The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-01-10
voonsFlELD oHIo, FRIDAY. JANUARY 10, 1s45

Ancona, visited Rome, and stopped only at Ma
Piles to procure some letters of introduction, en-
barked again and landed at Catania.
The Comte de Weder had heard of the monas-
terry of Saint Nicolas, and was aware Of the repu-
the lay brethren, one of the best cooks in Sicily
He did not, therefore, fail to procure at Rome,
from cardinal with whom he dned at the Aus
trian ambassadors, letter of introduction to the
superior. The letter was very cordial; recon-
mending the Comte as pous and fervent pilgrim,
for as long time as he chose to remain.
! The Come was very learned after the manner
Of the Germans; that is, he had read great num-
ber OF old books entirely forgotten by every other
nation on the face of the globe. In conse-
quence of this species of erudition he was able to
sustain his assertions, no matter how ridiculous or
erroneous they might be, by citing certain num-
ber Of unknown names which gave sort of Pc
dantic majesty to his paradoxes. Amongst these
old books he had found catalogue of all the
Benedictine monasteries spread upon the face of
the earth, from which he had learned and retained
with all the tenacity of trans RhenIsh mind that
the regulations Of the Benedictnes of Saint Nico-
las at Catania, required them, have mentioned,
to live on the confines of the regi0ne cwltiraa, at
the beginning of the regione nemorosa When
the muleteer who was to conduct him inquired
whether it was TO Saint Nicolas lie Neuf or to Saint
Nicolas lie Vieux that he wished to 60, the Comte
responded without hesitation, 4 San .Nlcolo su1l
Etla.
There was no ambiguity about the order, but
the muleteer seemed to hesitate, and hazarded
some remonstrances to which the Comte replied
only by saying that he would be well paid for his
services. The habitual power of this argument is
we'll known. The mueteer left the Comte, and
in half all hour returned with his mules o.as
'WelI,' said the Comte, 'when shall we BET
out" E
'When you please, your excellency.'
And the travellers started on their journey
| They were soon overtaken by the night, which
was so dark that they were unable 10 see four
PAGES from them but as the muIeteer was well
acquainted with the country, there was no danger
Of losing their way. He took little blind path
which struck off from the main road and commen-
cling to leave the cultivated region entered into the
forests After about halt an hours travel black
huge pile could at last be distinguished from
which no light poured out its friendly CLEAN.
There is Saint Nicolas lie Vieux,' said the mu-
leteer in low tone.
'Ah! ah!' said the Comte, herc is monastery
in very melancholy situation
If you desi,e it,, said the guide quickly. Il will
conduct you TO NicoIosi and if you do not wish
to sleep at the tavern there is excellent gentle
man there, M. Gamellaro, who will not refuse you
a bed
Il DO not know him; besides, want to 60 to
SAINT Nicolas, and not TO Nicolos.
'Zerbelio da tadesco,' murmured the Sicilian.
| Then whipping the mules they resumed their
march, and in five minutes were at the door Of the
monastery, and there nothing reassuring about
a closer view Of the establishment. 1t was an old
building Of the twelfth century, upon which was
easy to read the ravages Of each eruption of the
volcano that overlooked it, since its foundation
The dates of all the earthquakes and eruptions
were scuptured upon the stone. The ragged
outline traced in strong relief upon the blue heav.
en-, now brilliant with stars showed that portion
was in ruins, but the walls which surrounded the
ediice appeared to be well preserved, and pierced
as they were with loop holes, gave to Saint Nico
las lie Vieux rather the appearance of fortress
than a monastery.
The Comte regafded all with calm air, ant
ordered the mueteer to rap at the door, The
latter raised an old knocker half eaten away by rus
and time, and struck with all his might. The re
sounding blows were answered by the clock it
the steeple, and almost at the same moment litt'
window, about ten feet above the ground, flew
open long suspicious looking iron tube pre-
sented itself to the breast of the Comte, and
voice which had in it no holy JUNCTION demanded,
'Who is there"
"a FRIEND replied the Comte, putting aside tht
nuzze Of the carabine.
"A friend hum friend" said the man at tn,
window; show will you prove to Us that you are
friend!'
My very dear brother again replied the Comte
putting the threatening weapon coolly aside, 8
perceive that it is necessary for you to receiv,
strangers with the greatest precaution, and cal
not blame you for it; under similar circumstances
should do the same; but l have letter from
Cardinal Morosimi for your superior.
'For our captain, you tnean,' replied the maj
with the carabine.
'Eh! no, no, for the superior
sAh, well, no matter; you are alonep asked hi
interlocutor.
Entirely alone.'
'Well, wait moment-I will come down ans
open the door, ia. }a.,Isa
'Hum! how gratefully the odor of roast bee
falls upon my olfactories,' said the German, de
scending from his mule, and snuifing up the fume.
which reached him from the monastery.
your excellency. said the mueteer, who hat
by this time taken down the baggage Of the Comte
/ Il