Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-08-01

egdreRent?'@ said he, struggling his should
| ers.
aWho knows?" said Trina; "the Evil
Spirit is there in his kingdom"
"Have l said the contrary But what
matters it ? for eleven years I have braved
him in his home. By my head, care no
more for him than the marmot in the rocks.
Listen to what promise: before eight days
are past there shall be on this table haunch
of the emperor which I have just been hunt
ing
This oath was accompanied by a glance
thrown at Freneli which made Ulrich trem-
bic. Then followed long silence, for the
words of Hans were never lightly spoken
he drew to the table to partake Of the mis-
cradle repast which consisted of bit Of
black bread and Door cheese. Turning to the
sculptor, he said, ironically:
'I suppose my cousin has no appetite for
the poor fare of a hunters dinner2'
"Who speaks of poor fare?' interrupted
a voice from the threshold, and Uncle Job ap-
peared with his hammer and tin box. Ere
nell ran to meet him, and the old nan gave
her basket which was hung on his arm.
'Tske care, Nell, my girl," said he gaily;
''it contains neither plants, nor stones nor
butterflies. Open the lid, aud show Hans
what bring"
She drew out successively eggs, smoked
lard, three white loaves, and little bottle Of
Kirschwasser; the hunter, who seemed indif-
ferent to the former, received the latter with
an interection of content
"Ahl ahT' said the old man, Il am glad to
find an open spot in your heart into which
I can send ray Of sunshine. Good day,
Trina; and you, Nell, cook these provisions.
Come, Ulrich, my boy, sit down; we will
sup"
Addressing each in his jovial tone, be in
quired if Hans had been successful, and how
Ulrich liked bis position at Meyringen. For
more than forty years Uncle Job had been
exposed to all the fatigues and perils of these
desolate solitudes in seeking crystals and
wild plants.
Whilst the unconquerable boldness of Hans
found in this grand scenery the Evil Spirit
only, Jobs resigned sweetness saw none but
God. The first was the strength tnat braves;
the second the simplicity which admires;
nothing had troubled the serenity of his
mind youth, in departing, had left a ray of
JOY, as the setting sun leaves a rosy refec-
ton on the white peaks.
"Where have you found all these, uncle p
inquired Ulrich.
''At the Hotel of Lauterbrunnen. This
morning the waiter bought all my crystals
that got from Resenlaui; and yesterday
discovered in a rock, uncovered by the thaw,
n real nest of crystals. It is hidden in the
side just over the abyss; but, with rope, a
a man may reach it; tomorrow I return
there. Speaking of it, Hans, in crossing the
Wengen Alp l saw the traces of chamois
can point out the spot"
'Thank you, know Of others, replied
Hans
"There are a large number, and it is easy
ground for hunting
al do not seek easy ground. Formerly,
suppose, it might have tempted Ulrich."
"You are right, Hans, for it tempts me
to-day" replied the carver. "If you will
show me, uncle, tomorrow I will set of in
search"
"You," cried Hans, rising; "by my life,
do you speak seriously 2"
alt is true" cried the old man, "you will
give up wood carving to return to the noun
tain?'
Tonight l will sleep uuder your roof,
and you shall give me my rife, and show me
| the traces. viii try, at least"
"God be praised !" said the old man; "the
child returns to US. Do you hear what he
will do Trina p
| "The wind carries away words" replied
/ the aunt, coldly; "we must see actions"
! ave shall see we shall see! This very
/ evening I shall pray our heavenly Father to
! encourage him, and bring under his rife the
/ finest emperor of the ehamois"
/ "Tes % cried Ulrich, seizing the old man s
arm. "Ahl ask for that uncle; for such
happiness would give you the better part of
my life"
As Ulrich pronounced these words Hans
surprised look which passed between him
and Freneli. he frowned, and his lips con-
tracted, but said nothing"
Ulrich took leave and disappeared with
Uncle Job, who lived in a neighboring
chalet, smaller and more miserable than
Trinas, the inner walls ofwhich were covered
with sparkling stones, dried plants and
butterflies the owner himself completed the
singularity ofthe picture, in his old fashioned
costume, bis long gay beard, and the white
curls of his hair hanging over his neck.
Long before the dawn appeared, Ulrich and
his uncle were up, preparing the necessaries
for their expedition; the former examined
with care the rife which be had used in his
old days Of chamois-hunting, and having
assured himself that each of the two barrels
had its priming, be covered them with q
leather envelope, and Joined his uncle, who,
in the mean time, had rolled the cord round
him by which be was to make his perilous
descent and put into bis bag the iron hooks
and short lever indispensable 70 his success.
It bad needed all the deep love of the young
man, and the certainty that Trina would only
give Freneli to him who fulfilled the singular
conditions imposed by her, to decide him to
return to an existence which he already knew
50 well no other, indeed, can expose to so
many fatigues, privations and perils.
In spite Of this they began their journey
the sky was still dark, and the snowy sum-
mits were marked out against the faint hori-
zon. The stream of the Lutschine roared in
the valley; the wind surged through the
pines, loaded with snow; and occasionally
the sound Of the ak was heard in the lower
slopes. Job turned to his companion.
al do not like this morning" said be,
eFantastie ehamois, which are hunted in vain
and lead the pursuer to preeipices
/ IA south wind OF Wnirlwind, which In Switz
erland ushers In the early days Of spring