Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1858-04-01
THE BRIDE OF DEATH.
A LEGEND OF SWITZERLAND.


sunset in one Of the most mountainous re-
gions of Switzerland. I had lost my way
and was vainly seeking the path by which
II had come, in order to return. just then
the moon. rising1like silver crescent from
Lake Zurich, threw pale glimmer on the
icy SUBMITS of the distant glaciers. By its
light I discovered what appeared to be the
path I sought I walked hastily, that ]
might soon reach the village where I intend.
ed to pass the night.
The solitary gloom around me made me
redouble my pace as descended from noun.
tain to mountain, and scrambled from rock
to rock as well as the darkness would per-
nit. After slipping down half dozen
times, and encountering various difficulties
I felt-pretty we'll used up, and discovered
that had lost my way;
Hoping that some solitary cottage would
perhaps afford shelter to lost and weary
traveller. I toiled on, though not without
great danger Impenetrable lodges extend
ed before me like dark clouds; trees that
had existed for ages stood single and erect,
like spectres, the moon shooting her pale
rays through their moaning branches. A
deathly shudder run through my veins
After long and fruitless wanderings stray
ed into small footpath, over whose sides
hung huge masses of rocks which threaten
ed every moment to crush me by their fall.
After long and tedious walk I reached
sudden bend in the path which led to a
deep ravine, Beyond this huge noun
tain loomed up in the distance. AT the
foot of it appeared hut in which light
still glimmercd To cross over to it was
simply impossible; one false step, and ]
should be dashed to pieces in the abyss be-
meath. To reach it by any other road was
out of the question for an endless chain OF
Jagged cliffs stretched out like barrier be-
fore me.
Compelled, therefore, to decide on re-
naming for the night in the open air, I
tried to find some place where I could sleep
without risking my life by "a fall into the
yysvning c4hasm beneath. Ny valise serv-
ed as a pillow, and as the moon now shone
brightly l could see by my watch that it
was near midnight.
I was tired as dog, and soon fell Into a
slumber, from which was aroused by the
sound of footsteps I listened, but all was
silent. I began to think it an illusion, and
was just composing to sleep again, when I
heard a voice close by me singing.
The tones were those of a young girl, and
the trembling accents seemed to proceed
from a heart oppressed by sorrow [ rose
softly, and discovered that she was kneeling
on the ground gathering plants, which she
placed in basket beside her. In answer
to the question whether she could not direct
me to some hut where I could pass the night,
she very kindly pointed ont that of her pa
rents, the one that had previously noticed.
We soon reached mountain torrent, a
cross which was hanging bridge. She
glided lightly over it; and when at short
distance from the hut, I inquired. care
you not afraid to be out alone in this wild
place at this time of night?''
''Oh, no! my heart feels no fear. It is
for my William. who is dangerously i'll
and in the hope of saving his life I would
remain out all night in far more lonesome
and dangerous place.
''But why gather these herbs at mid
night % inquired, in surprise
Because they have not SO much virtue
when gathered at any other time."
''And why not?"
Because their spirits are abroad at no
other hour
During this conversation we reached the
hut. A light still burned dimly in the
room-the same which had seen on the
rock. The girl fastened before me to
speak to William The old man whom
I had seen at the window came out to meet
me. His countenance inspired me with re-
spect. Frank and honest. like true
Swiss, he pressed my hand, and with ex-
pressions of sincere regret that he could not
entertain me better than as the inhabitant
of poor Swiss canton, he led me into a
small but neat room. An old woman with
silver locks sat at table, reading the bible
with deep attention On my entering the
room she removed her spectacles, arose
slowly, tottering towards me, held out her
trembling hand, and bade me welcome
At the further end of the apartment. on a
bed, lay young man. He had not observ-
ed my entrance, neither could I see his face.
for the girl was covering it with kisses while
she laid the flowers on his heart
After while she raised herself from the
bed of the invalid, took me by the hand,
and led me to him. He was remarkably
handsome, with fine, expressive eyes and a
noble countenance. He held out his hand
to me, looked at me long time without
speaking, and then pressed the poor girl to
his heart
As I had formerly paid some little atten-
tion to medicine, l tried to find what was
the matter with him but he evidently tried