Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-02-12
Tricking the Devil.

l
The people of an Austrian town prayed
the abbot Of Einicdlin to build them a
bridge, and he advertised for a builder. A
number answered the advertisement, but
when they saw how the Reuss roared and
foamed over the rocks, they shook their
heads and departed. Only two remained;
one was tall, handsome man in black and
the other poor young fellow, well-known
in the country as a clever mill-wright. The
tall man asked the young man. who gave
his name as Christian, if he was the
| architect. The answer was that he had
only built mill-dams, as yet, and he had
studied the project for two days, but
! could make nothing of it. The tall man
in black assured HIM he could make sue
cess, as he would throw an arch simply
| across the torrent and that he would finish
ii in one evening.
''Ah?' said Christian, laughing, "why
you must be the devil"
"At your service" he answered politely
''Now, if you would like the credit, | will
do the work for the consideration that you
sign contract giving me your soul"
y cold chill ran over Christian, and he
was just going to commence his papers
when young peasant girl passed along
the montain, singing a melodiousair The
poor fellow thought of the blue eyed mai
den at home, and thinking the other man
was some architect amusing himself with
his country simplicity, half-afraid, half
laughing he signed the contract in full.
Christian went 10 the cove below and
passed the night. To his infinite horror
he saw the bridge was built and his own
name on it as architect. lie hastened
to Abbot Gerald and besOught his assist
ance, who promised TO do what he could.
Soon after the tall man in black appeared
at the monks house, and saluting hm said:
abbot, you have piece Of my prop
erty here
"Hush!" was the reply; don't waken
the young man; let us talk the matter over.
Come in."
The devil glanced into the room and saw
nothing but an old woman, and in bed at
the other end form which he recognized
for the young millwright's by his clothes.
On taking seat by invitation he noticed a
chess-board on the table and he asked the
Abbot if he played.
"a lIttle," said the Abbot; ''but it is
not worth speaking of. The chief matter
Is you cannot have that yuungster."
''Oh, said the devil, I'VE will see about
that. The contract Is in perfectly good
condition.
at is little care about that" said the
Abbot. ',But the scandal of the thing;
and you know that if | set myself TO work
you'll have tongh time of it,"
''Be reasonable, now,n said the tall man.
III pay you for him."
1.-TWO souls from my parishes, " said the
Abbot, thoughtfully; ats too much"
Two Who them cried Satan.
Abbot Gerald pointed at the old woman.
''Ah, thought the other, Il did not
know that | had claims upon her. But ]
do not mind her much, and always get one
game out of two" He then added aloud,
ON play for both, and that's fair"
''Well don like to be hard, said Alb
bot Gerald, Il agree; but it's dry business
playing chess"
The Abbot called the old woman and or
dered her to sit in a chair by the stove
at is your first move and we play for
this one first"
''After you, said the devil politely.
"By no means, | am at home, " said Ger
aid.
SO the devil took the move, and after a
pretty tough game the Abbot checkmated
him completely.
"You are strong at chess, Abbot Gerald
you have won that one there, and he
pointed to the old woman.
80 you give up all claim, now and for
ever2"
''Oh, honor bright. Would you have
me cheat you after SO much politencss? |
yield every inch. But now for the her"
81 am tired, said Abbot Gerald; Il
think that we will not play any further
I'll give you the other-only take him
quietly"
''You are very courteous said the devil, |
as he walked to the bed ard tapped the
sleeper as he breathed heavily.
"Humph!" said the sleeper
That's not the best of good manners,
said the other; ''get up when l bid yOu!"
and he pulled away the clothes
The sleeper was a great pig, with the
millwright' s clothes ranged about it; and as
Satan turned round, he saw the old WON
an stripped of her mask, and there was
Christian, pale enough but smiling.
That's shabby trick you have played |
me- Abbot Gerald said the devil, ''but |
III batter your bridge again"
TRY it" said Abbot Gerald laughing |
heartily, as the other flew out banging the
door in his rage.
The devil got half way to the place,
when he met the procession returning. |
They had blessed the bridge while the
game of chess lasted, and he had no more |
power over it.
1t was so that Abbot Gerald tricked the
devil.