The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-08-31
The Mysterious Travellers.

LII MySUGI1OuS lidFClICIS.
In ancient times there lived at Man
helm q young man called Otto who was
brave and intelligent, but incapable of
bridling his desires. When he wished for
anything, he spared no efforts to obtain
it,; and his passions were like the storm
winds, which cross rivers, valleys and
mountains, crushing every thing in their
passage. Tired of the quiet life he led
in Mannheim, he one day formed plan to
set out on long journey, at the end of
which he hoped to find fortune and hap
piness. Consequently, he put his best
clothes in q bundle, placed in his girdle
all the money he possessed, and started
without knowing whittier he was going.
| After walking several days he found him
self at the entrance OF forest, which ex-
tended as far as the eye could reach
Three travellers had stopped here, and
seemed, like himself, to be preparing to
cross it. One was tall, naughty woman
with, threatening mein, holding in her
hand 3 javelin; the second, a young girl,
half asleep, reclining in chariot drawn
by four oxen; and the third, an old woman
in rags, and with haggard air.
Otto saluted them; inquiring whether
they were acquainted with the forest; they
replied in the affirmative; he asked per-
mission to accompany them, that be might
not loose his way. All three consented,
and they set out. The young man soon
perceived that his companions possessed
supernatural powers; bu. he was not afraid
ard continued his walk canversiDg with
the three strangers.
They had already pursued for several
hours the path marked out among the
trees, when the sound of horses foot
steps was heard behind them Ottoaurn
ed and recognized citizen of Mannheim
3 who had always been his greatest enemy
g and whom he had hated for many years
The citizen overlook the foot passengers
smiled insolently, and went on. Otto be-
came very angry Il would give all
possess, almost all I ever expect to pos
sess, to revenge myself on the pride anc
t haughtiness of that man" 4
/, 7"I can satisfy thee" said the tall lad!
e with the javelin. Shall make him I
t blind and lame beggar? You have onl!
D to pay me the price of transformation
!, 'And what is the priceH asked Otto
s eagerly. a4
/ Thy right eye.'
} Il would willingly give it to be reveng
t ed.' -i5 ls
e The young man had scarcely finished
e speaking, when the Transformation prom
s ised by his companion took place, and b.
e. found himself blind of on eye. He wa
lat FIRST little surprised, but console(
himself, with the thought that the othe
was left, and that he could still see tn
e misery of his enemy. Meanwhile, the
t, continued to march several hours withou
reaching the end of the forest, the roa,
constantly becoming sleeper and more dii
Ifcult. Otto, who began to be fatigued
looked with envy on the chariot in whic
the young girl was half reclining. 1t wa
!. Iso skillfully constructed, that the deepes
. . ruts scarcely jostled it.
y .All roads nust seem very smooth an
:: = short on this chariot said he approach
= ing, 'and 1 should like such an one m
= SELF 7s 19'2slhs
: is that all?' replied the second travel
= Ter: 4 can this instant procure for 20
- - whatyou DESIRE
y She struck with her foot the chariot i
+" which she rode, and Otto perceived sec
y ond equipage, drawn by couple of blac
= oxen. Recovering from his astonishmen
= he thanked the young girl, and was abou
= = to enter it, when she stopped him by ges
- ture. i have fulfilled your desire,' sal
W she; .'but I cannot make worse bargai
than my sister has made. You have give
her one Of your eyes-I demand one
your arms.'
Otto was at 6rst little disconcerte
but he was very tired-the chariot WI
~ before him, and as I have already said,
- !. had never known how to conquer his d
= sires; so, after a short hesitation, he a
icepted the proposal, and found himst
seated in his new cerriage, but deprive
,e of his right arm. The journey continue
Sc thus some time. Forest succeeded fores
It's and no outlet appeared, Meanwhile, OF
Id began to suffer from hunger and thirst
to The old woman who was walking besi
It, him, seemed to perceive this a..a 2 g
I'd "s'Yous are sad, my bey,9 said she; 1Awh