Louisiana capitolian., 1881-09-24
TIE sIxRRA MeR1HA.


displayed than in the following in
stance, which occurred where the|
Sierra Morena rears its head abOvel
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 sim
gle CLEAN of sunshine to scatter, as
it were, the hope OF heaven over theI
gulf of despair. On this spot, faT|
above the haunts OF civilized menu
where the wild winds whistle and
the tempests roar, stand the chateau
ofCount de Rondeville, where the
narrow path leads the traveller round
the mountain summit, and where the
long -practiced mule carries its bar
den in security, though the deviation
of an inch would precip;tate beast
and rider over a precipice three hun
dred feet high. On this spot, perch \
ed 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 foxJ
and to spring from rock to rock With
giant bound after the feet ehamois
constituted his amusements for the
day. At evenings close to open his
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 ostenta- /
tion, and had not q male servant in
his retinue. One young girl, a ma
tive of Estreamadura, aged nineteen,
was selected to attend upon his own
person, and be treated her as his
child. One evening he had been ont
late, and on his return he threw him
self upon couch and sunk into re-
pose.
Dorotiiea. aware that he would
net require her assistance any more,
retired 70 rest, and so did all the ser
wants. About one in the morning a
banditti, at the head Of whom was
Redolph Vascali, long the terror of
Spain, thundered at the gates of the
chateau and soon burst them open.
They tore the menials from their
beds and with horrid impreeations
made them disclose where their little
treasures were deposited, and some
they put to instant death. The noise
awakened the count, who rushed
unarmed into the hall. Rodolph
Vascall seized him by the throat, and
was on the point OF stabbing HIM
when Dorothea, the little maid OF
Estreamadura, entered, bearing a
candle. The robber started at seeing
her. refrained from the blow and loos.
ened his grasp. The fine form oi
Dorothea, robed in night attire, ap'
peared as q beautiful vision, or &
spectre from another and a better
world. The work of death was 60
ing on at the extremity OF the hall, ant
over the marble floor streams of BLOOD
flowed.
Stop She cried, "the work o
death, and follow me; you wan
money, and l will conduct you wher
it is TO be had"
What pledge have | for tn,
truth !" said Rodolph Vascali, leay
ing his hold of the count.
"The pledge OF blood-the tie Q
nature-I am th only sister,
1t was so. Rodolph, with com
1aandipg voice. ordered his men t
desist from murder, and to retire
while he compelled the count to 81
down, under q pledge not to rise til
he babe him.
"Recollect,y" said he, "my sister