The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-04-01
FEMALE COURAGE,
HE9gI y nUI.' OR = II gefsI
THE GERMAN HEROINE.

of November, light snow, mingled wit
sleet, was whirled about by the wind
and pierced throug gh every crevice of
little road side inn situate between tb'
Hornberg, and Rotweit, on the frontier
Of the Duchy and Baden. f.. ~.
Two travellers, driven by the bat
weather to the shelter of this humble hos
tclry, we're forgetting their hunger and
.weariness in the comforts of hearty re-
past of smoked beef. The Kissing and
roaring of large stove coDtrasted agree
ably in the travellers ears with the loud
moaning of the North wind without, and
disposed them still more to the enjoy.
ment of the good things within.
The nn-keeper and bis wife had, for
their own domestic, ayoung girl Of Baden
whom they had brought up from child.
hood. Krettrel. for such was her name,
was a host in herself; housekeeper and
maid to her mistress, cook in the kitchen,
valet. de .cbambre to the stray yisitants in
tho one best room, and groom in the sta
ble-the hardy, active, and good humor.
ed German girl fulfilled all the duties u.
sually shared by large establishment oi
servants. - r --.-.,-
Ten o'clock struck and the travellers,
having finished their supper, drew nearer
to the group which had collected around
the stove. Father Koffkirch, the minis.
ter, their host. and some neighbors who
had entered by chance. The converse
tion, turned on the fearful and murderous
events, of which tho neiahboring forest
had been the scene, and each one had h is
own story to tell, surprising the rest in
horror. Father Koffkirch 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 robbers
quite chef dceuger in its way. The
scene Of the legend was little more than
a gunshot from the inn-door; it was tra-
dition, unfortunately, but an ancient glib
bet, which still remained on the identical
spot, gave to the narration q gloomy We
racity, which DO one dared to question.
This place was, in truth, made formida.
bic throughout the province as being, it
said, the rendezvous of troop of bandit
ii, who held there every night their mys.
terious meetings. All the guests were
still under the influence of the terror
which the story of Father Koffkirch had
caused, when one of the travellers before
mentioned offered to bet two ducats th at
no one dared to set off at that moment to
the fatal spot, and trace with charcoal
cross on the gibbet. The very idea of
such proposition increased the fear of
the company. A long silence was then
their only reply. Suddenly the young
Krettcl. who was quietly spinning in
corner, arose up and accepted the bet,
asking her masters consent at the same
time. He and his good wife at first re-
fused; alleging the loneliness of the place
in the case Of danger, but the fearless
damsel persisted, and was at last suffered
10 depart.
Kre,tel only requested that the inn
door should be left open until her return;
and taking a piece of charcoal to prove
On the morrow that she really had visited
The spot, she walked towards the gibbet.
When close beside it, she started, fancy
ng she heard noise; however, after
of hesitation, she stepped for
ward, ready to take to fight at the least
langer. The noise was renewed. Krettel
ellistened intently, and the sound of
,orse's foot struck upon her ear. Her
error prevented her at first from seeing
,ow near it was to her; but the next mo-
ne ut she perceived that the object of her
ear was fastened to the gibbet Itself
She took courage, darted forward, and
raced the cross. At the same instant I
be report of pistol showed her that she
lad been noticed. BY movement swif;
Is thought, she unloosed the horse, leap
ID on the saddle, and fed like lightning
She was pursued, but redoubling her
peed, she reached the inn yard, called
,ut to them to close the gate, and tainted
away. When the brave girl recovered,
he told her story, and was warml y con-
on her courage and presence
If mind. All admired the horse, which
vas of striking beauty. A small leather
'alise was attached to its saddle; Father
Kofkirch would not suffer it to be open.
ID except in the presence of the burgo-
MASTER. CgtGIaH Il gt5 9ssClE3
C. On the morrow, which was Sunday, the
his wife, their guests, all Set
,ut to the peighboring town, where they
Intended after service to acquaint the
with the last evenings ad
Krettel, left sole guardian of
be house, was advised not to admit any
me until her m master's return. Many a
,oung girl would have trembled at being
eft in such a situation, but this young
ervant-maid having watched the party
disappear, fearlessly set about her house
,old duties. singing with light heart and
. clear voice some pious hymn which her
lind mistress had taught her,
An hour had scarcely elapsed, when
here came knock at tue outer door, it |
sas .. traveller ON horseback, who asked |
cave to rest little. Krettel at first re-
used; but on the promise of the cavalier