The Benton record., 1877-10-05
Selected Story.
RETRIBUTION.

Among the lofty Carpathians, where they
mirror their stern and solemn beauty in
the clear waters of the Waag, linked to-
'gether in long chain, like the giant guard
ians Of the fair valley at their feet, may be
seen a detached and sterile rock, almost
inaccessible, totally devoid Of vegetation,
I and leyelled by he rapid river, which hur-
ries from beneath its heavy shadows to
dance again in brightness in the sunlight
beyond.
The Count Stibor was as brave as he was
! lhghborn, and riches had poured in upon
him, until he had become one ofthe wealth
I iset pab1oe in tho anan;ra IT changed that
one day he hunted with a great retinQe
1 among the mountain Businesses, and glori-
Gus was the report ofthe gallant hunt. The
ight-footed chamois an7 antlered deer, the
fierce wolf and the grizzly bear, were alike
laid low, when, as The sun was about to
set, he formed his temporary encampment
on the pleasant bank Of the Waag, just
where, on the opposite side ofthe channel,
the lone and precipitious rock we have de-
scribed turned aside the glancing waters.
The heart Of Stibor was merry, for the
sport had gone well throughout the day,
and when his rude tent was raised, the sa-
worry stea1a ofthe yenison and the sparkles
ofthe wine-cup frightened his humor, and
he listened, with smile upon his lips, TO
the light salIies Of the joyous company, as
they talked over bis fortunes in the chase.
Hear me, said the magnificent noble,
during transient pause IN the converse.
ton. III seem to be the only hunter ofthe
day to whom the sport has been without a
Gemish It's true that all your misfor-
tunes are.ligbt enough, bat will cast no
shadow upon my joy; and, therefore, to
compensate you for these alleged nishaps,
each Of you is free to form wish and, if
it be within my power to grant it, pledge
my knightly word that it shall be fulfilled. =
AmUrmur of admiration ran through
The astonished circle, and the work Of
ambition soon began. Cold was tie first
thing asked for--for avariee is ever the
most greedy of all passions, and then
revenge Upon my enemy-for human na-
ture will often sacrifice personal gain to
and then power--authority-
ralo over their fellowmenE the darling oc-
mpation and privilege Of poor, weak, self
mortals. III short, there was
no boon within the reach Of reason which !
had not been asked and promised, when
he eye ofStibor fell upon his Jester, who
ras standing apartplaying with tEe tassels
If his vest, apparently uninterested in the
o5iect which had made ali around him
eager and excited.
And thou, Snave, " said the noble, hast
&oa nothing to ask? Thou must bestir
tyself or thy master will have little to
give"
Fear not, fearnot, replied the fool
The claimants have been courteous, for
they have not touched upon that portion
ofthy possessions which Z covet. They have
esmanded gold, blood, dominion, the pow
Gto enjoy themselves and torender others
sFetched they are welcome to all they
0ant. | ask only for stones"
4 loud laugh rang through the circle.
Stones, Betzko f. echoed the astoaished
Sabor. "Thou shalt have them to thy +
saarts content, where and III what shape
lhop wilt
! take thee at thy word, Count stibor.
Will have them yonder on the crest of the
ooid rock that stands aut like q braggart,
'aFng the foot ofman, and ia the shape Of
! good castle, in which may hold MY
SH0' should need be, was the unlocked
Or reply.
s,s5 thou hast lost thy chance, Bratzko,
'''sa voice, amid the universal merri