Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1844-02-02

man habitations. 1t contrasted strongly
with the wilderness Of the country they
had just passed through. But what was
still more pleasant. they saw before them
a small village. desolate enough, it is true,
but still paradise, in their delighted FAM
cy, as they had not seen human habita>
ton for many miles. They stopped as soon
as they entered the village, which, whow-
ever. contained no inn, and inquired Of
IAN old man standing at his door, where
| they would be able TO obtain shelter.
Mz -kome is but poor one, said he
and would afford but little comfort to
weary traveller but if you viii ride lit
tie farther you will find, about mile up
yonder hill, a snug and comfortable farm
house. where you will be better accommo-
Dated
Thanking the old man for his intelli-
gence, and encouraged by his account,
they rode off in the direction pointed out.
The house he had mentioned soon came
in sight. Although all such i,abi.ations
were fortified by some means for defence
against small parties of the enemy, this
one bore more the appearance of small
castle than farm-h house, and suspicion
of the old mans trcachery flashed upon
the mind of francesca, as he said to his
| attendant
Il love not~the appearance OF this same
| farm house, the old man spoke of. l fear
he knows our business and has sent US TO
his trap. He had wicked eye, and |
suspec. his design
1t is too late, my lord answered he,
Ito retrea. now they have already seen
US, and appear to expect our coming-we
must defend ourselves to the last drop of
our hearts blood but fear they are we'll
garrisoned.'
They slackened their pace to reconnoi-
ter; they listened for the barking of dog
or the tinkling Of a sheep bell, which
would announce to them the expected
comforts of farmhouse but no such
sound broke the stiffness Of the evening
air. The country became wilder as they
climbed the ascent. and the house appear
ed on approaching it still more like what
they had. FIRST snrmised: but it was too late
to return, and they fastened on towards Ii.
Nothing was TO be heard save the deep
painting of their tried horses and the moan.
ing of The winds through the thick wood
tina. appeared to encircle the house. Fill
led with disappointment and despair, they
throw the reins upon the necks OF their
faithful horses and left them to choose the
| path themselves. The noble animals had
not proceeded far when they threw up
their heads and neighed in token of APP
| preaching shelter. They hurried on IN.
spi,ed with new vigor, until they found
themselves before low stone wall, which
+, extended completely around the house in
the wall they found heavy wooden gate,
which they opened and rode into sort OF
court yard.
As yet no living being had appeared
deserted at last light was seen fitting
across a window disappearing as it was
seen. AT length they saw low iron door
in the inner wall, at which they knocked.
but receiving no answer. The absence Of
| men from a place which appeared SO
strong, compared with its situ.ion and size,
as,onished them but after knocking loud
" ana hallowing at the gate. they at length
heard footsteps approaching. The door
| was unbarred at once, without enquIrlng
their business, by an old Spaniard, who
seemed prepared for their coming.
A lurking smile played upon the lips OF
| the old man, who acted as their conducts
or, and seemed TO betoken a kind and gen.
lie reception, after giving their horses into
the care of groom who had followed
them to the gate, they passed through
| long and dark hall until they came to
light and apparently cheerful apartment.
An old woman was sitting near the fire,
and by her side dark looking Castiiian
peasant stood whispering something in her
ear. His keen eye turned sharply upon
them as they entered. A young girl was
sitting in distant corner of the apartment
| appearing as if in deep meditation. Her
| long dark locks were hanging IN graceful
confusion over her pensive brow, and a
| sad air seemed to sit upon her. She start.
ed when they entered, and as she looked
around upon them, francesca iancied she
turned her eyes upon him with an uneasy
| soIici,ude. To the Cas,ilian peasant he
addressed himself, speaking to him in his
own language. He seemed surprised at
this, anc remarked:
such Spanish never fell from French
mans lip
| lam no Frenchman,' replied francesca.
Al this remark the girl turned her dark
eye upon him, while the host, as ne APP
peared to be, asked
From what country come you {
Il am an Italian answered francesca
and am travelling to Madrid to visit some
| relatives there
] 81 4han ,said the host. hastily, and as