Indiana American., 1855-08-24
SsIstt NlistsIIanp.
The Mysterious Travellers.

In ancient times there lived at
Mannheim. ayoung man called Otto.
who was brave and intelligent, but in
capable of bridling his own desres.-
When he wished for anything. he
spared no effort TO obtain 1t, and his
passi ms were like the storm winds
which cross rivers. valleys and noun
tains, crushing everything in its pas.
sage. Tired Of the quiet life he held
in Mannheim. he one day formed plan
TO set out on long journey, at the
end of which he hoped to ind fortune
and happiness. Consequently. he put
his best clothes in a bundle. placed in
his gurdlc all the money he possessed
and started without knowing where
he was going. After walking several
days ho found himself at the entrance
of forest. which extended as far ms
the eye could reach. Three travellers
had stopped here, and seemed, like
himselti TO prepare TO cross IL. One
was a tall, naughty woman, with
threatening mein. holding In her hand
a jayclin; the second young girl,
half asleep. reclining in chariot
drawn by four oxen, and the third nm
old woman in rags, and with hag.
gard air.
Otto salutcd them, inquiring wheth-
or they were acquainted with the for
est; they replied in the affirmative; he
asked permission to accompany them,
that he might not lose his way. All
three consented, aud they set out.
The youn, man soon perceived that
his companions possessed supernatu.
raj powers; but he was not afraid. and
continued his walk, conversing with
the three strangers.
They had already pursued for sew
eral hours the path marked out
among the trees, when the sound of
horses footstep was behind them.-
0tto turned and recognized citizen
of Mannheim. who had always been his
greatest enemy, and whom he had ha-
ted for many years. The citizen over
took the foot passengers, smiled inso-
lently and went on. Otto became
very angry. would give all | pos.
ses, and almost NIL expect TO possess.
to revengemyself Of lhe.pride and hau.
tiaess OF that man.
Il can satisfy thee. said the tall Ia.
dy with the javeln. Shall | make
him blind and lame beggar? You
have only TO pay me the price Of trans
formation
And what is the pricc?' asked Otto
eagerly.
THY right eye
Il would willingly give II TO be re-
venged.
The young man had scarcely finish
cd speaking. when the transformation
promised by his companion. took
place and he found himrelf blind Of an
eye. He was nj first a little surprised
but consoled himself with the thought
that the other was left, and he could
still see the misery of the enemy
Meanwhile they continued 10 march
several hours without reaching the
end of the forest. the road becoming
sleeper and more difficult. Ot,o. who
began TO be atigued. looked with en-.
Wy on the chariot in which the
young girliwas halfreclining. 1t was
so skillfally constructed that the deep
est ruts scarcely jolted il.
'All roads must be very smooth and
short on this chariot said he. ap.
preaching. and | should like such a
one myself
lis that all?' replied the second
traveller; Il can this instant procure
for you what you desire
She struck with her foot the chariot
in which. she rode, and Otto perceiy-
ed second equipage, drawn by n
couple Of black oxen. Recovering
from his astonishment he thanked
the young girl. and was about to en-
ter it, when she stopped him by ges-
ture. i have fulfilled your desire,
said she, 'butl cannot make worse
bargain :han my sister has nade.-l
You have given her one Of your eyes
Il demand one of yourarms.'
Otto was ut first little disconccri-
ed, but he was very tircd--the chari-
OF was before him. and as have al.
ready said, he had never known how
to conquer his desires; so. after a
short hesitation. he accepted the pro-
posal. aud found himself located in his
new carriage. but deprived of his
right arm. The journey continued
for some time. Forest succeeded for
est. and no outlet appeared. Mean
while, Otto began to suffer from
hunger and thirst. The old wo-
man, who was walking beside him.
seemed to perceive this.
You are sad. my boy said she,
when one is hungry one is easily dis
couraged; but possess certain rem
edy against faintness.'
What is it?' asked the young man.
You see this flask which / have in
my hand. and often carry to my lips?'
replied the traveller; it contains JOY,
for fullness Of trouble. aud all the
hopes of earth. Whoever drinks Of il
6pds himself hcppy. aud will not
sell It to YOU more dearly than my sis
ter's, for | ask in exchange one half OF
your BRAIN
The young man this time refused. =
He began to be frightened at the sue
cessive bargaining. But tho old wo-
man made him taste the liquor in the
flask, which appeared to him so de-
licious. that after having resisted some
time. again consented.
The promise soon took place:-he
had scarcely drank when he felt his
strength revive.
His heat became joyous and conf
dent, and after having sung all the
songs ne knew, he slept soundly in his
chariot, without caring what became
of him. When he awoke the three
travellers had disappeared, and he was
alone at the entrance village. He
tried to rise, but one side of his body
was immovable; he tried to look, bnt
Al q IL. 49,. L. l. a la(t .vaS dim. ha