Evening journal., 1892-03-09
THE ENCHANTER.

from that Of Furnica come upon the Jalo-
mitza river, one Of the deep sources Of
which springs from an immense cavern Of
stalaetites. In front Of this cavern there
stands small convent, which was built
many years ago. This cavern is said to be
interminable for those who once entered
il have never been known 10 reappear
Formerly the cave was the dwelling Of a
monstrous enchanter, who was said to be
always on the lookout for maidens, whom
he carried off from the fields where they
were at work, from their paternal homes,
and even from the foot Of the altar. Il was
said that they followed him without resist
ance, and that when once gone away they
were never again seen by mortal eye.
Many courageous, daring youths had sworn
10 deliver them; had even called out TO the
enchanter by name, "Bucorel Bucore"
but neither the enchanter nor any one Of
the maidens ever came forth.
In the pretty village Of Bucar, at the
foot Of Bucegi mountain, there dwelt beau
tiful Jalomitza, young woman who swore
that no matter under what form the en-
chanter presented himself TO her, and no
matter what fallacious promises he made
TO her, she would never be induced to fol
low him. Even were he to carry me into
int cave tutt hnOulQ unu some
means Of escaping"
This was very audacious speech on her
part; and the old people, when they heard
her boasting, shook their heads, shrugged
their shoulders and said, when the en-
chanter desires thee thou wilt do as others
have done and wilt follow him from in
clination."
But length Of time elapsed before any
thing occurred to put the courage Of the
young girl to the proof. Jalomitza was
| the pride Of the village, for she was very
fair to look upon, with her peachlike
cheeks, fresh red lips. wavy yellow hair
and deep blue eyes, which were all in ac
cordance with the finely chiseled nose and
transparent nostrils. From above her
/ richly embroidered dress there issued a
delicate throat, white rs the driven snow,
while the tiny rcbellious yellow curls
which escaped from the thick plaits Of her
hair, resisting all discipline, curled natu.
rally on her neck and forehead.
There was one youth from the village
who had constituted himself her follower
wherever she might goat the fountain,
in the fields at the weekly Sunday dance
but she did not take much notice Of poor
Conan, though he was avery comely youth
and we'll to do. He possessed fields of his
he usually wore a waistcoat OF white sheep
skin richly embroidered in colors, aud a
long white mantle lined with red cloth
bordered with gold and colored needle
work. Many young girls looked with fa-
vor on Conan, and Jalomitza was the only
| one who never seemed TO think Of him at
all. Her dreams were only Of the En-
chanter Bucore, and Of the means of com
batting him so as to avenge the loss of all
those poor young women who had fallen
| into his snares.
It was fine Sunday afternoon, while
the heated dancers were themselves awhile
resting, that suddenly the sounds OF n flute
were heard which was played so melodi-
ously that the young folks were utterly as
tonished.
They looked around with curiosity, and
espied a young shepherd leaning against a
tree, his feet crossed one over the other,
calm and composed as II he hud grown
there, and yet no one had seen him come,
and to all of them he was quite a stranger.
He played and played, but as if for himself
alone. Once he raised his eyes and looked
full at Jalomitza, who had drawn near to
listen TO his exquisite music, and stood with
parted lips and quivering nostrils.
After a short lapse OF time again he
raised his eyes TO hers-yet third time
and his gaze dwelt more hxedly. Then
Conan whispered in her ear, "Go away
from this, Jalomitza, that man is imper-
tinent." But the shoulders and elbows OF
the young girl exhibited gesture Of i'm
patience.
"Jalomitza," =" he repeated, "are you not
ashamed TO be looked on in that mannerf
Still she gave him no answer, but turned
her back toward him. "Jalomitza," be
cried, 81 tell you that this shepherd is none
other than the Enchanter Bucore."
At this saying the shepherd bowed his
head, but did not cease playing.
Jalomitza felt her heart grow icy cold
and her throat became dry and parched.
"How can you know thatS" asked she
with provoking air, not, however, with
out being unable TO prevent her lips from
trembling.
II know it because feel it, and feel il
because l love you. ] see, also, that hl
pleases you, and fear that you will be hi
victim, like all those who have gone be
fore"
, ~ Never swear it to you" said she
} growing deathly pale.
} The shepherd approached, and holding
out his flute said to Conan; Here is m!
+ flute. VIII you take it and try you
> hand"
Without considering what he was doing
! Conan seized the instrument and com
3 menced playing, but with such verve ant
D spirit that he was astonished at his Owl
; performance He composed fresh Rou
r manian dances, such as he had never befor
heard; but he remarked that no matte
what the dance might be, each time it wa
the shepherd who gave his hand TO JalC
mitza.
J. Then he began a sorrowful song. so pa
thetioally sorrOwful that the women ha
q tears In their eyes, and Jalomitza entreate
4 him 20 leave of this strain OF melancholy.
= But he was not TO be dissuaded and still
J. continued to play, wearing an expressio
Y of deep sorrow ON his countenance.
Soon evening approached and the dar
II GERS began TO disperse, some In groups
some alone.
Conan remained and Jalomitza also, a
II chained to his side but the shepherd ha
disappeared.
;. Cease those sounds, Conan" cried shl
v "you rend my heart to pieces. You kno'
that though | do not love you / hay
IN sworn never TO belong 20 any other.
reasonable, / beseech you, and put aid
that flute"
D. Bat still Conan continued his music
or sometimes gayly, as = he were disposed
Dr. be merry; then in snch a dolorous fashio
ie that the very nightingale in the woode
,r vale below replied TO him.
\ Near and still nearer came the nightil
"a gale, and b. the light Of the moon q