The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1874-07-10
MI is eIlaneou 8 .
Translated from the French.
THE MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLERS.
BY MISS ANNIE WILDER.

In ancient times, there once lived at
Mannheim young man called Otto, who
was brave and intelligent, but incapable
of bridling his desires. When he wished
for anything he spared no effort to obtain
it and his passions were like the storm
winds, which cross rivers, valleys and
mountains, crushing everything in their
passage. Tired of the quiet life he led at
Mannheim, he one day formed plan to set
out on a long journey, at the end of which
he hoped to find fortune and happiness.
Consequently, he put his best clothes in a
bundle, placed in girdle all the money he
possessed, and started, without knowing
whittier he was going. After walking sew
eral days, lie found himself at the entrance
of forest which extended as far as the eye
could reach. Three travellers had stopped
here, and seemed like himself to bo pre-.
pairing to cross it. One was tall, hcugh-
ty woman, with threatening mein, hold
ing in her hand a javelin; the second a
young girl, half asleep, reclining in char
lot, drawn by four oxen; and the third an
old woeleriru asfa uan5 4l&ith "a Is hqg9asd
or they were acquainted with the forest !;
and on their replying in the affirmative,
asked permission to accompany them, that
he might not lose his way. All three con-
sented and they set out. The young man
soon perceived that his companions pos
sessed supernatural powers; but he was
not afraid, and continued his walk, con-
versing with the three strangers.
They had already pursued for several
hours the path marked out among the trees
when the sound of horses footsteps was
heard behind them. Otto turned and rec
ognized citizen of Mannheim, who had al
ways been his greatest enemy, and whom
he had hated for many years. The citizen
overlook the foot-passengers, smiled inso-
lently, and went on. Otto became very
angry. Iwould give all l possess and al.
most all ever expect to possess, to revenge
myself on the pride and haughtiness ofthat
man."
81 can satisfy thee" said the tall lady
with the javelin. "Shall I make of him q
blind and lame beggar2 You have only
to pay me the price of this transforms
ton"
"And what is this price ?" asked Otto
eagerly.
"Thy right eye"
81 would Willingly give it to be re-
venged."
The young man had scarcely finished
speaking, when the transformation prom
ised by his companion took place, and hi
found himself blind of an eye. He was a
first little surprised, but consoled him
self with the thought that the other wa
left, and that he could still see the misery
of his enemy. Meanwhile, they continued
to march several hours without reaching
the end of the forest, the road constant.
becoming sleeper and more difficult. OttC
who began to be fatigued, looked with en-
Wv on the chariot in which the young cir
was half reclining. 1t was so skillfull,
constructed, that the deepest ruts scarcel,
jolted it.
GAIL roads must seem very smooth ant
short on this chariot" said he approach
ing, "and I should like such one my
self"
SIS that all ~ replied the second tray
eller; ~ can this instant procure you wha
you desire"
She struck with her foot the chariot il
which she rode; it seemed to becom
double, and Otto perceived second equip
age drawn by couple of oxen. Recover
ed from his establishment, he thanked til
young girl, and was about to enter it, whe
the stopped him with gesture. II hay
fulfilled your DESIRE" said she, "but l can
not make worse bargain than my siste
has made. You have given her one @
your eyes; demand one of your arms.
Otto was at first little disconnected
but he was very tired, the chariot was be
fore him, and, as have already said, b
had never known how to conquer his dc
sires so after short hesitation, he accer
ted the proposal, and found himself seate
in his new carriage, but deprived of hi
right arm. The journey continued thu
some time. Forest succeeded forest, an
no outlet appeared. Meanwhile Otto bt
gan to suffer from hunger and thirst. TIL
old woman was walking beside him, an
seemed to perceive it.
"You are sad, my boy" said she; swine
one is hungry, one is easily discouraged
but possess certain remedy against fain
ness"
"What is it 2" asked the young man.
"You sec this flask which l have in m
hand, and carry to my lips" replied til
traveller, sit contains joy, forgetfulness
trouble, and all the hopes of earth. VIII
ever drinks of it finds himself happy; an
l will not sell it to you more dearly tha
my sister, for ask in exchange, only la
of your BRAIN"
The young man this time refused. 1
began to be frightened at these successi'
bargains. But the old woman made hi
!. taste of the liquor in the flask, which a
!, peared to be so delicious, that after havil
resisted some time he consented.