Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1857-02-24


were traversing before
And noticed that his cheeks became
quite pale, and his lips somewhat tremu-
! lous.
What is best to be done?" said fai-
tering.
Z" Remain here for a moment. while I
cross and see if there is not another path
if there be, and 1t prove narrow, as at first,
then it must be the one we have lost. If
not
He paused and his eyes met mine.
IF not" said l, with a terrible sense
of impending evil.
If not" he resumed with thrilling Ell
ergy, . then let come what will, this path
must be followed"
He left me, but soon returned, shaking
his head
We must 90 on" said he sternlv.-
" This track may lead to Berse, and it
may bring up at Sauvergne. Let us on
however, in Gods name"
| was too agitated to make any obser-
vation III repl y, and we walked on. Our
lips were silent but our eyes, as they
wandered round on every side, proclaimed
the terror that was fast driving away all
courage from our breasts.
Our excitement put fresh energy in
our limbs, and ere long we were in the
very heart of the forest. At this mo-
ment, we discerned ahead, and advancing
towards US, the dim outline of a human
form.
Look we'll to your arms" observed
my companion. still keeping his eyes on
the approaching figure. We know not
who this may be-"
4 am prepared for the worst but
look" | exclaimed, as we neared the
stranger, there can be no danger in him,
his dress is that of a miller"
1.-The dress is no authority for the or
thodoxy of the wearer,' returned my COM
panion, in a low tone. ''Be cautious, he
is here"
We were rapidly approaching the
stranger.
"Ho, neighbor,' cried my companion,
hailing him, q Is this the road to Berse g"
Z" You will be there in an hour" re-
piled the man, running his eye over our
persons.
" At Berse g
"Ay, ay, good man, at Berse. It's
only an hours travel. Keep right on
:" What cheer is a man like to meet at
Berse 90
" The best, good man, the best. You
will meet the best hotel at the edge of the
forest, to be found in forty miles"
" What is the sign 2"
The White Wolf" replied the man.
" Thank you, neighbor, thank you.-
Good day."
& Good day, gentlemen, good day."
We passed him and, pursued our jour
ney.
Not word passed between us till we
had left the miller a long way behind
" What think you of him now," said
my companion IN low voice.
= / do not know what TO think But
you-you are somewhat familiar with this
section Of the country, and should under
stand It's manners and It's customs. Tome
there seems a something in the mans
manner and language, which while l can
not define 1t, strikes me with alarm. He
IS no miller; or if he is, he is one accus-
toned to mIngle above his fellows"
" You are right" said my companion,
musingly, " he is no miller. He is too
intelligent for that His language is
above his character"
did you notice any similarity be-
tween his voice and that of the strange
one, that uttered those harsh mocking
words, a while back g
g It did not strike me; did it you!"
g Family. 1t was to test It that | hail
ed him 50 loudly at first. There was a
heaviness IN the tone of his replies that
fell upon my ears ringingly, like the
other"
But whom do you supect him to be 2"
Hush not so loud. These trees
around Us are aged, and their trunks are
large. There are large rocks scattered
around US, too. For heavens sake be eau
tious, and have your trusty weapons ready
at moments warning. If we are III he
tolls, our eyes had better be about u.s."
IF there be danger, let Us turn back"
Ny companion laughed derisively.
No" said he bitterly This path
does or does not lead to Berse. If the
former, the man we met is honest. We
shall be there in an hour at the farthest,
and all is well, if the latter, and the mil
Ter is knave, refecl-he is between us
and Lergue TO cut off our retreat"
But we are tWo,-
Hush, if he be what my fears suspect,
rely upon II, he is not alone. As have
said. remember that we are travelling in
a forest whose trees are old, and whose
trunks are large and hollow enough to
hide a thousand foes. There are rocks,
TOO, with cavities. Remember that
The forest darkened as we advanced.
Night is coming" continued my COM
panion.
8" We must hasten faster, or we shall
be los.."
''Hark 2"
"Is that thunder?' inquired.
mo" replied he, who it visibly agta-
ted; :" 1t is the warning cry Of an out
post WOLF