Louisiana capitolian., 1881-09-20

ECHyuCO OA uikbO oh0 AOA oAses<~O -
virtue were never more strikingly
displayed than in the following in
stance, which occurred where the
Sierra Norena rears its head above
the dark rolling clouds; and where
also nature, in her rudest form, dis
plays to the weary traveller wide
and dreary prospect of barren wilds,
disparted rocks, falling torrents,
gloomy forests Of pines, opening
chasms, and all the dark variety that
makes nature terrible, without a sill
gle CLEAN of sunshine to scatter, as
it were, the hope of heaven over the
: gulf Of despair. On this spot, fal
above the launts of civilized men,
where the wild winds whistle and
the tempests roar, stand the chateau
sfCount do ROndeville, where the
narrow path leads the traveller round
the mountain summit, and where the
long -practiced mule carries its bur-
den in security, though the deviation
of an inch would precipitate beast
and rider over precipice three hun
dred feet high. On this spot, perch
cd like an eagles nest, is the Seat OF
hospitality to be found.
The count, who is lord OF the val
ley below, chooses here to fix his
abode. He is fond of field sports and
mountain scenery; to bring down
the hawk and falcon, to wind the
thicket after the wolf and the fox,
and to spring from rock to rock with
giant bound after the feet chamOis
constituted bis amusements for the
day. At evenings close to open bis
door to the wayworn traveller, to
rouse the fire on the hearth and
spread the table with plenty, were his
predominant delights. Thousands
have tasted of his liberality, and
whenever he visited the smIling|
fields below, the lispings of children
and the benedictions of the aged pro-
claimed his presence.
He passed his life without cstenta-l
tion, and had not q male servant inl
his retinue. One young girl, a ma
tive Of Estreamadura, aged Dineteen,|
wss selected to attend upon his own
person, and he treated her as his
child. One evening he had been out
late, and on his return he threw him
self upon q couch and sunk into rel
pose.
Dorothea, aware that he would!
not require her assistance any more;
retired to rest, and so did all the SER
wants. About one in the morning al
banditti, at the head Of whom was|
Rodolph Vascali, long the terror of
Spain, Numbered at the gates of the
chateau and soon burst them OPEN
They tore the menials from their
beds and with horrid imprecations|
made them disclose where their little
treasures were deposited, and some|
they put to instant death. The nOise|
awakened the count, who rushed
Nnarmed into the hall. RodOlphI
Vascall seized him by the throat, and
was on the point of stabbing him.
when Dorothea, the little maid of
Estreamadura, entered, bearing al
candle. The robber started at seeing
her, refrained from the blow and loOs- !
ened his grasp. The fine form of
Dorothea, robed in night attire, ap-
peared as u beautiful vision, or a
spectre from another and better
world. The work of death was 60
ing ON at the extremity of the hall, and
over the marble floor streams of blood
flowed.
"Stop," she cried, "thc work of
death, and follow me; you want
money, and l will conduct you where
it is to be had"
"What pledge have for thy
truth i"said Rodolph Vascali, leav-
ing his hold of the count.
"The pledge Of blood--the tic Of
nature--I am thy only sister,"
1t was SO. Rodolph, with COM
manding voice, ordered his men to
Aesist from murder, and to retire,
while he compelled the count to sit