The Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1846-1852, 1848-01-14
Alisfellaneous.
The Count DE DiIo1I.


being at his country residence. he recol-
lected that the lease of an inn called the
Red Cross, about three leagues distant,
had expired.-The landlord was solicit.
ing renewal; but wishing to Judge Of the
state of the premises, he set out on foot,
although the weather was intensely cold
and the snow falling.
Atsome distance from the chateau lie
overlook awagoner walking along by the
side OF his cart. Between pedestrians
acquaintance is soon made, and it was
not long before the count discovered that
the mans name was Penot, his wife's
name Marianne; that he had FIVE children
and as many horses; and all that he had
to depend on for the suppors of his fami-
y aud cattle was his errand-cart.
But all at once, while they were walk
ing on in an earnest conversation, the
leading horse made false step, fell down
and broke his leg. At this sightth wag-
oner cried out in despair, and began TO
use epithets which are not to be found in
any vocabulary of polite conversation.
"You do wrong to utter such language
my friend, said his companion; your con
ductin this small misfortune is really sin
ful. How can you tell what may be The
intentions Of Providence towards you2
"Will you hold your peace}" replied
the WAGNER. "I wish you were in my
place, and that you were losing that fine
horse instead ofme. Do you know that
he cost me twenty-five louis! Do you
know how much twenty. five louis are?
| am afraid not. What will my poor
Marianne say} No, if God were just.
he never would have permitted the horse
of poor man like me with large fami-
| ly to have broken his leg"
"And tell you again my friend, that
it is wrongto doubt the goodness ofGod,
and for twenty-five miserable louis"
you talk very much at your ease a.
bout twenty-five louis, as if you knew any
thing at all about them. Did such a sum
ever ind its way into your pocket, | won
derl Oh my poor horse Twenty-Five
louis are not TO he found on the highways
"Well, will give you twenty-five
louis. so compose yourself said the
count.
"Oh, you are making game ofme into
the bargain!" exclaimed the WAGNER
throwing contemptious look at the wei
worn brown surtout ofhi compahion
You will give themto to me-you will stea
them then, | suppose? Come say M
more aboutit. but lend a hand at unhar
Messing the poor beast. Marianne, pool
Marianne, what will she say?',
The count readily did as he was de-
sired, and gave all the assistance in hi:
power; but this accident having caused
considerable delay, they did not arrive
until la(e at the Red Cross Inn.
Can you give me room and bed
said the count to the landlord.
The latter seeing foot traveller cover
ed with snow. and without eithera cloal
or an umbrella, ,haughlily replied, 'Ther,
is no room for you here; you must g
else where"
But should have to go league fur
ther, which would not be very pleasan
in frost and nov; let me have any place
| am not particular"
Il should think not, indeed, replie
: the hostess; but our inn is not for ever
one that comes this way. admit non
bat respectable people-all wagoners,
will admit your companion, but not you
"Allow me at least, madame, to shar
the supper and room of my companion
Asto that, itisno concern of mine;yo
must settle it with him"
The count then turning to the wagone
he repeated the request.
"Well, be it so. Come then good We
man, supper for two, and comfortabl
room.'
, When supper was over, they paid thei
reckoning, and retired to their apartment
the count then made some inquiries re
: specting the people of the house.
E Il know replied Penot, that the
/, have well feathered their nest; tn
II is the only inn in the district, and dl
x ring the nine years they have KEEP; i
they must have laid by pretty good sun
y Oh if my poor Marianne and | had sue
$ aninn. should not grieve so much fl
!. the loss ofmy horse!"
d "Well, ifthis house suits you, you sha
II have it,
why, how bravely you talkl Fir
il you say you will give me twenty-five 10,
is, and then you will give me an inn.
/: cannot help laughing at the idea. How
y ever, take care; tell you | wont be pla.
d ed upon
j No play in the case. tell you thi
if you like this house, will it to you
' replied his companion.
= And ltel you again, that if you sa
another word, | will turn you out of tn
room,' said the wagner.
He seemed a likely person to do 81
!. therefore the count said no more.
:, The next morning the count rose ca
y and repaired to his solicitor in the lie!
!. town.
e After some conversation with the 81
. licitor, the latter set for the Red Cros
\ On reaching the inn, he told the LAM
4 lord that the count had arrived.
s Mercy on us' exclaimed the landI
's dy. where is hel Why would ho n,
honor us by putting upherel
y He came here but you refused to al
nit him, replied the attorney.
II That is not trne he never came here