Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1863-11-04
Our Story GGIIfr.
The Inn of RoueIle.

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receive HIM, and, having given his horse
to the stable-bey, he ordered dinner
He was shown into the best room in the
house, and the busy hostess set about
preparing the repast. In a few min.
utes another traveller, also on horseback,
stopped at the inn, and also ordered din
ner.
1 am very sorry that cannot accom-
mOdate you sir, said the hostess; but
everything we have in the house has
been bespOkeu by gentleman who arri-
we'd few minutes before you
Go up stairs, said the traveller, and
tell your guest I shall be obliged to him
if he will permit me to share his dinner,
and will defray my portion of the o1-
pense.
The hostess delivered the message to
the first traveller, who politely replied,
Tell the gentleman 1 shall be glad of
his company, but that it is not my prac-
tice to accept payment from persons that
I invite to dine with me.
The second traveller accordingly went
up stairs, and having expressed his ac-
acknowledgements for the kind reception
he had received, they both sat down to
the table.
The dinner was as cheerful as could be
expected, considering the short acquain-
tance of the parties; but during the de-
sert, when some excellent wine was pla-
ced before them, the conversation became
more unrestrained, and the second trav-
eler ventured to ask his obliging Amphi-
tryOn what had brought him to that part
of the country, where he appeared to be
stranger2
I have been ordered here he repli-
ed, by the Cardinal
By the Cardinalr resumed his COM
paniOn. Pardon my curiosity, sir, if 1
inquire whether you have given his EN-
iuence any offence?'
By no means, replied the first trav-
eler; and it is only to free myself from
any such imputation that 1 have come
here. The fact is, there has been pub
lished at Rochelle, my native town,
virulent satire upon the public conduct
and personal character of the Cardinal,
several copies of which have been ad-
dressed to the King, and though I never
in my life wrote a single word that has
appeared in print, I am unjustly accused
of being the author of this pamphlet.
Nothing obtains such ready belief as the
Whisperings Of folly and ill-nature; and
1 have, therefore. lost no time in obey
ing the summons of his Eminence, in the
hope of efectually refuting the charge
that is brought against me.
Sir, said his companion, with an ex-
preston of marked anxiety, return
thanks to Providenc for the fortunate
accident that introduced me to you to-
day. I also hSe been summoned hith-
er by the Cardinal, and for no other pur-
pose, I am convinced, than that of be-
heading you
A thrill Of horror passed through the
frame of the parson to whom these words
we're addressed.
Yes, sir resumed the speaker, my
task would have been to behead you. l
am the e1ecutiOner of a neighbOring town,
and whenever the Cardinal has a secret
act of vengeance to perform, I receive
orders to repair to the castle. The par
ticulars l have just heard you relate, all
convince me, beyond a doubt, that you
are marked out as a victim. But fear
nothing; will secure your escape. Or
der your horse instantly, and go with me.
I will acquit myself of the debt of graft
tude which your courtesy has imposed
upon me-
The horror and alarm of the poor trav-
eler may be more easily conceived than
described. He instantly ordered the
horses to be saddled, and having paid
the bill, he and his companion set out,
taking a private way through the wood
of Bertrand
Do you see, said the guide, as they
approached the castle, that grated win
dow which almost reaches the crannies of
the central turret? In that dungeon,
sentences, against which there is no ap-
peal, are pronounced and executed, and
the mutilated bodies of the victims are
hurried in the moat below, where they
are speedily destroyed by quicklime. Ne
gleet not to observe my instructions
Conceal yourself behind that hedge, and
if within the space of an hour you see a
light glimmeFing at the window which I
have pointed out, then you may conclude
that ! am ordered here 70 execute ven