The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-03-10
A THRILLING SKETCH.
Female Courage, or the German Heroine.

1t was the year 1882, towards the close ol
November, light snow, mingled with sleet,
was whirled about by the wind, and pierced
through every crevice of a little roadside
inn situate between Hornberg and Rotweit,
on the frontiers of the Duchy of Baden.
Two travellers, driven by the bad weather
to the shelter of this humble hoslelry, were
forgetting their hunger and WEAKNESS in the
comforts OF hearty repast Of smoked beef;
The Kissing and roaring of large stove
contrasted agreeably i'll the travellers ears
with the loud moaning Of the North wind
without, and disposed them still more 10 the
enjoyment of the good things within.
The inn-keeper and his wife had, for their
own domestic, girl of Baden, whom they
had brought up from childhood. Krettel,
for such was her name, was host in her
self; housekeeper and maid 10 her mistress,
cook in the kitchen, valet-de-chambre to the
stray vsitants in the one best room, and
groom in the stable--the hardy, active, and
good humored German girl fulfilled all the
duties usually shared by large establish
ment of servants.
Ten O'Clock truck, and the travellers,
having finished their supper, drew nearer
TO the group which had collected around the
stove. Father Hoirkirch, the minister, their
host, and some neighbors who had entered
by chance. The conversation turned on the
fearful and murderous events, of which the
neighboring forest had been the scene, and
each had his own story TO tell, surprising
the rest in horror. Father Hofkirch was
among the foremost in terrifying his audi
ence by the recital of different adventures,
all more or less tragical. The worthy father
had Just finished horrible story of robbers
quite chef d auuer in its way. The
scene of the legend was little more than a
gunshot from the inn door; it was tradi-
ton, unfortunately, but an ancient gibbet,
which still remained on The indenlical spot,
gave 10 the narration a gloomy veracity,
which no one dared TO question. This place
was, in truth, made formidable throughout
the province as being it was said, the rem.
devious of a troop of banditti, who held
there every night their mysterious meetings.
All :he guests were still under the influence
OF the terror which the story of Father Holl-
krich had caused, when one of the travel
ers before mentioned offered TO bet two du-
cats that no one dared TO set off at that mo-
ment TO the fatal spot, and trace with char
coal cross on the gibbet. The very prop
osition increased the fear of the company
A long silence was their only reply Sud.
denly the young Krettel, who was quietly
spinning in corner, arose up and accepted
ihe bet, asking her masters consent at the
same time. He and his good wife at first
refused alleging the loneliness of the place
in the case of danger, but the fearless dam
sci persisted, and was at last suffered to de.
part.
Krettel only requested that the inn door
should be left open until her return and
taking 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, .iancying she
heard noise; however, after moment of
hesitation, she stepped forward, ready 10
take to flight at the least danger. The noise
was renewed. Krettel listened intently, and
the sound of horses foot struck upon her
ear. Her terror prevented her at first from
seeing how near it was 10 her; but the next
moment she. perceived that the object OF
her fear was fastened TO the gibbel ITSELF
She took courage, darted forward, and traced
the cross. At the same instant the report
of pistol showed her that she had been
noticed. By a moment swift as thought,
she unloosed the horse, leaped on the sad
die, and~fed like lightning. She was pur'
sued, but redoubling her speed, she reached
the inn yard, called out TO them to close the
gate, and tainted away. When the brave
girl recovered, she told her story, and was
warmly congratulated on her courage and
presence of mind. All admired the horse,
which was of striking beauty. A small
leather valice was attached TO its saddle ;
Father Hoffkirch would not suffer it TO be
opened except in the presenceof the burgo'
master.