Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-02-14
THE ENCHANTER.

which separates Virful en- Dor mountain
from that of Furnica come upon the Jalo-
init river, one of the deep sources of
(which springs from an immense cavern of
lstalac YES. In front of this cavern there
stands a small convent, which was built
many years ago. This cavern is said to be
interminable, for those who once entered
it have never been known to reappear
J 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
to deliver them; had even called cut to the
enchanter by name, "Bucorel Bucorep
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, a 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
the cave" said she, II should find 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."
II IA OFT n . II. 4
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 peachike
cheeks, fresh red lips, wavy yellow hair
and deep blue eyes, which were all in &C
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 rebelious 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 very comely youth
and well to do. He possessed fields Of his
own, horses cows, buffaloes and sheep. and
he usually wore a waistcoat of white sheep
skin richly embroidered in colors, and a
long white mantle lined with red cloth,
bordered with gold and colored needle
work. Many young girls looked with ia
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-
|gha Vafa ~
batting him so as to avenge the loss of all
those poor young women who had fallen
into his snares.
Z 1t was fine Sunday afternoon, while
the heated dancers were themselves awhile
resting, that suddenly the sounds Of a flute
were heard which was played so melodi
ously that the young folks were utterly as
tonished
They looked around with curiosity. and
espied young shepherd leaning against
tree, his feet crossed one over the other /
calm and composed as II he had grown |
there, and yet no one had seen him come, |
and to all Of them he was quite stranger |
He played and played, but as il 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 a third time, |
and his gaze dwelt more fxedly 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 manner"
Still she gave him no answer, but turned /
her back toward him "Jalomitza," ne
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 lev cold
and her throat became dry and parched.
How can you know THAR" asked she
with provoking air. not, however. with.
out being unable to prevent her lips from
trembling
II know il because feel 1t, and feel it
because ! love you see also. that he
pleases you. and fear that you will be his
victim, Ike all tho-e who have gone be.
fore"
"I3 Neverl ! swear it to you. " said she.
growing deathly pale
The shepherd approached and holding
crt his flute said TO Conan Here is nv
h3te. viii you take it and try your
handf"
Without considering what he was doing.
Conan seized the instrument and com
menced playing but with such verve and
spirit that he WAS astonished ut his own
performance. lie composed fresh Rou
manian dances such rs he had never before
heard, but he remarked that no matter
what the dance might be- each time it was
the shepherd who gave his hand to Jalo
mitza.
Then he began "A sorrowfnl song. so pit
thetically sorrowful that the women had
tears IN their eyes. and Jalomftz entreated
him to leave of this strain Of III, lancholy
But he was not to be dissuadel and still !
continued to play, wearing an expression :
Of deep sorrow on his countenance
Soon evening approached and the dan
GERS began TO disperse, some in groups. {
some alone