Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-02-04

1t was in the year 1892 towards the close cf Ncvem
Der, slight snow, mingled with seet, was whirle
about by the wind and pierced through every crevic
OF little roadside inn situated between Hornberg
RottWell on the frontiers of the ducby Of Baden.
Two travellers driven by the bsd weather to the shel
ter of this hoselry were forgetting their hunger anC
WEAKNESS 10 the comforts of hearty repast OF snok
beef Tie kissing and roaring OF large contrast
ed agreeably in the travellers ears with the loud moap
ing of the north wind without and disposed them still
more to the enjoyment OF the good things within
The inn keeper and bis wife had for their only do
mesc, young girl OF Baden, whom they had brought
up from childhood Krettel, for'euoh was her noms
was host in Mrself; bousekeeper ard maid to mis-
tress cook In the kitchen TO the stray
vsitantsn the best room, and groom in the stable
the hardy, sciVe, and good -humored German girl
fulfilled all the duties usually shared By large estab.
thment of servants
Fen O'Clock struck and the travellers having finished
their SUPPER drew 10 the group which had COL
ected around tie sove-Father Hatfklrcb the miois-
ter, their host, and sCme neigEbOr5 who entered by
chance. The conversation turned On the fearful ard
murderous OF which the neighboring forest had
been the scene and each one had his story tell
SURPRISING tie rest in horror. Father Hofkirch was
among the foremost in terrifying his audience by the
recital of different adventures all more less tragica
The worthy Ia her had just Gshed horrible story OF
robber chef d0cuUe in its Way. The scene OF the e
gend Ii tie thar gun shot from the inn dOnI
it was tradtton, unfortunately but al ancient glib
bet wnch still remained on the identical spot gave
dared to qurstiou his place wAs truth, made for
mdabe 'nrougho the province as being, ii ead
t. reid OF troop OF bal ditti who held there
every night their mysterious meetings. All the guests
were still under the influence of the terror which the
story of Father II f&rch had d, when Of the
travellers before mentoned, Cfe cd bet two du ats
at 90 dsred to set e at that moment to tbe ia
tai spot, and trace with charcoal the gibbel
be very ideA OF such proposition lncreas I'd the fear
OF the company. A long silence their only reply
Suddenly The young kettreI, WIS qlielly spinnng
the corner, up and accepted the het asking her
mss er's consent at the same time He aud bis good
wife first refused alleging the loneliness Of the place
Gaze OF danger but the fearless damse persisted and
was at last suffered to depart
krettel only requested that the inn door shonh be
lett open until her return and taking piece OF Char
COAL 10 prove on the that she hid really visit
ed the spot she rapidly walked towards the gboet.-
When close beside it, she started, taDcyng she heaId
o noise however, after moment OF hesitation she
stepped forwad ready to take fight at the least
ger The poise renewed krettel listened intent
y and the sound of horses loot struck up her
Her terror prevented her at first from seeing
il to hers but the next moment che perceived that
the object OF her fear fastened to the gibbet Itself
She took courage, darted forward, and racehe
At the same instant the report of pistol slowed her
that she bad been uoticed. By a movement swift as
thought she unossed the horse, leapt tie saddle,
and fed like lightning. She pursued but,
doubling her speed she reached the barnyard, called
out to them to close the gate and tainted away When
the brave girl recovered sGe told her stCry, aud
warmly congratulated on her courage and presence OF
mind. All admired the horse, which OF striking
beauty. 4 small leathern 7ase attached to the
saddle but Father Hofkrch would not sGder it to De
opened, except 10 the presence Of the bug master
On the morrow, which wes Sunday, tie inn-keerer,
his wife and his guests, all set OF to Ghe neigbboIing
town. whtre they iut Med after service to acqnain nt
burgomsster win their last eVenlngs adventure -
Kreel left sole guardian of the house. advised not
to admit any one until her MASTERS return Many
girl would bave trembled at being left IN such sItua
zion but this young servantnsd, having watched the
party disappear earlessy set about her household du
ties singing with light heart and clear voice,
pious hymn which her kind mistress had taught her.
An hour had scarcely passed by, when there came
knock at the outer door it was traveller on horse
back who asked leave to rest for little while. Kret
tel at first refused but, the promse OF the cavalier
tbet be would only breakfast and depart she agreed to
admit him. The stranger wished himself to take his
horse to the stable and remained long time examn-
ing and adming the noble steed which bad arrived
the previous evening in a manner so unexpected
While breakfasiDg he ssked many questions about tie
inn and its OwDers Inquired whose horse bad attracted
his attention much and, IN short, acted 30 success
her late adventure and ended by confessDg that She
was all alone. She felt Immediately vogue 3ense OF
having committed some imprudence, tor the stranger
eaned to her with singular attention. and seemed to
take geater interest than culosiy In what she Was
saying.
at last after few unimportant questions, the traveller
desired the servant girl TO bring him bottle OF WlEe
Krettel rose to obty; but, on reaching the cellar
found that the stranger had followed her, and turning
round che saw the glitter OF pistol bar die through
his vest Her presence OF mind failed her rot at THIS
CT tijica moment When they reached the foot OF the
steps, she suddenly extngushed the light, and stood up
close against the w2 the man, utterng imprecaons,
advanced a few stcps, groplng h!s way. hrette
prCfttipg by this movement renounted the STEPS
40 ,le and nojseess clOsed and frmy b0ed the door
upon the pretended traveller and then barrcaded her
se secure n an upper chamber there to await be mag
t RS arrival.
Krettel had not been many minutes enscoaced 10 Der
retreat when fresh knocking resounded at the Inn
door, and she perceived there two Unlocking men, who
asked her what had become OF Traveller who tad been
there short time before From their dtecrpton OF
his appearance the young girl immediately DIS oVered
that the person sought for the stranger whom She
had locked the cellar nevertheless, sue thought II
most prudent to make no admission On the subject -
Oa her refusing their qest open the door, the two
men threatened 10 scaleLne wall The poor girl trem
oed With fear her courage was nigh ueserttg brr
for she knew thty could eas accom- psh their pr ect
by means oil ths iron balls fixed TO the W1do"s OF ht
lower sory In ihia perpextty kretle looked arou
her spd her eve fell upon Dasket winch hung from
the wall, relic of her masters younger dAys oat
seiz it, and loin:ing the muzzle out OF me "uoo",
cried out that she would FIRE on the ct man who at
TEMPTED to ascend. T1e two robbecs--ior tuch they
we're could longer be dJubted-srnck dumb OF the
sight of firearms Wuere, Exp cling resistance, they
had brought 10 weu pons and coutouudrd by such in
repidity vent eway utterlng he most earfu menaces
and voWng return greater force 10 spite OF Ee
terror our heroine renamed firm at her post An hour
p.ssed away in this critical position. a last the gri
perceived ber and hs trlenCs coming 10 sight,
scoumpaned by the nurgomaster and sOme .th, ers
The brave Krettel rushed the door, and heI Tear
amounting almost despar gave place 10 the HVeest
oy To the wonder and admiration OF all, related