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

towards the captain, and speaking 10 a
low, cautious whisper, 'none that pass
this way ever return"
"Indeed ! what kind of road is it be-
tween this hostelry and the mex! stopping
place :"
"Very lonely aud desolate."
"Infested by robbers, eh 2"
81 believe so, though my uncle assures
travellers that there is no danger"
"Who is your uncle-the landlord 2"
"Yes; | am his niece, Bonita, if you
please, sir"
"Wbether please or motifs more than
I can say, but you please me, my pretty
/ Bonita"
He,eaught her quickly around the waist
drew her upon his knee, aud imprinted
kiss upon her cherry lips. The girl freed
herself from his embrcce and retreated in
confusion, but she did not seem very an
CRY at the liberty the soldier had taken.
1t was something to be handsome Cap
tain even in those days.
Tie sound of approaching wheels DOW
attracted their attention, and light trav-
cling carriage, drawn b. two horses and
driven BY postillion, and accompanied
By four outriders drove up to the hostelry.
4 The attendants opened the carriage door
and young man in the handsome uni
form of Papenbeim's Dragons jumped
out and assisted an elegantly attired young
lady to alight from the carriage They
we're the Baron Ravensburg, Colonel IN
the Imperial service, and his sister, the
Countess Adaial.
The landlord, who had returned from
the monastery, welcomed them and con.
Quoted them into the hostelry, while two
rough looking hostlers took charge of the
carriage, The cut riders stabbed their
own animals
The Captain had observed all that had
passed with very attentive eye. He had
expected a much larger escort The la
dy was without maid, and the Baron
had but Eve attendants and yet the
landlord told him there was no accommo-
dations. There was something wrong.
The Baron came in from the hostelr7
followed By Bonita, bearing fresh flask
of Rhenish.
Good evening; Captain" be said ,cour.
teously, touching his plumed beaver with
graceful action which bespoke the fn-
ished cavalier, perhaps you will do me
the favor to drink this flask of Rheuish
with me?"
! with all ny heart" answered the
captain cheerfulIy; mine is empty"
The Baron seated himself on the bench
and Bonita placed the flask and cups be-
fore them.
Stay! p cried the captain, as she was
going how many monks are there ID
yonder convent, my pretty Bonita 2"
Twenty think captain, she answered.
Thank you; that will do"
She vent into the house. The Baron re-
garded the Captain attenti7ely. His
question about the monks seemed to sur
prise him.
DO you think Of retiring from the
world, Captain" he laughiDgly inquired
"and taking up your abode in yonder
monastery"
Il? faith, not Il" He filed the cups
in that careless. of. handed manner which
pervaded everything he did, and raised
bis to his lips. "Your health Baron
Ravensburg-"
You have the advantage of me answer
ed Ravensturg, as he responded to the
toast.
f'Oh! call me Captain Bernard.
81 passed dead horse on the road
The landlord tells ne it was yours. I
also saw the bodies of the msn slain By
you. 4 narrow escape, Captain. Blythe
way, are you in the Imperial service ?"
Il am not To be frank with you, ny
sword is at present at liberty.
"Theu take service with me. There is
something in your appearance that be
speaks the gentleman and the sCldier'and
l like you. There is a Majority vacant
in my regiment which can promise you"
On my word, Baron" returned the
Captain, smiling good humo-edly, "you
do me much honor on so brief an acquaiD-
tance; but We are likely to serve together
in sharp campaign, which is nearer
than you imagine. Whether you or |
shall take direction of the affairs depends
upon yourself after you have heard what
1 have to tell you"
"In Heavens name, what do you mean?"
exclaimed Baron RaVsnsburg,in astonish-
ment.
"Softly-in whisper-there may be
long ears about US. In word, we are in
a den of cut-throats. Yonder old mouas-
ter7 is occupied by band of robbers in
the disguise Of monks. The landlord OF
this hostelry is 10 league With them
They have been apprised of your coming