Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-03-02
gllisftIinn ous Selections.
THE CARRlER PIGEON.
A Legend of the Rhine.

In the days of old, known by the gen
eral term, the middle ages, there dwelt at
a nobleman called the Baron
Won Alterfel5t. As far as stature and
blaa we;t ne was q fine speci-
men of the ancient German nobility. At
the time of niy legend he was pacing the
declivity of years, nevertheless he posses
sed remarkable strength and activity for a
man of his age. The baron was, however,
and successful in his enter
prises. because he was wary in his calcula-
tions. He had received substantial proofs
of the favor OF his sovereign, and did not
fail to exact from those around hlm the re-
spect due to his age, wealth and station
He had within his castle Of Sonnenberg an
inestimable treasure-a priceless jewel
this was his only daughter. Odella. Haughty
and imperious as was his manner to most
persons around him, he was uniformly kind
and gentle when in her presence; indeed,
his rough voice was even tuneful when adj
dressing the bright creature who called
him father But the love of the old baron
had in it certain amount Of selhshnes ;
nc was proud Of his daughter, and if he
1isdained to look beyond himself for hon
1r qualification and comfort, he found so
pleasing and so influential portion of that
elf in the beauteous Odella, that IN lavish
ng upon her the most unbounded affec-
ion and even Difference, he fell into the
ommon delusion, and never doubted but
Q was enriching her with indulgences he
as in r, atty bestowIng upon himself Itwas
OF at all likely that he would see his own
rror so long as the tide of life carried along
le interests Of beth in the same channel.
n obstacle, however, shot into the stream,
A. l11 =,
renched asunder.
The indulgent father all at once became
fierce denouncer exacting domestic
rant. At Wiesbaden there resided a
mily by the name of HerbeTger. Every
ember of this house the imperious baron
semed his mortal enemy. An ancient
i'd, which had been bequeat he'd from sire
son, existed between the Altenfeldts and
Herbergers. Unhappily for my hero
e, as years went on it increased rather
an diminished. Odella fondly hoped to
al up the breach between the two houses.
te had exchanged vows of unfading con-
lncy with FRANKIE Her0ergeT, a scion of q
ce who was so detested by her parent
le lovers held secret meetings, and for a
ne time the Baron was IN utter Ignorance
his daughters fatal attachment. 1t would
I'VE been less painful, perhaps, to him if
had heard the confession from her own
os: fate, however, had willed it other
ise.
OdeIIa, for the first time in her life, was
lwarted by her father in the matter on
hich the happiness of her life depended.
he was peremptoTily ordered to think no
lore OF FRANKIE Herber5er at time when
he could think of but little else. She had
ONE consolation IN the wretched position
i which she found herself. On several oc-
asions she managed to have one OF her
.arrier-pigeons, together with q note, con-
reved secretly to her lover, who each time
'eturned her an answer. written on thin
issue paper, which he adreitly bound
'ound one of the birds legs. FRANKIE Her
berger bid her not give way to despair, as,
sooner or later, he would find the means OF
the angry Baron, whom he de-
3lared would eventually relent Odella
knew too much of her father's indOmitable
will, and his deep set hatred, to ever dream
IF his altering his resolve. Days and weeks
passed over in sad and wearlsome mono
.ony with the Barons daughler, who vain
" strove to catch one faint ray Of hope
through the clouds that lowered over her
head.
During this time Gilbert was not idle
Well used to dissimulate, he pretended to
sympathize with his cousin, while he was
doing all in his power to- widen the breach
between her father and young Herberger.
The following brief dialogue between the
dependent and his superior viii prove how
the former poured the poison
in the ears of the too credulous Baron Won
Il tell you, sir, observed Gilbert, in a
watchtul guardianship, she continues to
receive letters from Wiesbaden; by whom
are penned, you may readily guess. :"
rs she so utterly lost to a sense of her
own duty?" calculated his companion.-
but no, it cannot be. It is impossible" ;"
Il am 10th to pain you, which, certes,
shall if 1 speak the truth, which for many
reasons, it were best to conceal.
''Say what thou knowest without more
ado" said the Baron, with an impatient
stamp Of the foot
.sSince you desire 1t, 1 must perforce
obey. The carrier-pigeon your daughter S
pets, are adroitly used as medium ofcom-
munication between the lovers
'I'n have them destroyedr thundered
forth the Baron Won Altenfeldt, In parox-
ysm of rage. "They shall be destroyed at
once"
s'Be patient for awhile; watch and wait.
Assure yourself that this is the case, and
do not rest content with my bare word. "
sIu never rest content while one of the
brood lives.
Gilbert. with well simulated concern and
anxiety, strove to persuade his kins an to
wait patiently, and not give way to niger.
He knew quite enough of Baron Won
Altenfoldts nature to feel assured no words
of his could turn him from his purpose
Wh1.e tho two were walking together in
close converse, a carrier-pigeon flew over
their heads,
.Dost see yonder bird?" observed Gil
bert, placing his hand on the arm OF his
companion.
Baron Won Altenfoldt raised his cross
how. took steady aim-be was noted as one
of the best marksmen of his day-and the
pigeon fell within tew PAGES of his destroy
er, The latter grew pale with rage upon
discovering a piece Of paper wound around
one Of the legs Of the bird. On this paper
was written the following:
Ct shall be at the trystiDg-place, St Je-
rome's Cross, tonight at nine. dare not
hope to see YOU, but if you can contT1ve tc
send line, or even word, by trusty
messenger. YOU need not be told what hap
piness t would afford to one whose thoughts
are devoted to you.
Hastily thrusting the missive III his douol
let, the infuriated father gave Etterance OF
many bitter invectiyes. aud said with Yenge'
ful looks, He shall not be kept waiting,
Gilbert. The dull pated fool dreams not
OF the honor that awaits him.
what Uould'st thou do?" inquired the
other.
Meet him; meet this audacious scion OF
an odlous and detested race"
''oh, sir, be cautious; let not your choler
get the better Of your calmer Indictment"
'Peace! When need advice I shall saalz
it from my discreet kinsman. observed
the Baron, IN a tone Of irony.
Long before the appointed hour. the
Baron, on that eventful and fatal evening