Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1844-06-22

Who could unfold that mystery ~
NlRs. HEMANs
| In one of the villages of the north of France
in the midst Of a population entirely occupied
with the labors of the mines, dwelt Pierre and
Margarette.
Pierre was the son Of miner. His little
feet could scarcely bear him when he ran to
the mines He descended into them, and by his
payfuncss and frolic lightcned the labors of
his father. And after that, when the fair
traces of children were efiaced by those of
youth Pierre became good workman, and next
TO his father, it was he who could best direct
! the miners to their toll.
He knew the place where the laborer could
strike with safety he had wandered the sub
terranean galleries, and fearless of the dark, he
would examine gaily, and by natural causes,
the mysteries which alrighted his companions
One night when the father of Pierre was re-
turning from neighborng village he heard
low moaning: he stopped, he searched the bush
that skrted the sides of the road he was ira.
yelling. What was his surprise on infant
covered with few rags moved in the grass and
| lifted its little hands to Heaven as if implor-
hoarse sound OF its voice announced that either
by chance or wickedness it had been for some
time abandoned to the pity of the passing ira
weller.
The miners heart was softened at the unex.
/ pected sight. lie thought of his son of his dear
Pierre, and he knelt down towards the little
one.
AS if his words could comfort it he talked to
it; he promised it his aid, and erdeavoring to
sooth it he gathered up the sbreds that pro-
tected it from the cold air, he wrapped it in his
leather apron, and carried it with him kissing
it to quiet its sad moaning.
"Wiie, said he, as he opened the deor of his
house "guess what have brought you Pro.
vidence has chosen us, of all the inhabitants of
the village, to do good TO one unfortunate, am
sure for | know your heart
For her only answer the mother of Pierre
extended her hand towards her husband.
She heard by what a strange chance pretty
ed i, as her own child. Thus it was that Mar.
garet was restored to life and home, she who
had lost all, and seemed destined TO become the
prey of the wild animals that ranged the woods
and fields.
The two children grew up to together, AMI
as they thought only OF each others happiness,
they soon loved each other tenderly. To the
names OF brother and sister succeeded those
more dear. Their hearts we're mingled and
they dreamed only of a happy future Pierre
asked Margaret of his father-ior his bride.
The good parents wished it. How did their
young hearts beat when the father OF Pierre
said to them--fx upon day to complete your
happiness.
And that was not distant day, they were Sc
much beloved, and mcrited it so well that the
day appointed for their wedding was a festival
for all their neighbors They left their work
the mines were deserted, the tables were
spread, bouquets adorned the bosoms of the
girls and the coats Of the young men. All a
round were heard cries of joy, and the music o
instruments, regulated lhe movements ul tlt
dancers on the green.
In the midst OF the iete Pierre was seen tc
embrace his pretty bride. Then he said mys
terlously to his young companions, Keep her
here, now is the time for the surprise Now
will get the presents.
lie went away, smiling, placing his finger
on his mouth as though to onjoln secrecy, and
passing round the house appeared to take a
crooked path which led to the old mines. They
saw him no more.
lie did not return that night, he came not ON
the following day. They searched for him,
they called him, they waited for him Three
days, four days, eight days, month, year
passed away, and Pierre returned not.
On the day of the wedding, as soon as his
long absence was perceived, the sports were
suspended. The bride wept and rung her
hands. The miners, led by the father search
ed through every passage in the mines leaving
no pass sage were mon could be, unexamlned
but nothing gave them any hope OF discover
ing the remains OF their companion, OF thelr
friend.
Margaret came near 10 death She return
ed to life to consecrate it to the father aud mo-
ther of Pierre. They had so much to weep for
aud she aleo, but gratitude endowed her with