The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-01-20

violent storm were surely abundant.
Along lonely road that was scarcely
wide enough for his steed, solitary
traveller was riding. The forest stretched
out on either side of him. He had been
galloping madly, but the difficulties of
the path caused him to slacken his pace.
The darkness was SO dense that the
man could distinguish nothing, not
even the branches of the tall trees that
reached above him, between earth and
sky, being visible. And the flashes of
lightning only served to blind aud
startle him and his beast.
Surely the traveller was greatly beat-
ed, for 1t was some hours past midnight.
No man would willingly be out at such
an hour with such storm threaten
ing
have lost my way, evidently"
muttered the man, as the path became
more and more difficult.
1t is useless to continue farther in
the course that am travelling"
He changed his course in the opposite
direction.
This change did not better the case
any. The man discovered presently that
he was wandering aimlessly in the
woods. The overhanging branches
brushed roughly against him, and his
horse stumbled over logs and roots. The
lightning flashed more frequently, and
the roll of the thunder became louder
and deeper. Still the storm seemed to
be merciful, for it did not burst upon the
travellers head.
At length the man dismounted and
slowly picked his way along, leading
his horse by the reins of the bridle
The lightning's flashes showed tall
figure, with handsome face and long
red beard. Could it be VictorY
1t was no other.
His horse followed, obedient to his
touch but very slow was the progress
they made. Victor considered that it
mattered little whether he made any
or not, for what could aimless wander
ing in the darkness of q great forest
avail?
"If could only find shelter of any
kind from the coming storm, would
ask no more" Victor muttered to him
SELF
AS if in answer to his words, a light
flashed up before him. His heart bound
ed joyously. Then it seemed as if he
was destined to be disappointed, for the
light disappeared.
"A mere will o'-the-wisp, cried Vic
tor bitterly.
But in moment he beheld it again.
1t was fixed, not delusive iynis .fdtults
to decoy him into swamp or marsh.
The foliage of tree had hidden it from
him for time.
The light was not far away, and, with
an exclamation of relief, Victor con-
tinued toward it. His course was easy
enough, though occasionally the trunk
OF huge tree or low-swinging branches
would hide it from sight,or the binding
light of heaven would dim it till it was
not visible.
When it was apparently but few
rods away, there came a flash which
revealed building that Victor could
almost touch. He felt around it till he
found an entrance at which no door was
swung. Doubtless 1t was new stable;
and Victor led his horse in, the animal
giving whinny of pleasure. Evident
ly, the structure was but few feet
square, and was occupied by no
other living creature. Victor left it,
and walked on toward what he suppos-
ed must be the dwelling house of a
family. He discovered that the light
was shining through small window in
the side of the building. He could not
avoid glance through, into the apart
ment within.
Before fire blazing In an open fire
place was the figure of woman, bowed
low. Her body was moving back and
forth, keeping time with a wild melody
which she was singing in voice uncul-
tivated but clear and musical, and
which came audibly to Victor as he
paused.
Victor judged that the building was
naught but rude hut,as he could see no
furniture in it save rude table, few
stools, and couch. A candle was
burning on the low mantle. Victor
wondered If the woman was the sole
occupant of the hut, but soon discovered
that 1t was not SO, for, as he stood, a
rough door opened, and strange figure