Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-07-08
Che family Circle.
A Strange but True Story from Switzer
land

tains in the eastern part of Switzerland.
The scenery around is perhaps neither
so grand nor so magnificent as it is in
many other places but the peacefulloveli-
ness of this valley had not been sur passed
by anything l have seen yet.
Tourists do not often 90 in that direc-
ton. Glaris is rather like a violet con-
cealed in the grass, which, when once
discovered is doubly charming, from the
modesty with which it has hidden its
sweetness.
My story has, however, nothing to do
with the scenery, nor even with the town
of the present day, which | might call al
together new creation. / would rather
refer nv readers to Glaris as it was ten
years ago.
1t was then, as have already mention
ed, cheerful little hamlet, elevated to the
rank of town from. its being the chief
place of the Canton of the same time.
Its inhabitants were simple and true
hearted, industrious and opulent, and, |
think may add the most hospitable peo-
pie in Switzerland.
One night, however, fearful! night =
was to end all the peaceful happiness of
its inhabitants.
People went to rest as usual, some COM
mending their souls to God, others trust
ing themselves carelessly to the chance of
waking up to another morning light.
Midnight had struck some time ago,
when the town was suddenly alarmed by
the cry of Fire. In moment every
body. able to lend helping hand, was on
the spot friend and foe, forgetting every
thing else, labored and struggled with the
wild element to stop its further progress.
The burning house was a small building
in the centre of the town. How the fire
began was never rightly ascertaned; it
was believed ut the time that the impru-
dence of II servant was the principal cause
of it,
| However, rs the house was small, and
help was so quickly ut hand, everybody
hoped the fire would soon be put out; but
Il greater danger was approaching where
no one was expecting it.
In the midst of the confusion Il roaring
sound was heard in the distance, coming
nearer and nearer, and the horror stricken
people heard but too distinctly that the
/ greatest of foes, the Fohn which no hu-
man power can arrest, was rapidly APP
preaching.
| The Fohn is a very warm south wind,
which blows at certain times of the year
across the Alps. Whenever it can find ac-
cess, it has the strange popularity that ii
not only kindleS fire, but draws it, | might
say with magnetic power. When, there
| fore this wind is known to approach, all
/ tho fires everywhere are put out at once,
/ so as to prevent accidents. which would be
sure to happen if this precaution We're not
strictly observed.
But now. who will put ont in a mo-
ment's time the fire of Il burning house?
1t is impossible. In spite of all efforts,
the giant approaches with rapid strides.
/ 1t blows with It's usual violence over the
fiery pile, and throws furiously right and
| left the burning splinters over the unfortu-
nate town. Each spark kindleS a fire, and
in less than IN hour the whole town is
bathed in a sea of flames.
From every surrounding village, and
from distant towns even, help is sent with
ont delay But all in vain; the clements
will have their prey, and will not let it 90
until it is torn to pieces and utterly de-
stroyed.
1t was Il fearful sight. and vet how glo-
riouS, That beautiful valley around. only
few hours ago wrapped in cloak OF
darkness now lit up with almost celestial
splendor; and those stately mountains
with snOw-white SUBMITS, glowing like a
high altar. on which earth offers up its
sacrifice of thanksgiving to the God OF
Heaven, and looking down in proud COM
posure on the misery below.
Thus the night went on, the morning
dtwned, and the sun arose in AL his glory,
rs if he neither knew nor cared for the
scene of destruction which his brightness
displayed to the sight of man.
Ct ~
wreck ana ruins One single night had
dwellings: AMI its helpless inhabitants
could only look on it in silent grief. or
wiring their hands in silent despair. Little
or nothing could be saved; the great ca
lamity had come so suddenly that there
was no time for anything but hasty flight.
And yet-is it possible? One solitary
cottage rises from among those smoking
ruins All else around is burnt to the
ground, but this one house stands firmly
there, As if it had been protected by more
than human hand.
1t was, indeed, Gods own almighty
hand which had saved and guarded it.
And why should that house be so peculiar
ly favored? 1t is wonderful story which
answers this question, and it runs thus:
had very faithful servant, and to reward
him for his good services. his master built
him house, where he might dwell with
his wife and chill. He also he,pad him
J to little independent business.
| &c Years went on, and the servant was
taken i'll; his business was neglected, for
his wife had enough to do with taking care
of him and her household, and wnen the
poor man recovered from his illness, he
found himself so deeply plunged in debt.
that he found no prospect before him bat
to stop payment, and perhaps even to be
sent to prison.
In his great distress he remembered
his kind benaf,ctor, and, however reluc-
tant he was to take advantage of his gen
crosby, yet for the sake of his wife and
child he resolved to go to him and tell him
all his troubles.
| The rich man received him kindly, and
gave him ut once Il sum of money which
was more than enough to satisfy his credi-
tors, and to that he added another sum of
equal value to set up his business again
Deeply moved by this great generosity,
the servant thanked him with tears in his
eyes, and vowed in his heart from that
moment that if ever his benefactor were
in need of him, and should it be at the cost
Of all lie possessed and at the peril of his
own life, he would stand by him AMI never
forsake him.
And now in this fearful night his faith
fulness was put to the test. The fire was
raging everywhere around, the rich man S
house did not escape; on two sides it had
already begun to burn, and he was lying
sick, old and infirm. on his bed; no one
was near him, for no one had time to
think of anything else but saving his own
life
In this helpless state he quietly and pa
tienily awaited the fate which seemed in
exitable. Already the flames were begin
ming to enter his room, and still no one
came to his rescue, when suddenly the
door opened, and in another moment the
E.ifhf,,l cnrrunt xunS b1r his side IL, LEE