Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-01-06
Female Tntrepidity.

Stories OF female lntrepldlty are more Inter
esting than even the doings OF the Texas Ran
gers, and we are sure our readers (such OF them
Particularly as have rejoiced in the naming a
battery after Mrs. Chase) will be pleased with
the following :-Home Journal.
1t was the year 1882, towards the close OF
November: a tight snow, mingled with sleet,
was whirIed about by the wind, and pierced
through every crevice of little roadside Inn
situated between Hornberg and Rottweil, on
the frontiers of the duchy of Baden.
Two travellers, driven by the bad weather
to the shelter of this humble hostery, were for
getting their hunger and WEAKNESS IN the
comforts of the hearty repast OF smoked beet.
The Kissing and roaring OF large stove con-
trasted agreeably in the travellers ears with the
loud moaning of the north wind without, and
disposed them more to the enjoyment ofthe good
things within.
The innkeerer and his wife had, for their only
domestic, young girl OF Baden, whom they
had brought up from childhood. krettel, for
such was her name,wa host In herself: hous-
ekeeper and maid TO her mistress, cook In the
kitchen. valet-de-chambre to the stray yistants
in the one best room, and groom in the stable
: 1.-the hardy, active and goo1-humoured Ger
en girl fulfilled all the duties usually shared
" large establishment of servants.
finished their supper, drew nearer to the group
which had collected round the stoye-Father
Koffkirch the minister, their host, and some
neighbours who had entered by chance. The
conversation turned ON the fearful and murder
Gus events OF which the neighbouring forest had
been the scene, and each one had his own story
to tell, surprising the rest in horror. Father
Hoff kirch was among the foremost in terrlfy-
ing his audience by the recital Of different adj
ventures, all more or less tragical. The wOr-
thy father had just finished horrible story of
robbers-quite chef-d Oeurre in its way. The
scene of legend was little more than gun-shot
from the inn-door; it was a tradition, unfortu-
nateIy: but an ancient gibbet, which still re-
manned on the identical spot, gave to the mar
ration an air Of gloomy verify, which no one
dared to question. This place was in truth
made formidable throughout the province be-
ing, il was said, the said, the rendezvous of
troop of ban-ditti, who held there every night
their my sterious meetings. All the guest were
still under the influence of the terror which the
story of Father Heff kirch had caused, when one
of the travellers aforementioned offered to bet
two ducats that no one dared to set OF at that
moment to the fatal spot, and trace with char
coal cross on the gibbet. The very idea OF
such proposition increased the fear of the CON-
w.
Suddenly the young Krettel, who was quietly
spinning in a corner, rose UP and accepted the
bet. asking her masters consent at the same
time. He and his good wife at first refused,
alleging the loneliness of the place, in case OF
danger: but the fearless damsel persisted, and
was at last suffered to depart.
Krittel only requested that the inn-door should
be left open until her return; and taking piece
of charcoal, to prove on the morrow that she
really had visited the spot, she rapidly walked
towards the gibbet. When close beside it, she
1e<sed fancying she heard noise; however at
L4ra moment OF hesitation, she stepped forward
ready to take to fight at the least danger. The
noise was renewed. Krettel listened intently,
and the sound of a horses feet struck upon her
ear. Her terror prevented her at first from see
inc how near it was to her: but the next mo-
raent she perceived that the object of her fear
was fastened to the gibbet itself. She took
courage, darted forward, and traced the cross.
At the same instant, the report of pistol show-
ed her that she had been noticed. BY move
ment swift as thought, she Embossed the horse,
lespt on the saddle, and fed like lightning. She
was pursued; but rebuilding her speed, she
reached the inn yard called out to them to close
the gate, and tainted away. When the brave
girl recovered she told her story, was warmly |
Congratulated on her courage and presence of
mind. All admired the horse, which was of
striking beauty. A small leathern valise was
attached to its saddle /; but Father Hoff kirch
would not suffer it to be opened, except in the
presence of the burgomaster.
: On the morning, which was Sunday, the inn
keeper his wife, and their guests, all set off to
the neighbouring town, where they intended,
after service, to accquaint the bnrgomaster
with the last evening adventure. Krettel, left
cole guardian of the house, was advised not to
admit any one until her masters return. Many
young girl would have trembled at being left
in sucha situation; but this young servant maid
having watched the party disappear, fearlessly
set about her household duties, singing with
light heart and q clear voice some pious hymn
which her kind mistress had taught her,