The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-05-18

his second wife any better than his first"
Martha had no inclination for him herself
and cared not for such love, and the forester
vexed and indignant at want of success, was
forced to give up his suit.
Close by tie mill lived the widow of one of
the superintenden,s Of one of the neighboring
mines. who supported herself by sewing,
knitting, and any little services she was vet
able to render to the people around. She had
experienced many vicissitudes of fortune,
and Martha loved to visit her. and hear her
tell Istories-Sometimes she met there a nep-
hew of the old woman, a young man OF noble
character, but very poor. lie had lost his
father when a boy, and had come hither out
Of Bohemia to work in the mine, where he
had risen to surveyor His early education
had thus far been neglected, but he was now
by every exertion. making all the amends in
his power. He was famous for his skill
musician, and was a welcome guest at all the
festivals in the valley but he remained un-
moved by the smiles of the maideus. and
they pronounced him cold and reserved He
possessed great skill in composing. and Of
ten sang to his aunt aud Martha long tales OF
his Bohemian life. When he had finish
ed, he would silently accompany Martha
home.
The chaplain was now at home. Most of
his days were spent with his father. who
wished his assistance in plans for the mill and
farm, in the evening he sat with Martha in
the garden and he soon found in his intercourse
with her. compensation for many of the at
fractions he had left behind him. His affec-
lions denied by his vocation as priest every
other outlet had centered in Martha with an
almost religious devotion. He told her stories
Of the city and of the gay world by which
he was surrounded. Martha had no secrets.
Her mind was like a clear stream where the
smallest pebble may be seen yet in their dai-
ly conversation, he had much to learn of her
character.
Sometimes in the cool evenings they stroll
ed together over the mountain paths. Mar
tha still wore the picturesque dress OF the
country, which her father had never permitted
her to lay aside. That consisted of long,
bright shirt, dark jacket or spencer. and a
tall pointed bat with long ribbons. Once
they met Franz. Martha blushed and cast
down her eyes as he approached, and they
exchanged greetings as they passed. Her
brother asked her who he was and Martha
then told him of their intercourse.
How do you like him?" said he to her
one day.
Martha made no reply. Her brother went
on:
Speak freely you can say anything to
me-"
II like him much" said Martha, "he is a
noble, honorable man. who devotes his earn
ings to the support of his aged mother; nor is
he ignorant, for he reads much. But he is
poor. and my father is proud. SO nothing can
ever come of it. and l must put it out of my
head"
The brother understood mo re than her words
implied. but as the attachment was hopeless,
thought better to give her encouragement.
and even advised her TO give up her visits to
the old widow.
Not long after this conversation il became
necessary for the miller to take Journey on
business to the other side of the mountains.
His horses were harnessed early in the morn
ing. and after giving few last directions, he
started. saying; Il shall be back soon. God
be with YOU"
He completed his business and soon found
himself some distance on his way home. He
gave the rens to his well trained horses and
leaned leisurely back without paying much
notice to the path. They soon reached mar
row place in the road whe re the mountains
rose almost perpendlcularly on the one side,
and steep precipice on the other, at the bot
tom of which mountain torrent roared and
tumbled along. 1t was barren and desolate
spot and only a few shrunken pines clung to
the crevices In the rocks. The air was filled
with a thin mist, and the sun was shining
through it, covering every object with dag
zling veil The horses took their own
pace.
The miller was smoking his pipe. thinking
of his speedy arrival when he became aware
of a slight noise above him He looked up.
the sound grew lounder; the air wa. filled in
a moment with fine particles of snow, which
suddenly swelled to a huge mass. He felt
himself seized as if by an evil spirit and hurl
ed along. and then all consciousness was gone.
An avalanche had fallen and buried him in
It's descent.
When he awoke. he found himself complete
ly walled in by snow, which had formed a
sort Of arch shove him. SO that he still had
space to breathe lie tried to enlarge this and
find some means of egress, but he ran the
risk of completely burying himself by any
imprudent move, and overwhelmed with des-
PAIR he sgan became unconscious
The sound of voices above next reused him.
and he tried to move, but his limbs refused
to obey him Suddenly CLEAN OF light pen
etra,ed his darkness, and through the aper-
ture he caught glimpse Of the blue sky
Almost dazzl1d. he closed his eyes, and when
he aytin opened them, he met those of Franz
gazing down on him. Franz had been on
his way TO his afternoons work Just out Of
range of the avalanche, he had seen the whole
accident, and for few moments stood para
lived with terror. unable TO think what meas
ures to adopt Soon, however. he fel. that
assistance 10 be OF any avail muSt be speedy,
and in few moments he had summoned
several Of his fellow workmen. They sough.
IN vain for any trace of the wreck. or OF
the buried miller. but finally one of the long
poles which they used 20 try the depth of the
snow penetrated 70 the spot where the old
man lay Franz sprang down to him. His
companions quickly brought ropes. and in
few moments both We're drawn up. As the