The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-08-05
THE DAILY DISPATCH.
A TALE or MID-AIR.

lna cottage in the valley Of SAiTnnches. near
the foot Of Mont Blanc, lived old Bernard and
ans three sons. One morning be lay in bed sick,
and, burning withfever, watched aDxiously for
the return Of his soD. Jehan, who was gone to
fetch a physician. At length horses tread
was heard, and soon afterwards the doctor en-.
tered. He examined the patient closely, felt
hIs pulse. looked at his tongue, and then said,
pattIng the old mans cheek, "ItwiIl be nothing
my friend-nothing!" but he made sign to
the three lads, who, open-mouthed and anxious,
stood grouped around the bed. All four with
drew 10 q distant corner, the doctor shook his
head, thrust out his lower lip, and said, "Sir
serious aftack-very serious-of fever. He is
now in the height Of The fit. and as soon as it
aoates, he must have sulphate Of quinine.''
"What is that, doctor ?''
Quinine. my friend, is a very expensive
medicine, but which you may procure at Sal
lanches. Between the wofts your father must
take at least three francs worth. / ~iII write
the prescription. You can read Guillaume.
, "Yes, doctor"
'a.And you will see that he takes it I"
"Certainly.''
When the physician was gone. .Guillaume.
Pierre, and Jehan looked reach other 10 silent
perplexity. Their whole stock of money con-
sisted OF a 'ranc and half, and yet the medi-
cine must be procured Immediately.
listen. said Pierre, II know a method Of
getting from the mountain before mig bit three or
four hve.fiancs pieces"
From the mountain ~
II have discovered an eagles nest in cliff Of
frightfui precipice. There is gentleman AT
aiianrhes, who would gladly purchase the
Gag lets, and nothing made me hesitate hui the
terrible risk Of taking them; but that's nothing
when our fathers life is concerned. We NAV
have them now in two honrs,, Co.
IL will rob the nest," says Guillaume,
"No, no, let me-" said Jehan, al am the
youngest and Iightest."
II have the bestright to venture" said Pierre.
"as it was who discovered it,
Come" said Pierre, "let US decide by draw.
ing lots. Write three numbers, Guilaume, put
them into my hat, and whoever draws number
one, will try the venture"
GuiIlanme blackened the end of wooden
splinter in the fire; tore an old card into three
pieces; wrote on them, one, two, three, and
threw them into the hat.
How the three hearts beat Old Bernard
lay shivering in the cold fit, and each OF his
sous longed to risk his own life, 10 save that of
his father.
The lot fell on Pierre, who had discovered
the nest; he embraced the sick man.
"We shall not be long absent" he said: "and
it is needful for US 10 go together"
+ "What are you going to do 2"
ave will tell you as soon as we come
back"
Guillaume took down from the wall an old
sabre which had belonged to Bernard when he
served as soldier; Jehan sought thick cord
which the mountaineers use when cutting down
trees; and Pierre went towards an old wooden
cross, renred near the cottage, and knelt before
it for some minutes in feryent prayer.
They set out together, and soon reached the
brink Of the precipice. The danger consisted
not only in the possibility of falling several
hundred feet, but still more in the probable ag.
gression of the birds of prey, inhabiting the
wild abyss. p
Pierre who was to brave the perils, was fine
athletic young man of twenty-five. Having
measured with his eye the distance he would
have to descend, his brothers fastened the
cord around his waist, and began TO let him
down. Holding the sabre in his hand, he safely
reached the nook that contained the nest. 10
it were four eaglets of a light yellowish-brown
color, and his heart beat with JOY at the sight
Of them. He grasped the nest firmly in bis
left hand, and shouted JOY fully to his brothers,
II have them! Draw me up"
Already the FIRST upward pull was given to
the cord, when Pierre felt himself attacked by
two enormous eagles, whose furious cries
proved them to be the parents of the nest
lings.
fear!"
Pierre pressed the nest to his bosom, and
with his right hand made the sabre play around
his head.
Then began a terrible combat. The eagles
shrieked. the little ones cried shrilIy, the noun
taineer shouted and brandished his sword. He
slashed the birds with its blade. which flashed
like lightning, and only rendered them still
more enraged. He struck the rock, and sent
forth shower of sparks.
: Suddenly he felt a jerk given to the cord that
sustained him. Looking up he perceived that,
in his evolutions, he had cut il with his sabre,
and that half the strands were severed
Pierre's eyes dilated wildly, remaining for
moment immoveable, and then closed with
terror. A cold shudder passed through his
veins, and he thought Of letting 60 both the
nest and sabre.
At THAT moment one Of the eagles pounced
on his head, and tried to tear his face. The
Savoyard made last effort, and defended him
self biavely. He thought OF his old father, and
took courage.
Upwards, still upwards, mounted the cord
friendly voices eagerly uttered words of en-
coursgement and triumph; but Pierre could
not reply to them. When he reached the brink
Of the precipice, still clasping fast the nest,
Asso is0ss WHiCu ou uOut uCaOiV Wuo 90 utoSn 40
a ravens wing, was become SO completely
white, that Guillaume and JehaE could scarcely
recognise him.
What did that signify! the eaglets were Of
the Tarest and most valuable species. That
same afternoon they were carried to the village
and sold. Old Bernard had the medicine, and
every needful comfort beside, and the doctor in
few days pronounced him convalescent.-
Dickens's HsusehOld Words.
Coon NATURE.-Good nature Is gem which
shines brightly wherever il is found. Ii cheers
the darAness Of misfortune, aad warns the
heart that is calious and cold. In social life
who has not seen and felt lis infuencef Don't
let matters ruffle you. Nobody gains anything
by being cross or Grabbed. IL a friend has in
jured you; if the world goes hafd; il you want
employment and can't gei il; or ean'l get your
honest dues; or ere has CONSUMED, or wafer
swallowed up the fruits Of many years. hard
toll; or your faults magni6ed, or enemies have
tradaced. or friends deceived, never mind; don't
get mad with anybody: don't abuse the world