The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-09-29

MISC ELLAN E GUS.
From the French OF the Monitor Partisan.
T III E nj IN Err S BR D E
A Thrilling French Sketch.


In one of tke villages ofthe north of France
in the midst of population composed en-
tirely of miners, lived Peter and Margaret.
Peter was the son of an overseer Of the
mines. AS soon as he could walk, he ran tc
the mines, he descended into them, and by
his cheerluress and play, solaced the cares
of his father Afterwards, when his good
childish qualities gave place to youth Pc
tel became good workman, and after his
father, hs was the most capable in directing
the work.
He knew how to select the place where the
miner could strike with the best assurance
of success; he used 20 pass through the long
subterranean galleries, without wandering
from his course; and incapable of fearing the
darkness, he playfuly, and yet by reasons
entirely natural Xplained the mysteries which
were the cause of so much terror to his COM
panions.
He was, perhaps, the only man who did
not tremble, when the fire damp, that pest
to the miners, was mentioned.
One evening, as Peters father was re-
turning from neghboring village, he heard
groaning. He stopped, searched in the un-
road which he was travelling, and what wss
his establishment to find there child, covered
with rags, who was struggling in the grass,
and who lifted its little hands as if TO i'm
plore aid. Its little cheeks were vet with
tears, and the hoarseness Of its voice indica-
ted that for no short time had it been left
either through accident or malice--to the
pity of the passers by.
The ol2 miner, at this unexpected sight,
felt his heart moved. He thought of his son,
of his dear Peter. and then stopped down by
the side of the poor child, and spoke to it, as
if his words could afford him consolation. He
promised it his aid, folded its tattered rags
around it, to shield it from the chilness Of
the air, wrapped it in his leather apron, and
carried it home, ever and anon kissing it on
the way, and striving to appease its grievous
complaints.
Wife, said he, opening the door Of his ca
bin, guess what present bring you. Pro-
vidence has chosen us, Of all the inhabitants
of the village, to afford aid to an unfortunate
child. l am certain of it, for l know your
heart
Peters mother stretched out her hands to
her husband N reply. Considering by what
chance the little girl came to them, she look
ed upon her as her own child. 1t was in
this manner that Margarat's life was saved
and she found family, after having been
abandoned, and left prey to The carniverous
animals which often prowl through the woods
and glades.
These two children grew up, and as they
were always together, as their only object
was to please each other, they soon loved
each other tenderly. To the titles of broth
er and sister, sweeter ones succeeded. Their
hearts understood each other--they thought
of future, happiness which they had not
yet experienced, and Peter asked his father
to give him Margaret for a companion.
1t was the wish of the good parents. How
the hearts of the young people beat, when
Peters father said to them--"Fix for your
selves the day of your happiness"
This soon arrived, and they were so much
loved, and so we'll deserved to be loved that
the day for their marriage was general hol-
iday. All left their labor, the mines were
deserted, the tables were loaded, the young
girls put boquets in their bosoms, and he
boys stuck them in their button holes. Ev-
erywhere shouts of joy were to be heard, and
the sound of music, to which rustics danced
on the grass.
But in the midst ofthe rejoicing Peter went
to his lovely bride and embraced her. After
that he said mysteriously to his companions,
Don't let her come, this is the moment to
surprise her. Now is the time to give her
my presents
So saying, he left them smiling, placi ng
his finger on his mouth, as if to enjOn si-
lence. He walked slowly around the house,
appeared to take by-road which led to the
ancient mines, and then he was lost sight
of
He did not return that evening, nor did he
come back the next day. They searched for
him. Three days, four days, eight days, a
month, year rolled away, and Peter did not
return.
On the day Of the marriage, as soon as his
long absence was known, all merriment was
suspended. The bride wept and tore her
hair The miners led by Peters father, went
through all the passages ofthe mines, left no
spot unexamined, but nothing appeared to af-
ford them any hope of finding their compan-
ion and frien9.
Margaret all but died. She returned to
life, but to consecrate her days to the father
and mother of Peter. They so much deserv-
ed pity! And SO did she, but gratitude inspi
red her with supernatural courage. She took
off her boquet and her marriage garland,