The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-06-16
Then comes a transatlantic rejoinder
THE MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLERS,

rs.ss.rrp rEoM THK FRENCH, rs MISS ANNE T.vitHfR,
Tn ancient times. there once lived, at Man.
holm. a yaung man called Otto. who was
brave and intelligent. but incapable of bri-
dino his desires. When he wishad for any,
thing. be spared no effort 10 obtain it; and
his passions were Ike the storm-winds,
which cross rivers, valleys. and mountains.
crushing everything in their passage. Tired
~ the ouie, life he led at Mannheim he one
day formed plan to set out on long jour
ney. a, the end of which he hoped 70 find
fortune and happiness Consequently. he
mt his best clothes in bundle, placed in his
airdle all the money he possessed, and start
ed. without knowing whittier he was going.
After walking several days, he found HIM
self at the entrance of forest, which eN-
tended as lar as the eye could reach. Three
travellers had stopped here. and seemed, Ike
himself, to be preparing 10 cross il. One
was tall naughty woman, with athreaten-
ing mien. holding in her hand javelin; the
second, young girl, half asleep, reclining
in chariot drawn b. four oxen; and the
third, an old woman III rags. and with bag
gard air Otto salGted them. inqulrng
whether they were acquainted With the for
est; and on their replying IN the affirmative
asked permission Il accompany them, that
he MIGHT no. Lose his war. All three con-
scented. and thew set out. The young man
soon perceived that his companions possess
ed supernatural powers; but he was not
afraid, and continued his walk, coage-sing
with the three strangers.
They had already pursued for several
hours the path marked out among the trees,
when the sound OF horses footsteps was
heard behind them. Otto turned. and re-
corri.ed citizen OF Mannheim. who had al
WAYS been his creates. enemy, and whom ne
had hated 70. nany years. The citizen over
took the foo.-passengers, smiled ins3!eat.y,
and wen. on. Otto became very angry.
i would give al possess, and almost al!
ever expect - possess. 10 revenge mysel. Oh
the pride and haughdacss Of u a. man
i can satisfy thee said the tall lady with
the iareiir. Shall | make OF him q blind
and lame 5eggsrl You have only to pay me
the price OF I. is transformation
.And what is this pTicep asked Otto ca
geriy.
Thy right eye
i would willingly give il to be revenged.
Tie young man mad scarcely Inisned
speaking, when the transformation promised
by his companion took place, and he found
himself blind oil IN eye. He was at trst a
little surprised. but consoled himself with
the thought that the other was left, and that
he could still see the misery OF his enemy
Meanwhile, they continued TO march seyera
hours without reaching the end OF the forest
the road constantly becoming sleeper anc
more difficult. Otto, who began TO be "a
tigued, looked with envy on the chariot in
which the young girl was half reclining. Il
was so ski!ifully constructed, that the deep
est ruts scarcely jolted H.
All roads must seem very smooth and
short on this chariot said he, approaching
sand should like such an one myself.
is that all!' repl el the second traveller
4 can this instant procure for you wha. you
desire
She struck with her foot the chariot in
which she rode; il seemed to become double
md Otto perceived a second equiv age, drawn
BY couple OF black oxen. Recovered ircrr
his astonishment, he thanked the young girl
and was about TO entar il when she stopped
him by gesture. Il have fulfilled your De-
SIRE said She; but | cannot make WORSE
bargain than my sister has made. You have
given her one Of your eyes; | demand ont
Of your arms
otto was at first little Disconnected; bu
he was very tired, the chariot was befor
him, and, as have already said. he had neT
er known how TO conquer his desires; So
after short hesitation, he accepted the Pre-
possl, and found himself seated in his ney
carriage, but deprived Of his right arm. Tn
Journey continued thus some time. Pores
succeeded forest, and no outlet appeared
Meanwhile, Otto began 70 suffer from hun
per and thirst. The old woman who wa
Walking beside him seemed 70 perceive it.
you are sad, f0y boy said she; '"he
one is hungry, one is easily discouraged: 5u
Ipossess certain remedy against falat2ess
What is itr asked the young man.
sYou see this flask which ] have IL m
hand, and often carry to my lips replied tn
traveller; 1t contains joy, torgetfalness
trouble, and all the hopes Of earth. Whoev
er drinks Of it, finds himself happy; aud
will not sell / to you more dearly than II.
sisters; for ask, in exchange, only half Q
your brain
The young man this time refused. II
began to be frightened at these successive
bargains. But the old woman made hin
taste of the liquor IN the flask, which appear
ed 10 him SO delicious, that, after having re
sisted some time, he again consented.
The promised erect soon took place; hi
had scarcely drank, when he felt his strength
revive. HIS heart became Joyous and con
fdent; and, after having sung all the song
he knew, he slept aouudiy in the chariot
without caring what became ct him. Whcl
he awoke, the three travellers had disappear
ed. and he was alone, IL the entrance Of
village. He tried to rise, but one side Of hi
body was immovable; he tried to look, bu
the only eye he had left was dim; he It
tempted to speak, bat his tongue stammer
ed; and be could collect only hall his ideas
At last, he comprehended the greatness Q
the sacrifices he had 80 lightly made; tht
three travelling companions, whom fate hat
sent him, had left him no resource but e
beg his bread until he died.
Would you know the names Of these com
pauions! The woman with the jayeHn was
HatYed; the young girl reclining IL the caaf-
lot, Iadob74cf and the woman with the flask
Iatempercaee.