The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-11-19
Mlisrfllausn US.
THE VOW.
A TALE OF LIFE IN SWITZERLAND.

was travelling in the Switzer Ober-
land. The sun was just going down be-
hind the towering Alps, shedding as it
were an avalanche of variegated colors
over the surrounding landscape-cattle
lowing in the distance, seeking their
homes; sheep bleating and wandering
nest. No human beings in view; no home
where 1 might rest that night, and pre-
pare for further explorations of the
wonderful country.
My horse began to slacken his pace.
AT last / saw between the widespread
ing fire what seemed to me chalet.
Smoke issuing from chimney is sure
indication of human life existing. l
rode on and on. My horse, knowing
perhaps the locality, certainly better
than /, seemed to hurry his pace. A
thatched roof came in view. After n
while perceived gate, and soon dis
mounted, TO seek shelter for the night.
1t was secluded spot, certainly. The
| chalet was built with care, heavy stones
preventing its roof from being torn up
by a passing hurricane. The door was
ajar, faint light glimmering through the
opening. I dismounted, fastened my
tired horse, approached the door, gent
ly tapping, and with kind Of nervous
anxiety waiting for the answer.
The door was opened by sturdy wo-
man, facing me with the steady look OF
the real "mountaineer," knowing no
fear, and withal ready to do any service
when needed.
"Can rest here this night ?" l asked
in as good a Berne accent as l could
master.
"Yes, you can, twas the answer" viii.
helm, take the gentleman's horse to the
stable" and boy of some twelve years
obeyed the summons, took my horse
and led it to Il place of rest, giving it
such care as those who know the value
OF horses learn to bestow.
"Sit down and rest yoursalf," said the
stately matron, showing me to large
arm chair, curiously carved, and occu-
pying one side Of the fireplace. "lt used
to be my Whilhelm'S chair" she con-
tinued. "But he is gone. | am lone
ly widow now, and. keep it for the
stranger who happens 20 pass this way.
You are welcome to it, sir, very well
come. Rest yourself-after while |
shall have supper ready"
So saying she weht away, and while |
INDUCED in the luxury of warming
fire, l seated myself in "Wilhelm's
chair" | heard the gathering of pans
and dishes, tokens Of the realization Of
the promised supper | was just philo-
sophizing on the blessedness of primi-
tive country life, when | heard grOan
from an adjoining apartment:
"Karl, Karl! do come do come ~
And after while it was again, "Do
come do come!" There was an earnest
ness in the words which / cannot eX-
press. "KOnlme. oh kOmme !" was the
request. Then followed a grOan,a pause,
and again the pleading voice said, ,"hUt
kOnine! oh kOnlmep
| i ne HldtTOn euteTSu Win supper,
substantial though simple. While pla-
cling the dishes on the table, the groan,
and following, "koDlme, oh komme ~
sounded again. She instantly went
through side door, and | heard her
chiding softly, "Lie6es Kind, sci doch
,reise. Dear child, be sensible) Karl is
far of. Karl may come soon. BE sen
sible, dear child.
But the pleading voice repeated, "KarI
do come! Mother, have the room in
readiness. Mother have waited long
So long. So long so long! Mother,
cannot wait longer! When he comes
mother, all viii be well, My heart il
sick, mother. Come to me, mother
kiss me mother, Why does Karl moi
come ?"
, And 80 il went on till at last the suf
ferer seemed TO be exhausted and in th,
arms of sleep. The mother then cam'