Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-07-24
MISCELLANEOUS,
THE CHARCOAL BURNER OF ROU
EN-.

Not many miles from the city of Rouen
in France is located wild and somewhat
extensive forest This wood Is chiefly in
habited by charcoal burners-and many
&re the dark legends in which they figure.
OF course, these tales are most exaggerated,
and in most cases have no foundation at all
During the year 1888, however, several
travellers, whose way lay through this for
est mysterious!y disappeared The whole
place was secured, ahd the inhabitants Wig
orously examined, but no clue was obtain
ed, and they were dismissed. For several
months after this, 10 travellers were missed,
and finally the public excitement was al
layed. 1t is at this time that the incidents
related in this sketch occurred.
1t was fine day in early autumn,
and the woods presented beautiful appear,
ance The birds were gaily singing, and
the rays Of an aiteruGoIi sui were gliding
the tree tops. Ia the very heart of the
forest surrounded 10y the leaps of smoking
earth, stood one Il {hgse burners. he was
a splendid specimen of man as far as
physical proportions are concerned fully
six feet in height, and stout in proportion.
His broad shoulders might have contained
the strength Of Here lies. His head was
large and covered with shaggy mass of
hair, and his features were decidedly re-
pulsive His eyes were large and covered
with bushy eyebrows He had altogether
cruel and malevolent appearance.
As we introduce him to the reader, he
was leaning upon a large axe, apparently in
listening position, The road ran by the
place he was standing, but he could not see
far along it on account Of sudden turn, a
little distance from him. The clatter of a
horses hoots, however, could be plainly
heard, and in few minutes horse and ri
der came in sight. The new conner was a
small and active looking man, and from his
dress was gentleman we'll off, His eyes,
unusually keen and searching, were
bent upon the charcoal burner in such a
manner that the latter completely quailed
| before him.
a fair day, my good man. said the
! horseman, in the easy manner Of one speak
/ ing to an inferior.
Excellent, Monsieur, for one of my
trade rlb5e not the broiiing suns of sum-
mer, nor yet the bleak winds of winter
Since you are so nicely suited, | sup
pose you are what 80 few are in this world
happy
You say truly, Monsieur-few, few in
deed are truly happy. There is no happi-
ness without contentment'
And are you content !"
At times, | think but when see the
nobleman riding by in his coach and four,
rolling in riches, with servants to obey his
every wish, aud have to toll hard by for
my daily bread, l cannot help thinking
that God is sometimes unit
sAnd do you never think of appropria-
| ting these superfuous riches to yourself2'
FWhat does Monsieur meanf trRst
that no thought Of disobeying alike the
laws of God and man ever enter my mind.
II meant nothing; it was merely an idle
question; but / did not stop to talk thus,
but to ask the way to P. It's getting
late, and I must be on the move
IF Monsieur is in hurry, can direct
him to P in about half the time,
II shall be much obliged to you, my
friend:.'' T a -.
'"'"This road begins very near gay home,
which is about half mile further on. You