The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-05-18
THE WIFES REVENGE.
A LEGEND OF GERMANY.

A SMALL hamlet rested upon the side Of
one of the lofty mountains Of the julian
Alps, which thence towering alOit, conceal
ed from view its snow-crowed peak amid
the encircling clouds of night.
Three persons still fingered around the
scanty fire in the cheerless kitchen of the
inn. though it was midnight Silence had
fallen upon them as they gazed on the de-
caying embers, which now blazed up, then
sank again, sending forth no warmth, nor
creating any sound indicative of their pres
ence, save now and then sharp cracking
as the landlord stirred them up. They
smoked their pipes with that meditative
look peculiar to those who have just heard,
as they had, wild and fearful narrative
The narrator, and the most remarkable Of
the three, was stanger, only just arrived
in the vicinity after some years Of foreign
travel. Want and hardship mother lands
had given him tile appearance Of an older
man than he really was, by usurPing few
of the wrinkles of Time to trace them on
his visage. The fierce rays of the trOpic
sun had bronzed his complexion, and con-
slant familiarity with danger had bestowed
upon him the reckless, undaunted arr Of a
warrior not unused to scenes of blood and
strife. Yet the soldiers manly frankness
was wanting; for, in the quck, glancing eye
and compressed lips, might be seen the
workings of mind capable Of devsng any
thing subtle or villainous, allied to the reso'
luton necessary for the execution OF any oI
his schemes.
Look ye, my good friend putting aside
the lamp which rested upo the table placed
behind himself and the person he address
sed, 'did you deny your belief of what
said concerning the spirits who walk among
our hills Eat night! Do you not believe II
them?
Certainly not replied he, with sor
of forced scornful smile, as if he woult
discover mind Of superior mould; yet tha
were foolish, since by the attempt al sneer
he did but betray the suporstitlous weakness
he stroye TO conceal.
None Of the horrible tales Of his nativ'
land seemed capable Of receiving any credi
in the stanger's mind, for in the quick g lane
of recognition which passed-unobserve
by their ompanion-between the old hos
and himself, the cause Of his conduct be
came evident, since some plot seemed hatch
inc between them which could bring n
GOOD 10 the other-whO was miller-a
he was the person imposed upon.
'rll tell you what, my good friend sal
the host, interrupting their continued discus
sion, 'ts full time to part; so, my goo
Frans, canst take hint!
sWhy, yes said the miller, in an unce
tian tone. as though he doubted whether
90 or to remain; but rising, he walked
the window and looked out upon the SKY
then with cold shudder he closed the cas-
ment and returning to the heath, sat dow
in silence,
well, miller, what's your mind I!
Il think I'll remain here to night
'Couldnt think Of it, miller
.Weu, Hands, said he, after little Will
Il suppose | must go, as you will not
me stay, but let me tell you, ! shall n
soon forget this, and hastily wishing tt
stranger a good nights rest he turned h
steps homeward.
No sooner had the last echo of his foo
steps died away, than the host, shaking Il
stranger cordially by the hand, exclaime
Right glad am to see you again, my wo
thy Keiner;a fine game you've'played up(
our friendly miller
'Ay, truly, old friend; little does he thiT
that.he has spent the whole evening llste
inp TO the words Of rival, returned
claim the bride he stoye so long to VIM