Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1853-04-20
FcmnIc IntrenidifY.

1t was in the year 1882 toward the close of Novem-
Der; light mingled with sleet, was whrled
abouby the wind and pierced through every crevice
of little roadside inn, situated between Hornberg
and Rottwel, on the frontier of the duchy of Baden.
Two travellers, driven by the bad weather to the
shelter Of this humble hosiery, forgetting their
hunger and WEAKNESS in the comforts of the hearty
past of smoked beef. The kissing and roaring of
large contrased agreeably in the travellers ears
with the loud moaning of the north wind without, and
disposed them still to the enjoyment of the good
things within.
The inn keeper and his wife had for their only do
mssc, young girl of Baden, whom they had brought
up from childhood. Krettel for such was her name,
wa, host in herself house-keeper and maid to her
mtress cook in the kitchen, valet-de-chambre to the
stray visitants in the best room, and groom in the sta
ble-the hardy active and good-humored German girl
IGihned all usLdify by large
lishment of servants.
Ten o'clock, struck, and the travellers having fin
shed their supper, drew nearer to the group which
had collected round the stove, Father Hofkirch, the
minister, their host. and neighbors who had en-
tered by chance The conversation turned on the fear
full and murderous events of which the neghboring
forest had been the scene, and each had his own
story to tell, surprising the rest in horror. Father
Honkirch was among the foremost in terrifying his
audience by the recital of different adventures, all
or less tragical. The worthy father had just finished
horrible story of robbers-que chef d cure in its
way The scene of the legend was little more than
gun shot from the inn door it was tradition I'M
fortunately; but ancient gibbet, which still remain
ed the identical spot, gave TO the narration an air
of gloomy veracity, which no one dared 10 question
This place was, in TRUTH made formidable throughout
the province as being it said, the rendezvous of
troop of bandits, who held there every night their
mysterious meetings.
All the guests were still under the influence of the
terror which the story of Father Hokirch had caused
when one of the travellers before mentioned, offered
to bet ducats that no one dared to set off at that
moment to the fatal spot, and with charcoal
Cross on the gbbet The very idea of such propo-
si1,si increased the fear of the company.
A long silence was their only reply. Suddenly
the young Kreel, who was quietly spinning in a
corner rose up and accepted the bet, asking her mas
ter S consent at the same time He and his good wife
at first refused, alleging the loneliness of the place, in
case of danger but this fearless damsel persisted, and
was at last suffered to depart
Krettel only requested that the inn door should be
left open until her reurn and taking piece of char
coal 10 prove the morrow that she had really Wis
tied the spot, she rapidly walked toward the gibbet.
When close beside it, she started faneyng she heard
a noise; however, after a moment of hesitation, she
stepped forward ready TO take flight at the least dan
Ger. The noise was renewed. Krettrel listened in
eny and the sound OF horses feet struck upon her
ear. Her terror prevented her at first from seeing
how near it was to her that object of fear fast
ened TO the gbbet itself She took courage, darted
forward and traced the cross At the instant
the report of pistol showed her she had been MOTTO
ed BY movement swift as thought, she unloosened
the horse eaped on the saddle and fled like lightning
She was pursued but, redoubng her speed, she
reached the inn yard called out them to close the
gate, and tainted away. When the brave girl recov-
ered she told her story and was warmly congratua-
ted on her courage and presence of mind All admir-
ed the horse, which Of striking beauty. A small
leatern valse attached the saddle but Faith
Te Holkirch would not suffer it to be opened except
in the presence of the Burgomaster.
II On the morrow, which Sunday, the inn-keeper,
his wife, and their guests, all set off to the neighbor-
ing town. where they intended after the service, to &C.
quaint the Burgomaster with the last evenings adven-
ture Krettel, left sole guardian of the house, was
advised not admit any until her masters return
Many young girl would have trembled at being in
her situation but this young servant maid having
the party disappear earlessy set about her household
duties, singing with a light heart and clear voice
some pious hymn which her kind mistress had taught
her
An hour had scarcely passed when there came q
knock on the outer door. TWAS traveller on horse
back who asked leave to rest for little while Kret
tel at first refused but the promise Of the cavalier
that he would only breakfast and depart, she agreed
to admit him. Besides, the we'll dressed anC
! alone so there was little to fear from him. Thu
stranger wished himself to take his horse to the stable