The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1886-07-08


sprang upon him from thicket, and
forced him to the ground.
His life was in dire peril, for, totally
unarmed and taken thus at a disadvan-
taoe. he could in nowise defend himself;
and, brave man though he was, faint
ness, almost as of death came over him,
and he felt the sharp teeth rending his
clothes, and knew that in an instant
the cruel jaws would close on his quiy-
ering flesh.
But in that instant help came. There
was a crushing sound among the un-
derbrush, and Karl Hofner-who was
on his way to the miller 's-sprang for
ward. and with the stout, ron-tipped
staff in his uplifted hand, dealt crush
inc blow on the eyes of the huge beast,
binding it instantly, and SO freeing
Count Friedrich from his deadly peril,
by giving him opportunity to spring to
his feet.
A fierce rain of blows followed, Karl
ceasing not to strike till the boar
which was a young one-lay crushed
and bleeding and helpless at his feet.
Then turning to Count Friedrich,
who, still faint from the shock, leaned
against tree, he said with a smile:
Pardon me, your highness, for dar-
ing to destroy the counts own game. "
CThe laws in Germany are most strin-
gent with regard to game and hunting;
and any infringement of those laws is
severely punished.)
But Count Friedrich took his hand
Karl's brave right hand which had been
so nobly uplifted in his defence, saying:
'Do not Jest, pray you. You have
saved my life, my friend from hence,
forth. Believe me, shall not be un-
grateful"
Next day the whole village rang with
the fame Of Karl's brave deed, and Lisa
going down to the spring Count Fried
riech had had spring-water brought, IN
pipes, to part Of the walls around the
castle, for the use of the village people
and travelers) for jar OF water, heard
the story from some of the village maid
ems.
When they were gone, forgetting tc
fill her Jar, she sat down on great
rock near the spring, thinking over this
wonderful affair, when she heard foot,
steps, and looking up, saw Karl.
''Ah. Karl!' she cried, chow brave
you are!"
She looked so kindly at him that Kari
took heart, and sitting down beside her,
said:
'Dear Lisa, if only | were brave and
Strong enough to conquer your heart,
that would be something"
Lisa turned away her head, but did
not withdraw her hand, which Karl had
taken. And there, while the stony ole
dragon, from whose throat stream OF
pure sparkling water leaped and fell
seemed to listen and smile approval
while the roses that climbed over the
high stone wall, and hung in great ricf
clusters far down its rough sides, seem
ed to nod their heads and breathe forth
sweet odors of delight, the old, old story
of love was told again.
But Lisa was still silent.
"Ah, Lisa! vii! you not speak?" i'm
plored Karl.
Just then Count Friedrich leaped
lightly down from the high wall-as il
its height were nothing to him-and
laying his hand on Karls shoulder
said:
Pardon me, my friend; and you, also
traulein, b" turning to Lisa: "but L hac
come for some roses, and could not helI
overhearing. All, little maiden, you dc
not prize the noble heart offered you, ]
fear. Do you not remember, when once
| told you of St. Hubert's devotion tc
his friend, you cried How could love
such a man! and here is a greater hero
who begs your love"
Lisa turned slowly then, and looked
first at Count Friedrich as he stood be-
fore her, so grand, so noble, yet so cold
to her; then at Karl, with his warm
heart glowing in his eyes; and all a.
once it seemed as if she awakened from
the feverish dream in which she had
been living, and knew at last that love
only was to be desired in all the world
you have conquered, dear Karl, .
she SAID shyly.
Few and simple words, but enough to
make Karl the happiest man in Wal
dorf.
Then we must be married at once!
he cried impetuously. "For only this
morning the count appointed me his
head forester, with a salary of more sill
yer thalers than | can count almost, and
the gift of that pretty cottage by the
castle-gates, where there is plenty ot
room for thy dear father to live with
u.s."
Lisa shook her head at such hasty
Wooing; but before the roses had gone
there was a wedding in the little village
church. And now, in all Waldorf
there is not prouder, happier wife than
pretty Frau Lisa Hollner.