The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-07-14
SPIRITS MOUNTAIN.

The pages were gathered in many
groups; the counts of Borges and
Alardlel were mounted on magnificent
steeds and they rode behind their son
and daughter Alfonso and Beatriz
who kept at some distance ahead of
the cavalcade. Alfonso was speaking
as follows:
This mountain. which is now
called the Spirits mountain. formerly
belonged to the knights TemplaE
who were warlike monks. After Soria
had been conquered from the Moors,
the king sent for the Templars to
come from a distant land to defend the
city on the side next to the bridge;
thus wounding the feelings of the
nobility OF CASTLE who as they had
conquered the city. were capable Of
defending it without any outside help.
therefore the knights of that new
and powerful religious order and the
noblemen of the city were on bad
terms for several years, aud finally
this feeling deepened to profound
hatred. a""
The Templars had this part Of
the mountain set aside as a preserve
for game to satisfy their wants and
contribute to their pleasure; while the
MOBILES determined to organize a grand
hunt in the enclosure in spite of the
severe prohibitions Of the monks with
spurs-as they styled their enemies.
The expedition was carried out,
and they did not once think OF the
game. for they fought with one an
other and many poor mother had
to mourn the loss of her son. Instead
of a hunt there was a frightful battle;
the mountain was strewn with corpses,
and the wolves they had desired to
exterminate en- Dyed a bloody feast.
FINALLY the king inter1ered and
commanded that the mountain. the
cause of so much misfortune, should
be abandoned. So the monks chapel
situated on the mountain. and wherein
friends and enemies were buried to-
gether: gradually fell into ruins
But ever since, on All Souls Eve,
the chapel bell tolls for the dead; and
the ghosts enveloped in their shrouds.
roam around through the woods and
bushes as though engaged in fan.
VssScAS Va POAAV1Ous Il AO uCSI
fly before them. bleating with fear.
the serpents hiss fearfully and on
the following day the footprints of
the feshless ghosts are seen on the
snow. Therefore in Sorla we call it
the Spirits mountain. and for that
reason have thought best to leave it
before night sets in.''
DAlonso finished his story just as the
two young people reached the end OF
the brid which extends to the city
on the other side They waited for
the rest OF the cavalcade to join them.
and all entered together the warm.
dark streets OF Soria.
The servants had just cleared the
table. and bright fire was playing in
the Gothic fireplace shedding its glow
on several groups of ladies and gen
temen who were talking around the
hearth. while the wind beat against
the windows
Only two persons did not take part
in the general conversation, Beatriz
and Alonzo
MY lovely cousin. finally ex-
claimed Alfonso breaking the deep 81
lence I'VE are soon to separate. per-
haps forever: You do not like the arid
plains OF CASTLE its severe and war
like customs. its simple patriarchal
habits / know full WELL Ihave heard
you sigh several times, and perhaps it
is for some lover you have left in your
far.off home
Beatriz made gesture O. indiffer-
ence and her disposition was revealed
in the scornful curl OF her lip
perhaps you are signing for the
pomps of the french court where
you have lived up to the present
time > the young man FASTENED to say,
Anyway l forsee that l shall soon
+. lose you; and when we separate.
would like to have you carry away a
remembrance of me. Do you remem-
Der when we went to church to give
thanks to God for having restored
your health. which you came to seek
here? The jewel that fastened the
plume in my cap attracted your at
tention. How we'll it would look in
your dark hair, combining your veil.
1t has already been used for that pur.
pose by bride; for my father gave
1t to my mother. and she wore it to
the altar Would you like 10
have it?'
Il do not know how it is in your
country but in mine, if one receives
a present. it is binding. Only on a
holiday can one accept a presen, from
a relative can even go to Rome
without coming. back with empty
hands. -
The scornful tone in which Beatri.
pronounced these words disturbed the
young man little but finally recov-
ering himself, he said in sad tone.
Il am aware of it. cousin, but
to-day is All Saints day, and your
name day as well as that of others; &C
it is fitting time to receive gifte
assure you Will you accept this
from me?''
Beatriz slightly bit her lip and
extended her hand to take the Jewel,
without saying word
After few moments Alfonso pro-
ceeded.
Before the end OF All Saints day,
which is my nameday as well as yours.
i = ~