The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1853-08-11
THE IEGRATEFUL MAN.


and day there, and viii leave you to imagine
his dread and his agony. The pit WAS dark
Vitalis rau from side of it TO the other in the
hope OF finding some branch root by which be
might climb its sides get out OF his dungeon:
but he heard such confused and extraordinary
noises growings, hissings, and plaintive cries,
that he became halfdead with terror, and crouch
ed IN a corner motionless, awaited death with
tue most horTid dismay, On the morning of the
second day be heard some one passing near the
pit, and then raising his voice he cried out
with the most dolorous accent, "Help, help
draw me out of this am perishing ~
A peasant crossing the forest heard his cry.
At hrst he was frightened; but, after a moment
or two, taking courage, he approached the pitt
and asked who had essled
"a poor huutsman." answered Vitals tewho
has passed long night and day here. Help me
out, for the love of God Help out, and L
will recompense you handsomely.
''I will do what can" replied the peasant
Then Massaccio isuch was the name of the
peasant) took hedgebill which hung at his CIR
die, and cutting branch OF tree strong enough
10 bear man, Listen, Euntsman," said he s.to
what am going to say to you. will let down
this branch into the pit L will fasten it against
the sides and hold it with my hand; and by pall-
ing yourself out by it, yeu may get free from
your prison"
Good" answered Titalis; eeasl. me anything
you will, and it shall be granted.
'I ask for nothing" said the peasant, ''but
am going to be married. aud may give what you
liks 20 N BRIDE
So saying, Massaccio let down the branch
he soon felt it heavy, and the moment after q
monkey leapt merrily out of the pit. He had
fallen, like Vitalis, and had seized quickly on
the branch of Massaccio. 1T was the devil sure
iy which spoke to me from the pit, said Mas
saccio, running away with alright.
''Do you abandon me, then :" cried Vitalis,
Ia q lamentable accent; 'smy friend, my dear
friend, for the love of the Lord, for the love of
your mistress. draw me out OF this; beg, i'm
plore you; l will gite her wedding gifts, L will
enrich you. l am the Lord Vitalis, q rich Ve-
nitan: do not let me Gle of hunger in this hor-
rible pit
Massaccio vas touched by tlrese prayers He
returned to the pit--let down another branch,
and a lion inmpsd out. making the woods echo
with roar Of delight
20 certainly, certainly, it was the devil l
heard" said Massaccio, and fed away again,
but stopping short, after few PAGES, he heard
again the piercing cries of Vitalis.
30 God, cried he to die OF hunger in pit,
Will one then come to help meg whoever
you may be, l implore you 80 return; let me rot
die when you can save me, save me. viii give
you house and field, and cows and geld all that
Jou can ask for; save me, save me only.
Massaccio, thus implored could not help re-
turning He let down the branch, and SER
pent, Kissing joyously, sprang of the pit.
Massaccfo fell on his knees, half dead with fear,
and repeated all the prayers he could think of
to drive away the demon. He was only brought
to himself by hearing the cries OF despair which
Yitalis uttered.
''Will no one help me o. said he .'Ah, then,
must die God, 0 God ?'' and he wept and
sobbed in heart breaking manner.
'lt Is certainly the voice of man, for ali
that" said Massaccio.
''Oh, if you are still there" said Vitalis Gin
the name of all that is dear TO you, me- that
may die at least at home, and not in this horri-
BILE pit. L can say no more; my voice is exhaus-
ted. Shall give you my palac at Venice, my
possession, my honors? give them all and
may die if forget my word Life life only
save only my life
Massaccio could not resist such prayers, and
mingled with such promises. He let down the
branch again
''Ah, here you at last said he, seeing
titalis come up.
'Yes,'' said he and uttering a cry of ioy he
tainted in the arms of Massaccio. Massaccic
sustained, assisted him, and brought him tC
himself; then, giving him his arm, 'Let us.
said he, s.quit this forest;" but Vitalis could
hardly walk-he was exhausted with hunger
''Eat this piece of bread,'' said Massaccio
and he gave him some, which he took out of his
wallet.
''AIy benefaetor, my saviour, my good angel,
said Vitalis, ..how can ever sufficiently recon
pense you ?"
''You have promised marriage portion
for my bride. and your palace at Venice tor my
SELF" said Massaccio. But Vitalis -begar
to regain his strength.
tS, certainty, Will give u pOTttcu To Oul
wife, my dear Massaccio, and viii make you
the richest peasant of our-viIlage Where do you
lye?'
cat Capalatta in the forest; but would viii
ingly quit my village to establish myself in ths
palace you have promised me-"
ssHere we are out of the Forest said Vitalis
al know my road now; thank you, Massaccio.
s'But when shall for my palace anC
the portion of my intended ?'' rejoined the peas
ant.
''When you wir,r said the other; and they
separated.
Vitais went to Venice, and Massaccio-to Ca
palatta, where he related his adventure to hi:
mistress, telling her what rich portion she was
to have and what palace she was to live in
Tho next day early he set out for Venice ano
asked for the palace of the Signor vitaIis-wen,
straight to it, and told the domestics that he
should come shortly with his mistress in a fine
carriage to take possession of the palace which
the Signor Vitals had promised to give him.
Massaccio appeared to those who heard him mad
and Vitalis WAS told that there peasant il
his hall, who asked for marriage portion, and
said the palace belonged to him.
"Let him be turned out immediately sale
Vitalis; 81 know him not
The Wallets accordingly drove him away, witt
insults, and Massaccio returned to his cottage il
despair, without daring to see his mistress. A
one corner of his fire. place was seated the mon