHANGED, however, that on the pr ece-
ding evening the maiden walked out, unac-
companied by any attendant; ere she was
aware of the distance she had wandered,
had lost herself in the iniricacies Of a
deep wood. At length, meeting with what
seemed to be path, she pursued the track,
but found that it conducted 10 dismal
cavern, that extended some way beneath
the ground. Struck with wonder at its ro-
mantle appearance, she determined to ex-
plore it; and advancing onward, soon dis
covered spacious vault, that had every
appearance Of being inhabited and that too,
not by hermit or religious recuse, but by
one who had taste for wealth and luxury
She next proceeded to an inner chamber,
where she saw a shining heap of gold and
silver, which on examination, she found to
consist of richly chased goblets and other
costly vessels, and gold coin. Continuing
her search she came to third chamber,
where to her dismay and horror, she be-
held the remains Of human carcases, dead
mems bones, and hideous. skulls She
wasnow certain that shewas in a retreat
of robbers and murderers, aud was about
TO make her escape as soon as possible,
when a sound of approaching footsteps
warned her to conceal herself instantly be-
hind a-kiDd of projecting pillar at the ex-
,rcmty of this chamber of death Hardly
bad she screened herself, before robber
entered, bearing in his arms the dead body
Of a lady, richly attired, from which he be-
gan to strip the jewels and valuable orna-
ments. While the barbarian was thus
employed, the maiden caught glimpse of
his features and cry ofhorror nearly esca-
ped her lips, as she discovered them to be
those Of her lover. He had now plunder-
ed the body of all but very beautiful ring,
when, in his lmpatience to get il, cut off
the finger with his sword, but with such Vi
olence that it flew to some distance, very
near the spot where the maiden was con-
cealed. Fortunately, however, he did not
stay to look for it, but having heard sig
nal from without, hurried away to rejoin
his comrades. For some minutes the mai
den stood rooted to the spot with horror at
what she had just witnessed and dread at
her own fate; at length, hearing no noise
whatever, she ventured from her hiding
place, and soon after stole out of the cav
ern, having first picked up the finger
which had been cut off, and succeeded in
finding the way home, where she found her
father awaiting her return in the greatest
anxiety. She excused herself by saying
that she had wandered much farther than
she intended, but mentioned not a word Of
the cavern, or the scene she had witnessed
there.
On the following day the bridegroom
arrived at the castle, attended by several
companions, all splendidly attired, and the
lady welcomed him as beftted one who was
to be her future lord AS they afterwards
sat at the festive board and the goblet pass
ed around, each guest rected some legend
or ponderous tale. At length it came to
the ladies' turn to be the narrator where
upon she began to relate the adventures
of a damsel, who having lost herself in a
forest took shelter in a cave, that was used
by bandtti for the purpose of concealing
their booty. The bridegroom listened with
the utmost anxiety. Within this cave,
continued the lady, 'were many fair cham
bers, in which were heaps of gold and sill
yer; in another were hands, legs, and 9TH
er remains of dead bodies The BRIDE
groom could scarcely conceal his agitation;
yet seemed to lend an ear of unconcerned
attention to the story, which proceeded to
state how the damsel was surprised by the
return Of the robber how she concealed
herself, and the shocking scene she beheld.