Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-06-29
MISCE LII A N Y.
Female Intrcpidity.

II was in the year 1882, towards the
close of November light snow mingled
with sleet, was whirled about by the wind
and pierced through every crevice OF ht-
flo roadside inn, situated between Horn
berg and Rottwell, or the frontier OF the du-
cby of Baden, Germany.
Two travellers, driven by the bad wea'
tber to the shelter of this humble hosiery
we're forgetting their hunger and WEAKNESS
in the comforts of the hearty repast OF
smoked beef. The Kissing and roaring OF
. loroe stove contrasted agreeably in the
travellers ears with the loud moaning OIL
the north wind without, and disposed them
still more to the enjoyment OF the good
things within. :. :, :.
The inn keeper and his wife had, for then
ONLY domestic, young girl Of Baden, whom
they had brought up from childhood hret-
tel for such was her name, was most IN
herself, house keeper and maid to her MIS-
tress. cook in the kitchen, valet de cham
bre to the stray visitants in the best ROOM
and Groom in the stable-the hardy, active
and GOOD humored German girl iulflled all
the duties usually shared by large estao'
lishment of servants.
Ten o'clock struck, and the travellers
having finished their supper, drew nearer
10 the group that had collected round the
stove. Father Hohklrck, the minister, then
host, and some neighbors who had enterso
bv chance. The conversation turned on
the fearful murderers events OF which the
neighboring forest had been the scene' ano
each one had his own story to tell, surpass'
inp the rest in horror. Father HohGlrcS
was among the foremost in terrifying M;
audience by the different adventures, al
more or less tragical. The worthy father
had lust finished horrible story OF robbers
quite chef d'Gmre in its way. The
scene of the legend was a little more thar
gun shot from the inn door; 1t was ira
difiou. unfortunately but an ancient glib
bet, which still remained on the identica
snot. rave to the narration an air OF gloomy
yeracity, which no one dared 10 question
This place was, IN truth, it was said, tht
rendezvous of troop Of bandits, who hel'
there every night their mysterious meet
ings. =,
All the guests were still under the inAu
ence of the terror which the story OF Fa
ther Hoifkirck had caused, when one OF th'
travellers before mentioned, offered to be
two ducats that no one dared to set oil a
that moment to the fatal spot. and trac'
with charcoal cross on the gibbet. Th
very idea of such proposition increased
the fears of the company.
A long silence was their on iy reply.
Suddenly the young Krettel, who was qul
etly spinning in the corner, rose up AM
accepted the bet, asking her masters con
sent at the same time. He and MS Soo'
wife at first refused, alleging the LONELINESS
of the place, in case of danger; but TN
fearless damsel persisted, and was at las
suffered to depart.
Krettel only requested that the inn doc
should be left open till her ret9Tn' ana Ia
king piece of charcoal, to prove on tn
morrsw that she had really visited the spot
she rapidly walked towards the glboet::-
When close beside it, she started, fancyln
she heard noise-however, after mo
ment of hesitation, she stepped forward
ready to take flight at the slightest danger
The noise was renewed. Klettel listene
intently, and the sound of horses lee
struck upon her ear. Her terror preVehte
her at first from seeing how near 1t was
her-,hat object Of fear was fastened to IN
gibbet itself. She took courage, darted ioi
ward and traced the cross. At the sam
instant, the report OF pistol showed he
she had been noticed. BY a movement a
swift as thought, she unlooscd the hors
IIeoped on the saddle and fed like Lightning