The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-10-31
LEGEND OF THE RHINE.


The Rhine is celebrated for its innu-
merable rnined castles and monasteries
that stand on It's banks, and each has its
history.
Our guide told US of one, an cid monas-
terry near Lingerfeld, which I thought
worthy Of place in my note book. |
give it my own Interpretation and present
It to the reader, hoping it may meet with
approval in its perusal.
During the "Thirty Years War" which
couvulsed Germany, one fine summers
afternoon foot traveller came to the little
hostelrv of the "TraYeler's Rest" which
stood by the roadside on the rivers bank.
His gsr5 proclaimed him soldier. High
black boots were drawn half way up his
thighs, in which q loose pair of breeches
lost themselves, and rusty breast plate
covered his buff leathern ierkin. j broad
leaf low crowned hat, from which single
black feather depened, was pulled low
upon bis forehead. He was armed With
sword and pistols.
There was something IN his martial bear
ing aud firm tread that seemed to denote
the officer. So at least thought the little
sunuY-haired maid of the hostlery who
came forth 10 serve him J.; for she said at
once -
"Whas can I serve you witt, noble Cap
tain 2"
! GA fagon Of Rhenish, and of your best
vintage, mind, and q bit of something to
eat in the first place." answered the SOL
dier, good naturedly chuckliug the girl
under the chm, Ike one accustomed 10
that familiarity; 'and then q bed for the
night"
THE drst can supply yon with; bat
/ the second, l am sorry to say, l cannot" +"
| Il was mans voice that spoke
They had been joined by the landlord of
the hostelry-a short pursey little man,
with fat face and red nose.
"ADd wherefore not" asked The SOL
dier, careIessly throwing himself OF the
Boodeo bench under the tree that shaded
the hOstelry with its branches, whilst the
girl went to the house to procure the re-
treshments he had bespoken
because every room is engaged and l
have not spare bed left. The young
Baron RaveDsburg, his sister. aud their
attendants, will arrive this evening. Their
courier was here this morning to bespeak
the rooms"
. That's unfortunate But I am not
parIicular-I am soldier,as you see-so
give NE bundle Of straw in Cue of the
outhouses, aud that will coutert me-"
"Impossible !" cried the host, with an
alarcity which rathersurprised the soldier
Even as tits IshaIl becompelled to make
some of the Baron's servants sleep ia the
open air. Ny house is but small, as you
perceive aud the Baron's retinue is large.
Ten miles further on there is an excellent
inn. You are used to marching" said
the host with an attempt at RIGHTEOUSNESS
"and the distance will be nothing to YOU"
Excuse NE" answered the soldier,t tap
ping the heel Of bis boot with his heavy
steel scabbard, and all the while subject.
ing his host to a scrutiny of which be was
uncoucious, 81 am not foot soldier; and
in my long marches have been accustomed
to use four legs instead of tEo. I did
not come all the way on foot"
"Where IS Jour horse 2" asked the
landlord, quickly, and with some anxiety
the soldier thought.
"Some two miles from here" he an
sUered carelesslv,
1.-TWO miles from here" echoed the
landlord, "there is DO house there. Why
did you leave him ?"
Simply because he could carry me no
further, and | had not been in the habit
of carrying him. He was dead"
dead p
"Yes. It happened very strangely
These are very troublous times know but
! thought the var had rot invaded this
quiet province, at least | was told so, and
therefore | rode along fearless of danger.
When l came to that little glen with rocks
and woods crested upon either side, L thot
"a natural idea for asoldier-that it was
a capital place sor an ambuscade, snd so
isproved, for / scarcely entered it when
two earbines were fred from the thicket"
"My horse neighed with pain, reared up
and then fell to the earth, carrying me
along with him. l knew that he was
badly burt, for have had horses shot
under me before 30 | quickly spatched