Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-08-31

Ree1e.
The Branch Of Reconoilias,on-A Popu
lar Wallachian Legend.
:, A poor fisherman named George, Q,
poor that he knew not 1t evening how
be should provide for the wants Of tn,
next day, had spent . whole night with
out taking even the smallest Qudgeon
: he cast his nets on every side, bul
. . drew up nothing save grass and sand
. Worn out with this useless toll, he wa
: about to cease it, when suddenly his
I, seine filled, and SO heavy was it, that
he found it difficult to draw it into bis
boat; as he did 70, out came little
black man, who said, "What will you
give me il make you so rich, this
moment, that You can always live in
. plenty 7"
The fisherman, all amazed, answered.
81 will give you the most valuable
thing have in my house." The poor
fellow certainly was not thinking of
his wife, nor child; but Of his dog, or
cat, Sunday clothes. The devil was
too cunning TO wait for explanations,
but fastened to conclude the bargain
BY which it was agreed, that in sixteen
years the fisherman should bring him
his dearest possession; and in payment,
the King OF He'll threw into the nets
an amount Of gold that quito filed the
boat.
| With his wife's help, George carried
the treasure to their cabin; soon after,
they went to the city, bought fine
house, and began TO live like the pros
porous of this world; their son went to
school, and was distinguished by his
assiduitv and intelligence. Amidst
the enjoyments Of wealth, the fisher |
man tried to forget his promise to the |
evil spirit; but 1t would rccur from
time to time, and throw dark cloud |
over his heart, for, as lac saw his young
boy growing up with such good quail
ties, be began to understand that there
was what he had dearest in the world
which the devil desired; wherefore, in.
stead of enjoying the affection of the
innocent child, he rcpulsed him with
horror. The time for fulfilling his IA
tai engagement drew near, and the
prospect chased away all pleasure and
oil rest; voice within was ever pro-
claiming that he had sold his only son
for filthy lucre, and devoted two souls
to hell. Ills son often surprised him
in retired chamber, sobblng, and in
voking Gods mercy with heart'rending
ordinations. and endeavorcd to con
sole him; but the questions and affec.
tionate cntreaties of the youth only in
ere Ased his fathers agitation. Finally,
however, George, unequaled to resist.
ing his childs prayers, revealed the
horrible secret.
The son went Immediately to one of
his teachers, wise and prudent mar,
for advice. After some reflection, the
teacher counselled him to put on an
ecclesiastical dress, place several eros
scs on his breast, and 60 himself bold
ly to the spot where his father was to
conslgn him to the clutches of the dcy.
IL. The youth, animated by firm and
pious resolution, did not hesitate: he
induced his father to describe the place,
and started. The same evening, after
two hours in a gloomy for. !
est, he discovered cabin which seem.
ed inhabited, and, entering, found an
Did woman, of whom he asked hospi'
lality for the night.
81 would grant it willingly" she re-
piled, "but | fear you would not be
safe here. | have twelve sons: who /
are ferocious robbers; if they see you,
they will put you to death. Still, if .
you wish to stay, will try to hide you {
from them"
The young traveller accepted this ,
and his hostess concealed
HIM IN her oven. The robbers arrived
soon after, and, suspecting theprcsencc {
Of stranger, demanded him of their
mother, who in vain strovc to dissimu' /
late the visit she had received; and at !
last, after obtaining a promise that
they would spare her guests life, she
brought him forward. The youth told
his history with the utmost simplicity, !
and the brigands burst into shouts of
laughter at the folly Of the poor boy,
who was going, in innocence Of heart,
to tnd the retreat of the devil. As ,
they knew the way, they taught him
the most direct path, and even offered
him guide. mistaken by their jests,
the young man resumed his pcrilou.
journey the next morning. AS he
started the old woman said to him: III I
you reach the devil, ask him what
must be done in cxpiation of his crimes
by man who has murdered and rob
bed many persons; and if you escape
the danger which threatens you, to
bring me the devils answer, for wish
my sons to renounce their wicked life,
and, if possible, become honest men"
81 hope that God will have mercy
on me- replied the lad; "if can bring
You the answer, you shall surely have
One Of the brigands conducted him
to cavern closed by an iron door, and
then fled away. The youth knocked ,
boldly: the door rolled on its hinges
with loud noise, and he saw legion
Of demons whirling around like clouds
Of bats. At sight Of him, with his re-
ligious vcstments and osscs, the &C
cursed beings uttered yells of terror .
and rctreated; then returned to abuse I
and threaten him. He firmly ordered
them to summon their master, declar'