The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-11-26

InTce years Itu elapSeu, anu W re-
cruit from severe duties, was again on
the road up the Rhine to Basle, thence
to Berne. My trusty horse, the same
one had before, trotted nimbly over
the steep and rocky pathway that led
to the home of my friends of Wettcr-
bruner.
No, had not forgotten them. Often
l had thought of them-thought of the
brave natron, of the sturdy Karl, OF
the angel form laid out for the grave.
And when in sight Of the snow-capped
mountains, could not help thinking
of the spot where l had left SO much
sorrow, and so much true and simple
hearted faith in God.
1t was noon when / reached the little
village, true specimen Of ancient Swiss
neatness and thrifty industry. l alight-
ed at the only inn, but which bore the
impressive sign Of Tells Hof. The
hostler who took charge Of my horse
seemed pre- occupied. 1t was week
day, yet he had on evidently his
Sunday suit. He was polite us ever,
and said while got off, "Ach, der Herr
konn't Gum .tesee"(Ah, my Lord comes
to the festival y
A little astonished, asked him what
festival?
"Ach ja!" said he in a hurry, "you
are stranger;I forgot, ,"and off he went.
entered the large apartment which
served as common reception room, in
America called the bar room, but there
very different. Clean End well-ventila-
tod, the smooth floor slightly sanded,
the windows adorned with pretty fiow-
er- pots, here and there picture Of
Tells wonderful performance, the CEN
tral part occupied by the stately hans
rirth, serving wiue and beer to the neat
and rather pretty looking waiter girls,
a3 the guests called for them two or
three young men neatly dressed in their
Oberland costume, carrying Off the plates
and glasses, now and then sweeping a
corner clean, men and women in feSti-
val dress, seated here and there at small
oaken tables, children running to and
fro and playing hide.and seek outside
a crowd of young men and women sit
ting at small tables and pouring now
and then glass Of foaming beer; such
were the principal features that struck
me on entering
twas evidently gala day, aJest tag,
as they callit.
"What Saints day is this?" l asked
of Il young damsel who smilingly step
ped up to me with the usual question
"Mit ,ods keney Ich dienen Z"
"No Saints day but great day, as
sure you, sir stranger"
"What them" said l.
"You must have come far not to
know" answered she, "From where?"
"From Interlachen," said l.
"Ah, that is far, indeed Well, this
Is the Orphans festival! Ach Got you
come just in time. And did not know
it,"
"No," said |. "Tell me what il the
Orphans festival ?"
"Ach der frendea !" she cried with
amazemcnt. "Knowest nothing of it
Well, since a month we spoke OF moth
ing OF it? Well, since IA month we
spoke of nothing else. The Herr Land
amman has built large and beautiful
house, where all the orphans are re-
ceived that can be found in the Ober-
land. A beautiful house it is! And
what crowd of boys and girls neatly
dressed and fed, and taught by PJarrer
Linden And to-day there is great
feast. II is the birthday OF the Amman's
wife. A dear lady she is! And all and
every one is invited, Only think BY
three o'clock we shut up house and haG
and all go there. Not u soul will be
here, Herr stranger. So thou must go
with US"
i said would, and soon perceived all
around me that the topic of converse
tion was the festival the beautiful house,
the generous, liberal Amnidn, who had
BECOME so rich in foreign lands, and was
not proud, but just rs kind and friend
~ as before.
When the appointed time approached
| looked around for Il conveyance, for