Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1846-04-09
THE MYSTERIOUS FLOWER.
A GEND.
BY MRS. E. F. Elicit.

ALEGEND.
BY MRS. E. F.. Elicit.
Many years since, well-dressed travel
Ter, about 80 years Of age, sat in the parlor
Of the inn in the small hamlet of Neujohns-
dorf, in the province of Lusatia. 1t was
not yet sunset, and the golden light bathed
the richly-wooded mountains enclosing the
landscape of which the windows command
ed view. A stream that wandered thro'
the valley could be seen flashing at inter-
walls between the trees on its margin, or
bordering a meadow Of verdure. Close to
the foot of the mountain it expanded into a
small lakelet that lay in deep shadow, re-
fleeing the sombre green of the fir and
pine trees-its glossy surface rippled con-
tinually by the fishing boats that shot to
and fro, giving animation to scene of calm
and picturesque beauty.
The stranger leaned forward thoughtful
ly in his seat near the window, and looked
forth but he seemed to have little enjoy
ment Of the quiet loneliness of the land
scape. He had visited, in fact, all the coun-
tries of Europe remarkable for romantic
scenery. He was traveller for pleasure,
or rather to escape from himself; one Of
those restless beings who find relief from
ennui only in continual change of place.
He had heard much of the beauty of Lusa-
tia it would not do to pass it by in his
tour; but its charms already palled upon
his taste.
Lucas said he to his attendant, who
just then entered, / shall leave here to-
morrow
Tomorrow? and yet Monsieur lie Come
has not seen all the wonders Of the regionp
'What are those p asked the stranger,
yawning.
There is spot in the lake which, they
say, is bottomless-a whirlpool on the other
side Of the mountain, where men, venturing
to battle, have been swallowed up; and a
wizard tree scarce league hence, of which
wild tales are told. But the greatest curl
osity Of all is the Schalkstein.'
what is that:'
Does Monsieur note yon conical rock,
rising from the midst of the wood? 1t
crowns The summit of a mountain jus: be-
hind that we see close at hand. Within that
mountain-so rumor says-a treasure lies
buried
"A treasurer
'Ay-for thousand years it has lain
there. The spot is marked by strange
flower, that grows and perishes in night.
The only night in the year in which it
blooms is the eve of St. john
"a curious tradition in sooth.'
lit is believed throughout the country,
that he who finds that fower-and he alone
is destined to possess the treasurer
Hem! is not tonight the eve of St. John?'
1T is'
sAnd the moon is full. Why not search
for the flower, and dig for the treasure, Lu-
Gasp
Monsieur is pleased to jest. | know not
enc flower from another
well, then, will 60 myself: am anx-
ious to know if there be really any plant
peculiar to this season, whose growth could
have originated SO singular superstitlon.'
Monsieur has rare taste in flowers
True, Lucas, and in philosophy. A walk
in the moonlight cannot be hurtful at mid
summer, and it will be something to think
of. Should discover any rare plant-a
specimen for the museum in Berlin shall
have thanks for it, at least. Order supper
early"
In the most shaded part of the valley,
some miles from the hamlet, stood small
hut, in front of garden carefully cultiva-
ted, but SO limited in extent as to show the
poverty of the owner. About the humble
dwelling were evidences Of taste, and love
of the beautiful. A vine had been trained
so as to cover a part of the rude building,
and twined in graceful wreaths, mingled
with roses, around the easement. A little
piece of ground before the door was lite
rally wilderness of flowers. A large oak
tree on one side sheltered the. cottage from
the sun at noon, and added its share of pic
turesque beauty.
AS the last beams Of sunlight faded from
the mountain tops, a weary looking man,
coarsely attired, returned from the forest,
bearing his axe and armful of wood. He
entered the cottage and seated himself, WHIP
ing his forehead, and complaining bitterly
of fatigue; while the dame, with care on
her brow, was busted in preparing the eve
ming meal. This consisted of coarse brown
bread and salt, few wild fruits, and pitch
er of water from the spring. But those who
partook of the frugal repast had long been
used to no better fare. The man drew his
seat in silence to the table, and ate, glanc-