The true Democrat., 1854-10-04
From Tait's Magazine A DANISH TRADITION.

The island of Zealand Is joined, on the north west by a narrow sandy strip of land, to a beautiful and fertile peninsula, thickly dotted with cottages, and forming little district in it. self. It boasts of one small town, beyond which the peninsula extends in a bold headland, far out into the wild and stormy Cattegat, forming a landscape of the most bleak and desolate de- scription. The shifting sand has destroyed all traces of vegetation; moving sand hils-the play of the tempests which, unchecked, sweep over the land from the stormy sea-are con- stantly changing their position, and arise and disappear in ever-varying succession. While travelling through the island, l, on one occa- sion, spent an hour in this place. and it has left on my mind picture of horror which I shall never forget. l was riding alone over the de- sert and sandy flat, when there arose from the north, on the side nearest the sea, storm, ac- companied with thunder and lightning. The waves ran high, the clouds chased each other through the Armament the skies became dark and lowering, the sand began to give way in masses under the feet of my horse, and at last rose in whirlwinds and filled the air. The path could no longer be dscerned, the horse sank deeper and deeper in the loose sand; heaven, earth, and sea, seemed all mingled together in one wild tumult; and every object was envelop- ed in cloud of sand and dust There was no trace of life or vegetation; the tempest whistled through the air; the waves of the ocean lashed the shore; the thunder rolled in the distance; and the dull lurid lightning seemed as though it could scarcely penetrate the air, thick with particles of the flying soil. The danger was imminent; when suddenly heavy thunder shower began to fall, and efectually laid the shifting sand; enabling me, though thoroughly drenched, to find my way to the little town.
 It was on this desolate track of country, about quarter of mile from the shore, that the vil- lage of Norwig was situated. The sand has long since destroyed all traces of human dwell ings; and the inhabitants principally sailors and fishermen, have long since removed to another quarter; the church alone remains, standing sol itary upon little eminence, and surrounded, on all sides, by the melancholy and constantly shifting desert. It is the scene of the following most mysterious occurrence:-
 It was during the early part of the last cen- tury, that the old and venerable pastor of the deep meditation It was midnight; the house simple manners of the inhabitants rendered it remained open. The lamp was burning dimly,
 
 the ripping of the sea, in which the pale moon beheld her own reflection. Suddenly the old man heard the doors beneath opening, and re- cognised the heavy footsteps of men upon the staircase; he now looked up, expecting to re- ceive summons, in all probability, to attend a dying person, and administer spiritual consola- ton. Two ostrange-looking men now entered the apartment clad in white mantles and approach ! kl of Norwig," said the first of the intruders, i've request you to follow us; there is wedding to be solemnized, and the bridal pair are already awaiting you in the church." He then show ed the old man heavy purse of gold, which he promised should be his, as recompense for the trouble and annoyance such an ill-timed summons might occasion him. The pastor stared in astonishment at the stranger; for there was something in his appearance which seemed to him awful and almost spectral, but the latter only repeated his words, and that in more threatening and commanding tone.- When the old man began to collect himself, he represented to the stranger that his sacred of- rage-service without some previous knowledge formalities which the law required. The second SV0uSoi HOW nIcPPou IOA Woiu' AO" A"vo CAAe choice," said he, {" of following us and receiv- ing the preferred sum of money, or of remain ing here and having bullet sent through your head" So saying, he held pistol to the pas tors forehead, and awaited his answer. The old clergyman turned pale, and having silent ly and hastily risen up, and put on sort of up. per garment, replied, lam ready" The stran- gers, meanwhile, had spoken Danish, but in such a manner that it was impossible to doubt they were foreigners. They now proceeded in silence through the village, and the pastor fol- lowed.
 It was completely dark autumn night, fol the moon had already gone down; but, as they left the village, the old man perceived, to his surprise, that the church was brilliantly illu- minated. Onward, however, in silence strode his two companions, wrapped in their white mantles, and leaving the sandy plain behind them; while he, with the utmost difficulty, sue ceeded in keeping pace with them.
 On reaching the church, they bound hand. kerchief over his eyes; immediately afterward. he heard the well-known side doors open witl