The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1883-12-15


In 1914, when the victorious German
troops were on their homeward march,
the little town Of D, on the Rhine,
was so over-crowded with soldiers that
not stable or even shed was to be had
to shelter the horses of the constantly
incoming regiments.
Late in the afternoon Of the 18th OF
August of the year mentioned, COM
pany of dragons reached the town,
The weather was very fine, and not be-
ing able to procure better accommoda'
tion for his men, the commander, Herr
Won s., gave orders to pitch the tents
and corral the horses In an open space
near the town for the night. The rays
of the fast sinking sun shone bright,
In the windows OF the castle that stool
on neighboring hill, causing htfu
CLEANS of light to dart between thu
trees that almost hid the ancient build
ing. The commander did not see tn
castle until after the camp had beei
pitched; then, turning to Outstanding
burgher as he caught sight of the CLINT
ing rays. he asked: "To whom belong
that old castle, and who occupies it p
"Oh, it has stood empty far longe
than can remember" was the answer
"What I" angrlly cried the dragon
"Can you people deny us a single night
lodging, and that monstrous buildin
without tenant ?"
"Oh, no, Sir Com mander, but no on
dares now to go into it. Many foolisf
and adventurous travellers have in I'll
past gone into the castle to renal
over night, but not one of them ev'
returned from it. What became I
them is mystery no one can solve. fC
though numerous searches have bee
made not a single trace Of the mlssin
ones has ever been found-not even I'll
usual dead body. 1t is mystery thu
never will be solved"
"Foolisnness foolishness l'' was II
the commanders gruff answer, as |
tapped his foot angrily on the grount
"We'll see if cannot drive out IL
spirit that haunts the place; ; or, ;
least, III see whether or not it Is
pirit.n
''For heavens sake l'' cried the SUI
erstitious Durgher, edo not joke, S
Commander the subject is seriol
one, as we have cause to know. "
must keep you from rash purpose
The many awful examples of foolhard
ness we have had makes this our dut
We never allow anyone to enter Il
castle to satify foolish curiosity, sin,
it is as much as his life is worth to {
so."
At this anSwer the officer turnt
away, fearing to say more lest the eli
zens would attempt to oppose the pl'
he had decided upon. Disregardil
the burgher entirely, he proceeded
call his company together, and VIII
, he had mustered them he address
them as follows:
"DEAR FRIENDS: You all see yo
der friendly castle. have been reft
ed a nights lodging, within the doul
less beautiful rooms for the fooli
reason that wicked spirits inhabit thel
who, when the opportunity is offert
move travellers out Of this world in
:, the next. In spite of their distastei
I proclivities ! intend making my hol
q with them tonight. If l do not appt
at yonder open window at 7 o'clo
tomorrow morning, will you, who ha
followed me through many bloc
battle, swear not to leave one stone
that castle upon another until you Il
alive or dead, the body Of your leade
If cannot, 1 hope you will clear
the mystery that surrounds that
place."
When he had finished, the cheer Il
followed, and the 1--WE swear = FRI
hundred throats, assured him Il
his trust was not misplaced.
= "Good. / thank you, brave &C
rades," concluded Herr Won S, Tn
bidding his soldiers good night,
ut went to the hotel for his supper a
being very tired, as soon as the m
was over he called his servant, told l
n to bring sue articles as would be
lie quired, and went to the castle.
Id found the room with the open wind
overlooking the town, chose it for
bedroom, and, dismissing the servs
on made arrangements tor retiring Tor
're night. He laid his weapons, two lc
on V ed pistols and an unsheathed sword
81. table within easy reach, on which
ite placed two lighted candles that gave
's- room an air of comfort. Then, clos
the door and trimming the candles
lay down to enjoy long-wlshed
're sleep.
~ ,u' 1t may have been midnight or tn
" abouts when a clanking, chatte,
nd ID noise awoke him from hislight slum
i've Starting up and looking toward the
open door he beheld tall, powe
man, whose dress proclaimed hh
}. ''rammer," with masked face,
- loaded down with rattling chains, s
Gal into tue room. Hastily cooking
Ian pistol he had seized, the fearless {
5Iw lee mander cried:
at; Shalt, or shoot"
ams The rammer stopped instal
"Hah p exclaimed tho soldier,