Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-09-11

turning, it was very rare that any one
of them was caught Still more rare
was to find one who would reveal, even
under the severest torture, the names of
any one of the band. The name of the
great chief and leader could not be dis
covered, and most people believed him
to be the devil himself.
Now Castle Sheurendorf stood almost
in the centre of the infested districts, but
up to the time of my story, had not been
molested by the robbers, and the Baron
probably expected to live out a quiet old
age, and at last to die as quietly, in his
old ancestral home. But this was not to
be. One night large fires were seen
from the castle in the distance the next
night others were perceived in another
direction, and it was improbable that the
robbers would leave the neighborhood
without paying their respects to Baron
Won Sheurendorf, however, willing he
might be to dispense with the honor, and
as the third evening set in, the whole
household began to feel their heart beat
quicker than ordinary in their bosoms.
But they could do nothing but wait.
During the early twilight, Madeleine
went out upon the little grassy terrace,
which once had been a bank of the moat,
and sitting down looked over the fields
towards her lovers home. The last fires
had been in that direction, and her
thoughts were perplexed between fears
for his safety, and apprehensions of what
might come in the ensuing night. Yet
there was something in her heart which
told her that her lover was to be with her
soon and though she knew the robbers
would come, she knew too that he would
be there to protect her. It was a strange
mixture Of presentiment, alarm, and con-
tidence. She scarcely could tell whether
she was afraid or not. But she was sure
her lover would come ; for her heart
told her so.
And he did come. The twilight had
deepened into dusk, when she heard stir
in the bushes, and starting up was about
to fly. when her stems were arrested by a
low whistle, and the next moment a tall,
manly figure was at her side, and she
found herself fondly clasped to a breast
heaving with emotion.
Art come, Walter! y said Madeleine,
half disbelieving her very senses. "What
brings thee here Tonight
What but love of thee, dearest P
Fiery VIII has joined the bandits-I
knew him in spite of his mask last night
my home was burned, and my life at
tempted. / know who led the band, and
that tonight they will be here. l have
come to give you warning, and what
protection can"
but my father, Walter?"
He will not repulse me, dear child
for l will tell him frankly what has
brought me hither."
All, Walter,'' said Madeleine, lean,
ing her head on his breast, " my heart
told me Of this danger, and also of thy
coming. l knew thou wouldst come"
i Fondly Walter drew her more closely
to his heart, and in that moment felt him
self fired to thrice his former manhood
For what more exalts a man than a wo
mans love?
But come, Madeleine" we must g
to your father, for no time should be lost
The goats are not wont to be diIatory."
They found the Baron walking to an
fro in his chamber, apparently absorke
in deep thought. He turned on hearin
the door opened, and seeing Madelein
+ with man by her side, uttered an ez
preston of surprise. Walter steppe
forward.
"Baron Sheurendorf," said he, "thoug
the son of your enemy, am your frien,
one who would also be son to you,
you would permit. Nay, hear n
through" he exclaimed, as the Bare
! made a impatient gesture, this vel
:, night may have to prove myself one ,
st "Do you fear the bandits ?' cried IL
e old man, quickly guessing what he NEAR
rs for he was thinking of them himself
to Ido," replied Walter, and then 7
a lated the affair of the previous night
re Baron Sheurendorf heard him throug
le all the while keeping his eyes fixed
at the young mans face, as if to read
nd very soul. Walter endured the ga
th without shrinking, for he was true,
il Here's my hand" said Sheurendo
he at length; q see you already have L
he daughters" Madeleine looked into h
II. fathers face with tears of exquisite jC
Il - -, 90, IL 1,,1- o1J f,-x