The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-01-31

| anu marrying; but honor and support
aged parents is noble duty and one Of
the highest of virtues
But said the mother, ethe girl may get
tired of waiting, and change her mind, for
| Rosa is beautiful girl, and though poor
! she would not lack lovers
BE not afraid, mother,' replied Philip,
Rosa has vowed that she would never
! marry any one but me. and that is enough.
Nor has her old mother any objection to
our union. But if could to-day exercise
my trade on my own account, tomorrow
| would lead her TO the altar | only re-
gret that her old mother does not allow US
! to see each other as often as we please
! She says that would not do anv good:
while both Rosa and myself find that it
does great deal of good; and so we have
/ agreed TO meet to night al twelve, at the
| door of the church.
While this conversation was going on,
Philip was preparing himself to take his
fathers place on the watch. He went out
! and entered on his duties with cheerful
ness, for he knew that Rosa was with her
frienc.s.
Now she hears me- he thought, 'how
she thinks of me and viii not forget to be
at the church door at twelve o'clock
After having gone his rounds on the
watch. he repaired to the house of his be-
! loved Rosa, and from the street gazed
upon its walls. Now and then lie saw
female figures fitting behind the windows,
and his heart beat quickly as he thought
he saw Rosa. When the figures disap-
peared he studied their gigantic shadows
on the wall, hoping to discern which was
Rosa, and what she was doing. To be
sure it was not very pleasant to be stand
ing there in the cold storm; but what does
lover care for frost and snow. Nova
days watchmen are as romantic lovers as
were formerly the gallant knights in ro-
mances and ballads. He did not feel the
cold until the clock struck eleven, when
he again commenced his rounds on the
watch. His teeth were then chattering
with cold. He was scarcely able to call
out the hour and sound his horn.
As he was going through lonely street,
he met with singular figure. 1t was
man in black half-mask, wrapped up in
fine red silk cloak, and wearing on his
head round hat, with one side of the
brim turned up and fantastically ornamen-
ted with a profus. Of waving feathers.
Philip was about to avoid the mask,
when the latter stopped him and said:
y on are most lovely fellow, you! like
you! Where are you going! Tell me!
philip answered: 'to Maria street.
Il must then 90 with you,' exclaimed
the mask. But tell me, my lad, can you
sing a song?'
Philip seeing that the gentleman was
gay companion, answered: Sir, better
with glass of wine in warm room than
in the cold street where ones heart free
zes in the body
As Philip pursued his beat, the mask
accompanied him, and would insist on
blowing the watchman's horn at the vari-
Gus stations, and giving some merry songs.
Philip, supposing him to be some gentle
man who had got over heated by wine,
let him have his own way.
'Hark ye, young mani said the mask,
Il should like to be watchman for few
hours. Give me your cloak and broad
brimmed hat, and take my domino; then
90 to the ale house and warm yourself by
the fire and wine at my expense. What
say you!
| Philip at last consented, changed cos
tunes, and appointed to meet the stranger
at the church door, at twelve o'clock.
Philip after havirg obtained the solemn
! assurances of his substitute that he would
not disgrace his new calling, hurried away
to the ale-house. On his way he was
touched by a masked person, who had Just
got out of carriage. Philip stopped, and
inquired, in the fashion of masks, what
do you wish!'
The mask answered, Does not your
royal highness intend
.Wfatroyal highness?' said Philip laugh
ing; Il am no highness. How do you get
that idea into your head?'
The mask bowed mostrespectfully, and
pointing to the diamond in Philips hat,
said, Il beg your gracious pardon, if | vio-
late the rights of masks. But in whatever
garment you may wrap yourself up, your
noble figure will always betray you. May
| ask whether your lordship is going to
dance?'
Il dance! No. You see that am in
boots
Then you will play!' the mask con-
tinued.
Still less; | have got no money with
me-
My purse is at your lordship's com
mand, with all ! am and have the mask
exclaimed, presenting at the same time,