Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-04-02

wards another
Let me also add my thanksgiving. Michssl.
id Florence, who had revived.
Let us pray, them said Ritter, folding her in
arms: and may God SO forgive US, as we for
We others
At these words, he uncovered his head, and
Tristan doing the same, they all three bent in
aver. When they rose, streak of light had
bpeared in the east; the day was dawning.
The wind, which had carried them to such ee-
bted regions, now gradually sank; and as the
hloon gently descended, a ray of hope stole in
their hearts. At first, though united in dan
er, they were separated by hatred; but now all
aree Joined in mutual consolation and encourage
lent. The sun rose, and they soon able to
distinguish the variegated country. 1t seemed
Ike sudden resurrection: they were no longer
audering in the gloomy abyss through which
hey had passed the night; the sun shone, and
arth still existed There lays fields, rivers,
fountains cities; and there lived their fellow
hen. who were, perhaps, at that very moment,
blowing their course through the clouds with
nxiouS eyes.
The balloon still continued to descend. and
last they were able to distinguish the fields,
ouses and even persons. All at once Ritter ut
cred cry of joy: he recognised Soerrach, and
urther on lay his own village Florence clasped
er hands with deep sigh, she saw the roof of
her dwelling, the lakewood where she had so often
at and worked, and the little mountain rivulet.
Michael himself wept. At this moment the bal
Don, which till then had continued to descend,
began again to rise with fresh breeze. The young
,irl and her brother uttered cry of despair and
Gaming over the car, extended their arms towards
heir home.
NV God is there no means of descending 2
cried Florence, the tears streaming down her
eheeks.
There is one, answered Loffmann; but it is
dangerous.
nL - / H.
agony said Ritter hurriedly remember last
hight
Yes said the young man; 'it is our only
chance; now for it.. He rose cautiously, raised
his Alpine stick, which had lain by his side, and
with the iron point pierced the silk of the balloon.
The latter emitted sound like deep sigh, and
waved to and fro like wounded animal. That
moment of suspense seemed an hour. Then the
gas rushed forth with impetuosity, and the silk
of the balloon shrunk with frightful rapidity.-
The travellers closed their eyes, overcome with
1errors Before long, sharp explosion was
heard, followed by violent shock, which made
them open their eyes, and they discovered that
the netting had become entanged in the branches
of willow, and the car hung within a few fee. of
ihe ground.
Towards the end of the same day, Loffmann
and Ritter were sitting in the window of house
on the hillside 1t was Michael's dwelling, to
which he had conducted his companion after their
common deliveranee. The brother and sister at
first could find room in their hearts only for CRATE
full joy at their wonderful preservation; but, pre-
sently, in Ritter awoke the remembrance Of the
coming danger to his interests.
Resting bis elbows on the wooden baluStrade
which served as a balcony, he had remained for
long time silent, when Christian, whose eyes
had been wandering over the landscape, suddenly
exclaimed: How far does your property extend,
Herr Ritter 2
The latter shuddered as he saw on what his
guests thoughts were bent. 'Ah, you wish to
see what will be yours if your suit be successful,
said he bitterly.
Upon my honor, was not thinking of that ,
said Loffmann, Disconnected
You need not blush to own it, said Ritter,
tevery one believes in the justice of your own
cause. l will show you the boundaries of the
estate; and he pointed out, one after the other,
the woods, fields, and meadows which composed
the property.
1T seems in excellent ORDER, observed Chris
tan.
Yes: have devoted all my time and energy to
it, replied the farmer. 4 had planned many other
have to remain the land, perhaps, has already
ceased to be nine
As the words left his mouth, Florence entered
she seemed troubled, and held in her hand let
ter bearing the Mannheim postmark.
is it from Herr Littoff 3 said Michael, turning
PALE
1T is' she replied.
Then Judgment is pronounced, and we shall
know our He held out trembling hand fol
the letter, but Florence seized it between her own
and, gancing timidy at Loffmann, said: 'Ah, bu
remember, whatever happens, you have sworn
friendship for each other
The letter give me the letter = interrupted tn,
agitated Michael.
Florence stepped back pace.1s First promise
that you will submit to the decision, whatever il
may be-, said she with energy and pointing at the
same time to the foot of the hill, and the willow
on which still hung the remains of the balloon,
she added Have you already forgotten the night
passed in the clouds g
Ritter and Loffmann looked at each other
and, after an nstant's hesitation, held out their
hands. l
No !! exclaimed Michael; sit shall not be said
that danger alone inclines our hearts to mercy
Saved as we have been by the goodness of God
let us prove, by submission, that we are CRATE
ful. Christian Loffmann, we threw away our en-.
NIFTY aboye-do not let it return on EARTH What
ever that letter may contain, declare that will
submit to the decision without anger
And | will bless it for giving me such a
friend, even though it ruin all my hopes added
Christian.
Florence gave the letter to Michael, who took
it with firm hand, ran it over, and turned slight
ly pale.
Florence rushed forward.
You are master here, Herr Loffmann y said the
farmer, turning to the young man.
Then the cause is decided in my favor g he
exclaimed in tone of joy.
Yes: here is the sentence christian took the
letter which Michael held out.) .Henceforth this
property is yours'--
The estate is not equal to the happiness OF
possessing friend, interrupted Loffmann. tear
ing the paper.
Ritter stared at him in astonishment and Flo
renee clasped her hands.
Yes replied the young man; Il came here as
guest, and do not choose to remain as an enc
my. He who has so nobly received and hospl
tally entertained me- shall himself appoint one