Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1851-11-26
MALcoLMi Or Nights Ride.


and ride fast OF the gathering storm will
be upon us in all its fury before we reach
shelter: and if mistake not, we are not
fur from the Bladk Forest Inn
Ave. Sir Knight replied the page
who rode by thd side of the first speaker,
who was powdiful Knight, mounted on
n large war horse, Il have heard strange
stories of this Sd me Inn, and how many
a weary tra~eldr, has sought refuge un-
der it's roof but hever has been heard of
after McthinA l should fear to tary
there over night
'Talk'st thod of fear, boy, to me, Nal
colin, surnamedl the fearless, who have
never known what it was to fear-I who
have fought hand to hand with score of
Saraccn dogs on the bloody fields of Pal
c>tinc? But, by my patron Saint, l made
them bite the dllst--then talk no more to
me-
Now, mcthhks l see alight glimmer-
ing family through the lofty trees, and IL
remember right it is near the lnn,' re-
piled the page,
well, by my faith, l am right glad,
for would break our fast which has last
cd since early dawn
what my noble Knight, if the Inn be
full and we find no accommodation, but
have to continue our journey"
'Bv the beard of st. Peter, | will tarry
there over night, if Hildcrbrand the terri
bic and his band are quartercd within its
walls
AT this moment the travellers rode up
to the Inn. Dismounting they gave their
horses to the groom, and entered the
l.. 4 l1Tr Hrn ut
two men in close conversation. The first
was the landlord who had an expression
not the most favorable the second was a
man of large proportions, dressed as an
hostlcr; but there was lofty daring in
his face and appearance which belied his
dress and calling. The landlord rose to
receive them, and with a sycophantic
smile, welcomed them to the Black For
est Inn.
will YOU tarry here tonight, or will
YOU pass through the forest?' said the
landlord.
mo, by the mass, no! l have ridden
far enough to-day and require rest and
entertainments
'Talk'st thou Of riding through the
mardY m a wa$sNsEE NsEqlh EnlEA' tHis as lHis SsR
there is no Knightin all Germany would
run the hazard. No, not even were the
life of his lady love at stake, infested as it
is by the terrible Hilderbrand and his
band said the hSstler, with look OF
scom at tie Knight.
.'Tis faIsc, thou craven coward, Least
the lie in.hv teeth said Malcolm, 'and
if thought you HI Id half the sum you
have namcl l wou ld accept the challenge
and ride through tie forest, return and
give YOU acssonia courtesy which thou
standcst much in need Of
A flash Il passion passed over the face
of the hostlr, and t was deathly pale
with rage, ut QuicAy regaining his com,
posure, he aid toth Knight
Many vars have toiled for the sum
which Ihae NAMED, but | will, neverthe-
less. place in the ha ands of master, here
the LANDLORD, an hCnI st man, if you will dc
the same VIII like mount, and then ride
through tn, forest Il the Inn of 'The
Withercd Tee and pass the watchword
ofthc Inn Mch l win give you; receive
thes signal of the house and return
before Iightn the norning, the whole is
yours, Witt say yOi Sir brave Knight
will YOU aecpt IaEait your answer
| will olJhree cor fiitions.'
Name tlm'
The firsis that may have bottle o.
wine andlm supper The second is a
dark lanter, and the third is that l may
have freslhorsc, fot| mine is jaded with
long day'iourney, Replied the Knight
'The thr are gralted,' answered the
hostler.
In shortime Malcolm and the page
had finishe,their repaSt and the horse
being alfac at the dOpr, he mounted.
Como by to your saddle said he.
, Nay, Snknight yOH re to ride alone,
said tAc hi Sser.
'A' yod ill. Land ord, bring me my
Pls!ses andkdark lantern
Iho!c.yst broughFSnd he was on the
point OF sRInp, whep he discovered thai
there wasp oil in tbd lamp.
How nj sir land lbrd, what was the
use of bt without head" he eX
claimed.
None, a lwered c landlord III a sur
ly tone.
Then Wild Awere he use of LAM
Without oil9'
With dis certed air the landlord
took the lamp Ind tsturned with it filled
with the reml az there any thing
Reke?'
'Yes.' 7i
Name it, .i
The watchvt I'd to be given at the I'M
Rtthe other end IL the forest
fHolthop n .7,f.
Ho no + rel ated the Knight no
name tofbe fors stten,' and rode away
The rain was, fana ae fast and the thunde
rolled through til larched vault ofheavel
ana burstin ideailning pealsi but th'