Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-09-17
MISCELL A N Y
The Clergyman's Adventure.
A CAPITAL pRUsslAN STORY.

On dreary day, in the reign Of Frederic
William, heavy travelling carriage was slowly
numbering along the muddy road from Potsdam
to Berlin. Within it was one person only, who
took no heed of the slowness of the travelling
but leaning back in corner, was arranging q
multiplicity of papers contained in small pocket
book. Since he was dressed in plain dark mill
tary uniform, it was fair to suppose that this
gentleman belonged to the Prussian army, but
to what grade of it nobody could determine, as
all tokens of rank had been avoided. chilly
November evening was closing in, and though
the rain had for a time ceased, yet dark masses
of clouds flying through the sky gave warning
that sweeping darkness was at hand. The
road grew heavier, at least so it should have
seemed to O foot-traveller who was plowing hlS
way through the mire; and so doubtless IL dld
seem to the carriage horses, who tioundered d
long so slowly that the pedestrian whom they
had overtaken kept easily by the side OF the
coach, the occupant of which looked out OF the
window, and perceiving the stranger, called out
in rather an authoritative tone of voice:
''Halloo; young man, whittier are you oouno
this stormy looking nightW
''That is more than l can tell you, not being
at home in this part of the world. My wish Is
TO reach Berlin but if find a resting be-
fore get there, to that am bound, for L am
weary"
81 should think you must have two hours
walk before you,n was the unsatisfactory remark
that followed.
The young man made no reply, and after a
short pause the stranger said
sIr it please you to rest on the step OF the car
riage for few minutes, you are welcome so 10
do. Herr, What's-your-name?
"My name is Heinrich Meyer" replied the
Young man, zone of those who never refuses tho
small benefit because the larger one is not OBJ
tanned"
From inside the window the next question put
to Heinrich was:
"What are you going to Berlin for9"
"To hnnt for some cousins" was the answer.
"And pray who may they be?" asked the un-
known. =,
"Well- to tell you the TRUTH have not an idea
who they are, or where to look for them. In
deed,it is very doubtful whether l have so much
as an acou lintance in Berlin, much less rela-
ton"
The Guest ioner looked amazed, and he said:
"Surely there must be some other motive for
YOUR going to Berlin, or what could have put
this idea into your head9n
why" replied Heinrich, II have just become
a clergyman, W ithout the smallest chance OF get
ting anything to do in my own neighborhood.-:
| have no relative to help me, and not quite
enough to find me in necessaries."
"But,n said the Prussian, "what on earth has
this to do with cousins in Berlin?"
swell. now, who knows2 Many ofmy fellow
students have got good appointments, and when
ever ask them to let me know how it was
done. the answer always is, "A cousin gave it to
me- or II got it through the interest of cousin
who lives in Berlin Now, as l find none of
these useful cousins live in the country, l must
90 without their help, or hunt them in Berlin"
This was said in comical, dry way, so that
his listener could not refrain from laughing, but
he made no comment. However, he pulled out
a piece of paper, and began to write upon it
When he had finished, he turned round to Hem
rich. saving that he observed he had been smok-
ING and that he had felt inclined to do the same,
but had forgotten to bring tinder with him.
Could Herr Meyer oblige him with lights
"Certainly, with great pleasure, was the prompt
reply: and Heinrich, taking tinder-box out OF
his wallet, immediately began to strike a light
Now, the evening was damp,so damp that there
seemed little enough prospect OF the underS
lighting; moreover, the wind blew the sparks
out almost before they fell.
'sWell, if your cousins are not more easily 10
be got at than your light is, | pity you, young
SIR" was the sole remark to which the stranger
condescended, as he watched Heinrich's labori-
Gus endeavors.
"Na desperandum is my MOTTO" answered
the young man, and when the words We're
scarcely uttered the light had been struck. In
his delight of succeeding, Heinrich jumped up
on the carriage step; and leaning through the
window. thrust the tinder eagerly in the direc-
tion of the genteman's face. "Hurrah, sir, put
away~ H., 49, 4bo
stranger had been putting at his pipe, he remoE-
ed il from his mouth, and addressed Heinrich I'D
this way: ,,o+ ,o,, have
81 have been thinking over what you nave
been telling me, and perhaps,in an humble way, i
might be able to assist you, and tnus ac1 Vhe
part of the cousin you are seeking. AT an events
when YOU get to Berlin take this note, handing
him slip of paper on which he had been Writ
ing 'take this note to Marshal GrumKow, WIN
is somewhat of friend of mine. But minu
Do exactly as he bids you, and abide stric.iy W
his advice. Ii he says he will help you,reiy up
on it he will keep his word but he is rather &C.
centric, and the way he sets about DONG kihu,
ness may perhaps seem strange to you. AM
now," he continued, las the road is improved
must hurry on the horses, and so bid you gooe
evening, hoping you will prosper IN your nc"
career"