Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1858-04-16
The WEAVER OF NAUMBuRG
the TriumPhs Of NIeckness.
CHAPTER VII.

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silent, each occupied with the bitter tria
they had just undergone in parting will
those they loved. Schelle was the first t.
recover his speech. He stopped, ,strctchs,
himself out, and then said, looking abou
him: at is truly high price l hay,
paid for my freedom: yet l do not repen
it. l would rather 60 and face the enemy
than pine away between four bare walls
even if it cost me my life. 1t is better tc
suffer death as ambassador, than to b,
hanged as malefactcr Between twt
evils, one must choose the least. Bu
have the Hussites really hearts of stone
and not Of flesh? Huss, whom they make
their war cry, was not, they say, in hi:
lifetime, ferocious man and the apple
generally falls near the tree. One mus,
try to take them on their weak side. That
is what l shall do"
Neither Muller nor Wolf said single
word in reply to Schellc's chatter box o b.
servations.
"Let me consider" continued he, talk.
ing to himself, "what would be the worst
they could do with u.s. Split our skulls,
perhaps, or run US through with their
lances, or strike US down with hatchets, or
burn US alive, as was done to Huaa him.
self. 1 wonder if should have the cour.
age to sing, as Huss is said to have done,
in the midst of the flames Or perhaps
they may wish TO torment US little for
their own amusement. should not much
like that !"
"Do be silent, ,Schelle v'cried the school
master, shuddering. "Why should you
set yourself to torture US with imaginary
horrors, at the very time when courage
and tirmness are most necessary to us?'
"Well l did not mean it ILL.," answered
Schelle: 81 rather thought that if ono
represents thing as worse than it is the
reality will be less terrible. But I can
talk of something else to shorten the way"
"Alas !" sighed the schoo.master ooh!
that the way to the enemy we're but SO
long that it would take whole lifetime to
leader" said tho unwearied Schelle; "a
very extraordinary name. Rasus comes
from raving But Prokop-wbat that
means l can not guess; and am q good
guesser too"
M fear" said the schoolmaster to Wolf,
who had not spoken word, "that Schelle's
tongue will do US moro harm than good
with the enemy. But there they are May
Providence defend u.s."
"There are the man eaters" groaned
Schelle, turning pale and hiding himself,
behind his two companions, who walked
boldly forward until they touched tho
points os the iances Of troop Of soldiers
forming the vanguard of the Hussite army.
"Standr r' cried trooper, who could
speak the German language, "or the cold
steol must make a nearer acquaintance
with you than you will like"
"If one only were dog muttered
Schelle, his teeth chattering with terror,
~ would run, I know, as far as my legs
could carry mel?
"Conduct US to General Prokop," said
Wolf, calmly. awe are delegates from
Naumburg, commissioned to treat with you
in tho name of our city"
"To treat W cried soldier in derision.
"The mice are coming out Of their holes
to t.eat with the master of the house J!
Creep to your nests! Back with yOu!'
awe shall not 60 back, returned Wolf,
calmly and firmly, "until we have fulfilled
our commission. 1t is not you who have
to decide the fate of Naumburg, but Pro-
kop your commander. Announce our pre-
sence to him, therefore, land our intentions,
if you may not at once lead US to him."
"What daring language cried another
trooper. "Give him the point Of your
lance, to stop his staggering"
The Bohemian addressed, accordingly
pointed the lance against VOLTS bare neck.
He stood as steady and firm as rock, with
out the least sign of terror or alarm! The
trooper lowered his lance, and said laugh
ing "The fellow shows courage l like
that ~
Muller now stepped forward and said
tTs Uffo Muller known among you! He
is my brothers son. If he is near, pray
call him, and tell him that We are here.
have understood that he is Of some con-
sideration with you, and he will doubtless,
speak a good word to your commander for
his native town."
The troopers looked at one another, and
conversed together for while in the Bohc'
mian language. The three men were then
directed to walk up to the camp, accompa-
MED by some of the soldiers, who, after
many delays, conducted them at length
into the presence of the dreaded chief. lie
was sitting in his tent, surrounded by his
staff; and as the Naumburgers approach
ed, he turned his head and looked at them,
saying in harsh voice, "Who are you,
and what do you want Z"
All Schelle's boasted courage had cvap.
Grated long ago. He was quite incapable
Of speaking a word. The schooimasteI