The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-12-18

':Ah, my dear Captain" thought lie, your
first maxim, al least was not dear one
truly, wisdom is more precious than fine
gold"
The sane day he arrived al the auJerge Of
a small village; and in conversation with
some of the peasants, they advised him 10
visit, in his quality of soldier, a certain
Marquis, the proprietor OF n neighboring
chateau, who made pleasure of dispensing
the most liberal hospitality 10 all military
men who nigh, happen TO pass on that road
Following their advice. he was received with
courtesy ard poliieness, assured Of hearty
welcome, and invited 10 the table Of the no
| bleman.
But, wonderful 10 relate, in the midst Of
tho supper, a lady clothed entirely in black,
with slow step and downcast eye, entered
and took her seat OF the table; and this lady
of noble birth, and a Frenchwoman, drank
from human skull,
The soldier, however, took no notice ap-
parently of this singulnr circumstances, and
the conversation proceeded as usual, without
interruption. 1t was not that he was the less
curious 10 discover the meaning of this ex.
traordnary conduct, but the substantial ben
eft which ne had derived from the principle
contained in the first maxim, caused him TO
appreciate the second-"Never meddle in
the affairs of Others"
After tie supper, when the lady had been
some time absent, the Marquis addressed
himself to the soldier, and regarding him
fixedly, said
"My friend, you are no ordinary man;
for most remarkable scene has been enact
ed before ycnr eyes, and yet you have not
made the least remark"
"Monseigneur," responded the soldier, Ut
is one of my principles never TO NEEDLE in
the affairs of Others"
"Brave man !" exclaimed ihe Marquis,
81 perceive that can trust you, and that you
are man of honor and prudence. Follow
me, and you will learn the value of your dis
retion."
Taking torch he led the soldier BY a
winding passage to subteuaneum vault.
But, oh, horror the pale and vacialiug
light of the flambeau was reflected on all
sides by ghastly skeletons, which its flicker
ing seemed to reanimate, and which appear
ed 10 menace the Two vis,ers.
"Lsten, my FRIEND" said the nobleman !;
'the black lady whom you have seen this
night, is the lady of the chateau, condemned
10 drink at my table from tho skull Of her
lover whom have killed. These bones are
those of travellers who have seen precisely
what you have seen, but have not been pos
sessed OF your prudence. | have satisfied
their curiosity, and their death alone could
protect me from tho consequ9nces.-four
discretion has saved your life and now, my
friend, as proof of my appreciation OF your
PRUDENCE and good judgment, accept this
purse. You are at liberty 10 remain at The
chateau as long as you choose, or if you pre-
fer, 10 continue your journey"
Conceive, if possible, the emotions Of the
old soldier Who would wonder if he had
that night often repeated in his sleep, "Ncusr
paedGlc in the a6ars Of others"
The next morning he continued his route,
and the remainder of his journey passed
without any further adventure of interest
He at last arrived in sight of his cottage,
where all that was most dear 10 his heart
! awaited him-lhat heart beat quick as he
paced his foot on the threshold. Without
announcing himself, he entered; but alas,
what reception 1.-The frs, object that met
his astonished gaze, was young priest
ienderiv embracing his wife
With tina decision of an old warrior, the
soldier Ievelled his musket, and in another
instant ball would have pierced the heart
of the unhappy priest; but a though, ares
ted his hand, penetrating his heart like an
electric shock-"Postpoae your anger TO the
morrow !" aud he lowered his Inusket, and
hung his head, overcome with bitter disap-
pointmenl and despair.
His jealousy, however, was not of long
duration; for behold, upon explanation, the
prizes: was his son! Adopted in his infancy
by good curate of the village, who had d-
rec,ed his studies, he had recently taken ho-
ly orders, and had preceded but few mo-
ments, the arrival of his father.
Thus the soldier, after long absence, had
al last returned 10 his family, and had found
his son a priest-the ne plus ultra of human
perfection in The popular estimation. When
had he ever conceived Of such happiness as
thisi |, was assuredIy the momen! TO Gu,
his loaf OF bread-but hardly had he done
so, when aplayful kitten, wishing 10 share
the general joy. sprang towards some bril-
liant object which rolled from the loaf upon
the floor. Ii was the three louis dor, which
had been placed there by tho good Captain.
~ Tire way the whig tide is setting for
President may be inferred BY the fact that
90 papers in Virginia have expressed pref
erence Tor MIR. Fillmore for President in 49,
SO. In addition TO which the Buffalo Com.
mercial Advertiser, paper called "lhe do
mesic organ of President Fillmore says
, -"The campaign on tho Rio Crande elec-
ted one president, Nothing more can be madt