Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1847-03-27
A aER HAN HER0lHH.

was whirled about BY the wind, and pierced
through every crevics OF little roadside inn,
situated between Hornberg and Rottwell, on
the frontiers Of TIE duchy Of Baden.
wo'truvellers. driven by the bad weather to
the shelter Of this humble hostelry, were for.
getting their hunger and wesriness in the com.
forts Of hearty repast Of smoked beef. The
hissing and roaring ofa large stove contrasted |
sgreeably in the travellers cars with the loud |
moaning of the north wind without. and disposed |
them still more to the enjoyment Of the good |
things within. ..
Tie inn keeper and wife had. for their only
domestic. young girl oi Baden, whom they
had brought up from childhood. Krettle, for
such was her name, was host in herself, house.
keeper and maid to her mistress, cook IN the
kitchen, valet de cbambre to the stray visitant
in the one bes, room, and groom in the stable
the hardy. active. and good humored German
girl fulfilled al the duties usually shared by q
large establishment Of servants.
Ten o'clock struck. and travellers. having
finished their supper, drew nearer to the group
| utOvS-V
Hoffkirch The minister. their host. and some
ne'phbors who had entered by chance. The
conversation turned on the fearful and murder.
ous events Of which the neighboring forest had
been the scene. and each one had his own story
to tell. surprising the rest in horror. Father
Hof1krch wss smoog the foremost in terrifying
his audience BY the recital Of different adven.
,urer, all more or lres traceal Tho worthy
father had Just finished horrible story of rob.
bers--quiie 'chef d'pnvre'in ia way. The
scene Of the legend wee little more than gun
shot from the inn door; il was a tradition un
fortunately but an ancient cbbet. which still,
remsined on the iirn,ical spot gave to the
narration an air Of gloomy verify. which no one
dared 10 question. This place was, in truth.
made formidable throughout the province as be-
ing. !, was said. the rendezvous Of a troop Of
bandi,ti, who he'd there every night their mys-
,erious meetings. All the guests were still un.
der the influence of the terror which the story
of Father lIoffsirch had caused. when one o: the
travellers before mentioned offered TO bet two
: ducats that no one dared 10 se, off at that mo.
ment TO the fatal spot. and trace with charcoal .
, cross on the Rbbet. The very idea Of such q
proposition increased the fear Of the company
: A long silence was their only reply.--Sudde.i
ly the young Kret,le, who was quietly spipnin
) in corner, rose up and accepted the bet. ash
ing her masters consent at the same timl. II
and his good wife at first refused, s!ledying III
i loneliness Of the place, in case o. 4snper bu
tn. fearless damrel persisted, ind was 1t Ia,
?. suffered to depart. .
II Kettle only requested that tie iun.do,
" 'tould bo lett opeD u.,,il her return and Ia
y. ing piece Of crarc,o.l, to prove on the MORO
that she really h.d visited the spot. she rapid
e walked "'wa'.ds the gibhel When close
I'd side II, sh estar,ed, faocying she heard nois
Or howev II, after mement Of hesitation, she ste
X red forward. ready to take fright at the lss
'r danser. TIE noise was renewed. Kret
y, listened inrentiy. and the sound Of horses Il
we struck epon her ear. Her terror prevented
ri. at frs. from seeing how near it was 10 her |
the next moment she perceived that the objs
OF her fear was fastened 10 the glbbet ltse
.. She took courage, darted forward, and trac
the cross. At the same Instant report OF
pistol showed her that she had been notice
By movement swift ae thought she unloo'
cry the horse, leapt on the eaddle. and fed Ii
mas lightning. She was pursued but. sedoubl'
ce' her speed. she reached the inn-yard, called
~" to them 10 close the gate, and tainted aw
'"e When the brave girl recovered, she told
''e story, and was warmly congratulated on
1na courage and presence Of mind.-All admi
ana the horse, which was Of striking beauty.
ms small lea;hern ssiise was attached to its {
but die, but Faihet tloffkIch would not suffer i
Dry be opened. except in the presence ct the bel
'on' master. ...... ....... #s..... ....
The On the morrow. which was Sunday, the
ny keeper, his wife, snd their guests, oil set o
ns'r the neighboting town. where they inten'
feo' after setvice, TO scquaint the bprgomaster
'ous the last evenings adventure. Kre.tle, len
"'' guardian OF the house, was advised mol 70
'em' nit any one Until her masters return, M
10 young gitl would have rsmbled At being
Va IN such 4 situation but this young ssr'
deli ms 10 h wing watched the patty Ppess'
niger ,e.slt ,e. shout her household duties. siui
. OF With light hesr, snd clear voice some
hymn, whieh her kind mistress had taught
An hour had scarcely passed BY when q
I'd .t came knock ct the outer door il was .
G.,. Keller ON horsebsck, whn .skcd leave To
mar. for little. kre,,el at frs, refused bu. OF
GOOD promise Of the cavalier that he would