Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-05-28
5clecteo MlisfclIanp.
THE VOW.
A Tate or Life i'm Switzerland.

I 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 blesting and wandering to
their folds birds returning to their nests.
No human beings in view; no home
where I might rest that night, and pre-
pare for further explorations of the won
derful country.
MY horse began to slacken his pace
At last 1 saw between the wide spreading
frs what seemed to me chalet. Smoke
issuing from chimney is sure indication
of human life existing i rode on and on
My horse, knowing perhaps the locality,
certainly better than l, seemed to hurry
his pace. A thatched roof came in view
Alters while perceived gate, and soon
dismounted to seek shelter for the night.
1t was secluded spot, certainly. The
"chalet" was built with care, heavy
stones protecting its roof from being torn
up by passing hurricane. The door was
aiar, p faint light glimmering through the
opening / dismounted, fastened my tired
horse, approached the door, gently tap
ping, aud 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 ?" asked,
in as good q Berne accent as l could
master.
"You can" was the answer. evil
helm, take the gentleman's horse to the
staole;" and boy of some twelve years
obeyed the summons, took my horse, and
led it to the place of rest, giving it such
care as those who know the value of
horses learn to bestow
"Sit down and rest yourself" said the
stately matron, showing nae to large
arm chair, curiously carved, and occupy
ing one side Of the fireplace. "It used
to be my Wilhelms chair" she continued.
"But he is gone am lonely widow
now, and keep it for the stranger who
happens to pass this way. You are wei
come to it, sir, very welcome. Rest your
self; after while | shall have supper
ready"
so saying, she went away, and while l
INDUCED ia the luxury of warming fire,
seated in Wilhelm's chair" I heard the
Gathering of pans and dishes, tokens of
was Just philosophizing on the blessedness
of primitive country life, when heard a
groan from an adjoining apartment:
"Karl, Karl! do come do come |"
And after while it was again, " Do come !!
do come |" There was an urgency, a
pleading earnestness 10 the words which
cannot express. "K0nanae oh konamae ="
was the request. Then followed a groan,
pause, and again the pleading voice said ::
Kart, konanae! oh, k0mnae !"
The matron entered with a supper, sub
stantial though simple. While placing
the dishes on the table, the groau, and fol
lowing, Konanae oh, komm,e !" sounded
again. She instantly went through side
door, and then l heard her chiding softly
"Lei6ss kind, SCI dOch soeiSe. Dear child,
be sensible. Karl is far off, Karl may
soon come. Be sensible, dear child"
But the pleading voice repeated: "Karl,
do come. Mother, have the room in readi
ness Mother, | have waited long. SO
longi so long, Mother, [ cannot wait
longer. When he comes, mother, all will
be well. My heart is sick, mother. Come
to me. mother; kiss me, mother. Why
does Karl not Gomez
And so it went on till at last the suffer
er seemed TO be exhausted and in the arms
of sleep. The mother then came out and
said:
Excuse me, sir, my daughter is i'll
very i'll. The doctors have given her up.
She cannot live. No, she cannot live! !"
And then her strong nature gave way,
and she wept bitterly.
What is the matter?' said I, when she
recovered from her deep emotion.
Pining away, sir" she answered,
"piniug away. Four years ago her be-
trothed, brave and handsome young man
said to her 'Trudchen, am off for Amer
lea There can make fortune, and then
come bsck to marry thee. Here it is mis-
cry and: endless labor karl, said Trud
chen, better poor with thee, than rich
without thee. We have COWS and goats
and we can make living. Why leave
me and risk thy life and mine. For, truly
Karl. love thee, and without thee / can
not live But the young man was STUB
born, sir, as most of our young noun
taineers are; he laughed, and said within
four years he would be back and marry
her. The four years are up this very day
For month she has been fading anC
fading away. A slow fever seems to un
dermine her. and only one thought keeps
her alive Karl is comingl He said foul
yearsl Karl is comingr
And it is to day just four years since
he left?' l asked, touched by the mothers
woe.
"Just four years." said she. "The frs