The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-08-07
Tho Auueduct of SegoVia.

sro firmly bound together, as if Tor cterni-
ty, although without mortar and cement.
The spring which supplies this aIucduct
with water takes its source in the noun
tains of Fucutria, situated moro than three
hours drive from the town. From this
distance, though it be, the pillars and M-
chcs begin, rising higher and higher, I'M
til, towering fur above the gablc-cnds OF the
houses and tho hill Of Segovia, they at
length offer their refreshing gift to the in
habitants Of the town upon the great square
Of ST. Sebastian. In lhc last OF these cnor-
nous arches there is one single stone want
ing; ;;and tho legend relates that the hand
of man cannot succeed in filling up his
gap. Tho whole construction OF this splcn-
did a1ucduct marks SO stupcndous q con-
ccption, that in former times it was looked
upon rs work of supernatural power. 1t
has delicd for two thousand years tho rava-
ges Of time, and from generation to genera
tion the following legend Of its origin has
been handed down
There lived once at Scgovia pious cler-
gyman, who hal adopted and brought up
in his house the daughter Of an unfortunate
sister of his, who had long been dead.
Martha hatl.to attend to tho household af-
fairs, the kitchen and the washing, and to
do everything herself without tho assistance
of maid-serYant for the good priest
shared his slender income SO literally with
the poor, that he was obliged to be as econ
omicial as possible in his own home.
In those times there was not single
spring i'll Scgovia, and the Inhabitants were
forced to take n two hours walk in order
to fetch water into town. This was a
great task to Martha for, Notwithstanding
the fatigucs of day spent in active en-
ployment, she had every evening to wend
her weary way to the mountains Of Fucn-
fria, with one pitcher upon her head, and
the other under her arm, to bring water for
the following days use. Nevertheless, she
liked to have her rooms always clean, and
to have tie neckhandcrchicts and collars Of
the worthy pastor beautifully washed.
One evening, after warm and fatiguing
day, Martha was particularly inpatient and
detected at this task. "Ah !" said she.
thouglitlessly. "F would give my very soul
If l had not to run so far every day to fill
these pitchers afresh with water"
"Done ! Agreed suddenly exclaimed a
finely-tone voice behind her. She started,
and, on looking around, she beheld an eIe-
gantly dressed gentleman, smiling rs he
contemplated her. Tho last rays of the
evening sun beamcd through the small
window in the kitchen, and poor Martha
fancied that the velvet mantle ofthc strang-
er shone blood-red.
She was at first terrified at the unexpec-
ted appearance of the gentleman, and not
being able to understand how he could
have come there, but as her visitor had
nothing terrible about him, and wore a hat
and sword like cavalier Of rank, she
took courage and said, smiling, "lcs, so be
it, ifthese pitchers are filled with spring
water, without my having TO move them
from this spot. am much too tired to-
day! ~
"'lis well, my Child !" replied the stran-
Ger. You shall hear from me again"
And with these words hc bent over the
large stone pitchers Which stood Oh tho
ground, then Disappeared rs suddenly as ho
had come.
When Martha was alone she Lccarnc I'M
easy, and she reflected seriously upon the
words which she had uttered in Jest ut
WAS very wrong ofmc,' said she, ashamed
OF herself "ono ought not TO jest Oh such
subjects. Who could tho strange gentle
man have been : wonder if hc has called
TO sec my uncle E"
She was about to taEo up her pitcher and
set of along the wcll-known road, but she
started OIL pcrcciving that the jugs were al
ready filled to the briln with pure, clear
water.
"LorI Of Heaven !" cried she, in great
anxiety, "if that man really were the prince
Of hell, and ! have promised him my soul
merely. because | was too lazy 10 do my
duty :! What have done, ll,oughtlcss be-
ing that am ~ And sho Lid her face in
her hands, and wcpt bitterly.
In tho anguish Of her heart SHE related
tho mattor to her uncle he was shocked
in the extreme: At length, however, lie
said
.rake courage, your tl,oughtlessness,
shall not draw you into the power of the
wicked one Pray TO God for help, and
forgiveness Of the sin which you have com
mitted, unfortunate girl Then with
loud voice summon into your presence tic
Prince of darkness. shall rsnain pear
you, and support you p
With fear and trembling Martina did as
the old man commanded her, and immedi-
ately the stranger appeared in the, room
bnt this time he was not dressed in silks
and velvets, nor had he sword by his
side. lie looked rather like a bricklayer,
and hold spade in his hand.
"What do you want with me 2" asked
he,. impatiently;"I have fulfilled your
wish, and need not serve you further"
The pastor at this moment stepped for
ward from the shadow of the door, and
said in solemn tone
':1have word to speak to yoa, for the
soul Of this child, which you seek to win, is
confided to me-. Who has given you pow
er over her p
, "Heraelf y answered the stranger severe
''She Is still young, and has no will of
her own yet, declared the pastor:
"Not at ALL" wss the sneering reply
"the girl has had teaching and religious in
struction enough, and knows right well the
meaning Of what you term SIM
The good tpH man shuddercd; and
made tho e;yD <ffdo o.o,s b,k &I,o 6o,J