Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1892-02-19
THE ENCHANTER.

Travellers proceeding along tho
gorge which separates the Virlul en-
Der mountain from that of Furnica
come upon the Jaomitza river. one of
the deep sources of which springs
from an immense cavern OF stalactites
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 have once
entered it have never been known to
reappear.
Formerly the cave was tho dwelling
of a monstrous enchanter who was
said to be always on the lookout for
maidens, whom he carried of from
tho fields where they were ut work.
from their paternal homes. and even
from the foot OF the altar. 1t was said
that they followed him without resist
ance and that when once gone away
they were never seen again by mortal
eye. Many courageous, daring youths
had sworn TO deliver them; had even
called out TO the enchanter by name.
.Bucoro! Bucorep' but neither the en-
chanter nor any one OF the maidens
ever came forth.
In tho pretty village OF Bucar at
the foot of Bucegi mountain. there
dwelt beautiful Jalomitza a young
woman who swore that no matter un-
der what form the enchanter presented
himself TO her. and no matter what
fallaclous promises he made to her,
she would never be induced to follow
him. Even were he to carry me into
the cave" said she. Il should ind
some means of escaping
But length OF time elapsed before
anything occurred TO put the courage
OF the young girl to the proof. Jalo-
mitza was the pride of the village, for
she was fair to look upon. with her
peach-lIke cheeks fresh red lips, wavy
yellow hair and deep blue eyes. which
were all in accordance with the finely
chiseled nose and transparent nostrils
From above her richly embroidered
dress there issued delicate throat
while the tiny rebellious yellow ourls
which escaped from the thick plaits of
her hair, resisting all discipline, curled
naturally on her neck and forehead.
There was one youth from the viii
lage 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 a very comcly youth
and well-to-do He possessed fields OF
his own, horses cows butfaloes and
sheep and he usually wore a waist
coat OF white sheepskin, richly en-
broidered in colors and long white
mantle lined with red cloth. bordered
with gold and colored needlework.
Many young girls looked with favor
on Conan; ANA Jalomitza was the
ONLY one who never seemed TO think
of him at all. Her dreams were only
of tho Enchanter Bucore. and of the
means of combating him so to avenge
the loss Of all those poor young women
who had fallen into mis- snares.
1t was a fine Sunday afternoon
while the heated dancers were them
selves awhile resting. that suddenly
the sounds of flute wero heard
which were played so melodiously that
the young folks were utterly aston
isE.ed.
They looked around with curiosity.
and espied young shepherd leaning
against a tree. his feet crossed one
over tho other. calm and composed,
as if he had 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 him
self alone. Once he raised his eyes
and locked full at Jalomitza who had
drawn near to listen to his exquisite
music, and stood with parted lips and
Quivering nostrils.
After short lapse OF time again he
raised his eyes to hers-yet a third
time and his gaze dwelt more fix
eddy. Then Conan whispered in her
ear. 60 away from this. Jalomitza;
that man Is impertinent But the
shoulders and elbows of the young
girl exhibited gesture of imperti-
hence.
'Jalomitza he repeated, are you
not ashamed to be looked on in that
manncrp"
Still she gave him no answer, but
turned her back toward him. .'Jalo-
mitza he cried, al tell you that this
shepherd is mono other than the En-
chanter 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 that" asked
she with provoking air. not how
over without being unable TO prevent
her lips from trembling.
Il know IL because | feel IT, and ]
feel It because love you. seq also
that he plcascs you. and fear that
you will be his victim, like all those
who have gone before"
ZIP Never! / swear 1t 10 you" said
she, growing deathly pale.
The shepherd approached. and hold
ing out his flute. said to Conan, Here
IS my flute. VIII you take il and try
your hand?'
Without considering what no was
doing. Conan seized the instrument
and commenced playing. but with
such vorvo and epir;t fhaL no was as