Washington telegraph., 1851-10-29

BERNARD, put Hunting DevI under
the saddle, and lose not moment, for |
would myself try the courage of this
rattle Drained knight. though he will not
travel far before our trusty men will
bring him to halt and throwing off
his frock, he leaped upon his horse and
was off at full speed In pursuit of Mai
colin, who had not proceeded far when
his attention was called to the report of
musket, and ball whistled past his
head.
"Ho. no! That's music-fre again
for this road is lonely one, and require
somet hing to amuse me-" but the words
hardly escaped his lips, before second
report greeted him, and his horse reeled
and fell beneath him.
"Ho. ho!" said he, "this is warm work
but my horse is dead, and l must con-
tent to go on foot; and as he started OFT,
a man sprung up from behind tree, and
pointing pistol at his head, demanded
his money or his life
"Whichever you please coolly re-
| piled Malcolm, "but the first | left at the
inn, and the latter | have brought with
me thus far: and it it is of more value 20
you than it is to me. you are welcome to
it, provided you are the best man OF the
two; and with a dexterous movement he
knocked the pistol from the desperado' S
hand. ...5
Now, you black hearted villain, draw
aud defend yourself: for our moments are
numbered"
"Say YOU so?' "then here's at youo'
and the bright fire flashed from their
swords as they met. but with sudden
plunge Malcolm sent his sword reeking
through the body of his-adversary.
"Ho. ho! What next!' AT this mo-
ment he heard the clattering of horse S
feet, aud looking in the direction from
whence it proceeded, bright flash OF
lightning revealed TO him horse and
rider approaching him at most rapid
rate.
..Ho. ho.' repeated the knight, 81
thought was to travel alone, but this
is travelling in company with ven
geance,
BY this time the pursuer had pear.y
gained the spot where Malcolm stood
He called to him to halt, or he would
send him out of the world quicker than
he came in.
.sHo! hon' exclaimed the knight, cart
thou not a coward to 81. on thy horse to
fight man on fOOt!'
NAY from whence came you, and
whittier do you bend your steps! SAID
the unknown horsemah
"Erom the Black Forest Inn, since the
shades of night-fall, and on my way to
the inn of the Withered Tree"
"The inn of the Withered Tree re-
peated the other, "you must be fool
knoWst thou not that The inn OF the
Withered Tree is the rendezvous of the
terrible Helderbrand and his band, and that
this is his fair domain and all must pay a
tax who pass this way? Will you run
the risk of being hanged on tree as a
caution to other presLmptuous knaves!
If you would escape Death and live, re-
turn by the way you came.
"Ho. Hon' replied Malcolm, ''if thou
wilt but dismount from thy horse and
meet me hand to hand [ will make thee
eat Thy words, and curse the day thou
vast born; and let me tell thee that L
will not return ill | have accomplished
my Journey. No. not if the rascal Held
erbraud and his hired cut-throats stood IN
nv way. Now art thou answered.!
At this 1aunting rebuke his opponent
became enraged. and throwing himself
from his horse, he rushed upon Malcolm,
exclalmlng-
"Boasting idiot! Know that thou
standst in the presence of Helderbrand!
He and the hostler are one. Now say
thy last prayer and prepare tor thy long
journey"
"Ho! no! Come on, and we shall decide
who shall travel this road first and their
swords met for the dreadful conhict
Long and desperately they fought. and
it was doubtful for time which would
be the victor, as both were very powerful
men, and we'll skilled in the use OF their
weapons The fight was for life or death.
With the desperation of tiger Helder-
brand pressed upon the knight, but he
maintained his ground by his superior
GOODNESS and presence of mind, until,
| Helderbrand. with powerful blow, broke
the sword of Malcolm, and as he did SO
loud laugh of scorn rang out upon the
mid night air: "Now. thou VOLTS whelp
know thy time is come!
"Ho. ho"' said the knight, drawing
| one of his pistols from his belt and pre-
senting it to the breast OF Helderbrand
Nov by my good fortune has thy time
| come, and tomorrow | will claim the
ten thousand thalers which the govern
ment mas set as price upon thy head;
| Tomorrow thou wilt never see-sc
fire. and know that thy weapon is power
less, and that at my command the charge
was Withdrawn. .o
'Ho! no! So we will try then and see
if thou liest.' and firing. the ball shat
| tared his arm and LODGED in the brlgand