Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-06-16
Select Oale.
FEMALE COURAGE
OR THE
&c R M A N He R 0 N {

IL WaS the year 1907, towards the close OF
November, light snow. mingled with sleet,
was whrled about by the wind, and pierced
through every crcvice of little roadside inn
situate between Hornberg and Rotweit, on
the frontiers of the Ducby of Baden.
Two travellers, driven by the bad weather
to the shelter Of this humble hosterly, were
forgetting their hunger and WEAKNESS in the
comfort of hearty repast of smoked 5eef.
The Kissing aud roaring of large stove con-
trasted agreeably in the travellers ears with
The loud moaning of the North wind without,
aud disposed them still more to the enjoyment
Of the good things within.
The inn-keepcr and his wife had, for their
own domestic, young girl of Baden, whom
.hey had brought up from childhood Kret-
trel. for such was her name, was n host in
herself housekeeper and maid to her mis-
tress. cook in the kitchen, yalet-de chambre
10 the stray visitans in the one best room,
and groom in the stsble-the hardy, active,
and good humored German girl fulfilled all
the duties usually shared by a large establish
ment of servants
! Ten O'Clock struck, and the travellers, hav-
| ing finished their supper. drew nearer to the
group which had collected around the stove
! Father Hoffkirch, the minister. their host,
! and come neighbors who had entered by
chance The conversation turned on the
| fearful and nIurderous events, Of which the
ueighboring forest hal been the scene, and
each one had his own story to tell, surpas-
sing the rest iu horror. Father Hoffkirch
Was among the foremost in terrifying his
audience by the recital Of different adventures
all more or less tragical The worthy father
had just finished horrible story of robber:
quite chef d carer in its way. The scene
of the legend was little more than gun
shot from the inn door; it was q tradition
! unfortunately but an ancient gibbot, which
still remained on the identical spot, gave t.
the narration gloomy veracity, which n
one dared to question. This place was, il
truth. made formidable throughout th
province as being, it was said, the ren
devious of troop Of banditti, who hell
there every night their mysterious meetings
All she guests were still under the infuenc
of the terror which the story of Father Hoff
kirch had caused, when one Of the traveller
before mentioned offered to bet two ducat
that no one cared to set off at that momen
to the fatal spot, and trace with charcoal
cross on the gibbet. The very idea of sue
a proposition increased the fear of the com
pany. \ long silence was then tLeir opi
reply. Suddenly the young Krettel, VIII
was quietly spinning in a corner, arose u
aud accepted the bet, asking her master
consent at the same sine. He and his goo,
wife at first refused; alleging the loneines
Of the place in the case of danger, but tn
fearless damsel persisted, and was at las
suffered to depart.
Krettel only requested that the inn doc
should be left opeu until her return; anu ia
king piece of charcoal to prove on the NOR
row that she really had visited the spot, sh
walked towards the gibbet. When clos
beside it. she started. fancyiDg Bhe heard
noise; however, after moment of hesitation
stepped forward, ready to take to fight at tn
least danger. The noise was renewed
Krettel listened intenhy, and the sopnd of
horses foo: struck upon her ear. Her terro
prevented her at first from seeing how nes
it was 10 her; but the next moment she per
ceived that the object of her fear was fastene
to the glbbet itself She took courage, dar
ted forward, and traced the cross. At th
same instant the report Of pistol Shove
her that she had been noticed. By move
rnent swift as thought. she unloosed the horse
leaped on the saddle, and fed Ike lightning
She was pursued. but redoubling her speed
she reached the i'm yard, called out to then
TO olcse ths gate, and fsinted a~sv. Whel