The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-04-17

we proposed Walking 10 hClaHuScCh
and see the place, and then take the
steamer from there. The morning was
clear and crisp, making the walk pleas
ant exercise; and then it gave us an
opportunity to see much of the peas
ants and their customs. Now and
then we would pass group of rosy
checked girls on their way to market,
with large baskets of vegetables which
are always carried on the head. They
wear short, stout skirts, heavy shoes,
and are generally bare-headed. Be-
sides these there were squads of peas
ants with tremendous baskets strapped
to their backs, starting for the vine
yards which cover the hill-sides. The
way these vineyards are arranged is
quite peculiar. The hills are too steep
for the vines to grow on the slope; so
they are divided into terraces, sup
ported by stone walls, and approached
by long flights of steps. In some
places it is quite dangerous to gain the
summit. There was so much to take
up our attention that we hardly real
lied the distance we had travelled until
Rolandseck appeared in the distance
1t is quite pretty place, but of course,
the ruined castle is the principal at
traction. And after climbing the hill
we seated ourselves on the ground
where we could gaze on the dreamy
landscape, and listen to the guide as
he related the interesting legend con-
nected with the ruins
At the close of a beautiful spring
day many years ago, as Count Roland
was journeying down the Rhine, he
came in sight of the castle Drachen-
burg. "The wall and pinnacles of the
extensive castle glittered in the gold
of the declining sun. The heat of the
day had yielded to refreshing GOODNESS;
the focks returned to their folds; the
fatigued vine-dresser to his hut; the
fisherman, counting his booty for the
day, drew his boat to the bank, and
not breath rutfied the smooth water
This peaceful picture made an unusual
impression on Rowland and as he had
messages for Herbert, the owner of
the castle, he crossed the river and was
warmly welcomed by the host. The
next day he was presented to Hide
gumlis, the beautiful daughter of Her
ibert, and was so charmed that his
visit heightened into weeks, and it was
quite evident that he was in love.
The course of love ran smooth until
message came from Charlemagne bid
ding him hasten to the frontier to pro
tect the country from the invaders.
He could not refuse, so with many
tears the lovers parted. Roland passed
through many battles safely, but in the
heat of the final one was struck down.
Many friends saw him fall; and the
news of his death spread quickly, even
to Drachenburg, where Hildegundis
was anxiously awaiting the result Of
the battle. She was almost paraly lysed
with grief, and after few weeks re-
solved to leave the world; and the
convent on the island of Nonnenwerth
received her as a novice. Shortly
after, she took her irrevocable vows
One dismal, cold night in November,
Herbert was seated alone in room
of the castle, when the door opened
and Roland stood before him. 1t
seems he fell senseless in the battle,
but was not killed; and his servant
carried him to shepherds hut, where,
for months he lay very i'll. and it was
long before he was able to travel.
When told the fate of Hildegundis