Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1892-02-19
THE ENCHANTER.

come upon the JalomltZa river, one Oh
the deep sources of which springs
from an immense cavern Of stalacttes.
In front OF this cavern there stands a
small convent which was built many
years ago This cavern is said to be
intermiuable for those who have once
entered it have never been known TO
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 OF from
the fields where they were at work,
from their paternal homes and even
from the foot Of the altar. 1t was said
that they followed him without re slst-
ance. AMI 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.
"Bucore, Bucorer' but neither the en-
chanter nor any one OF the maidens
ever came forth.
In the pretty village OF Bucar at
the foot Of BGcegi 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 no made to her.
she would never be induced to follow
him. Even were he to carry me into
the cave, said she. Il should find
some means OF escaping"
But a 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 far to look upon with her
peach like checks. fresh red lips, way
yellow hair and deep blue eyes which
were al in accordance With the finely
chiseled nose and transparent nostrils.
From above her richly embroidered
dress there issued a delicate throat
while the tiny rebellious yellow curls
which escaped from the thick plats 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 1T the
weekly Sunday dance-but she did
not take much notice OF poor Conan
though he was Il very com ly youth
and well-to-do. lie possessed fields of
his own horses COWS, bufaloes and
sheep and he usually wore waist
coat Of white sheepsk.n. 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 the Enchanter Bucore, and OF the
means OF combating him so 10 avenge
the loss OF all those poor young women
who had fallen into his snares
1t was a fine Sunday afternoon.
while the heated dancers were them
selves awhile resting that suddenly
the sounds of flute were heard
which were played so melodiously that
the young folks were utterly aston
ished.
They looked around with curiosity
and espied young shepherd leaning
against tree. his feet crossed one
over the other. calm and composed.
as if he had grown there aud yet no
one had seen h m come and to all OF
them he was quite stranger. He
played and played. but as If for him
self alone. Once he raised his eyes
and looked full at Jalomitla who had
drawn near to listen 10 his exquisite
music, and stood with parted lips and
quivering nostrils.
After short lapse OF time again he
raised his eyes to hers-yet third
time and his gaze dwelt more fix
eddy. Then Conan whispered in her
ear. go away from this Jalomitza;
that man is impertinent But the
shoulders and elbows OF the young
girl exhibited a gesture of imperti-
hence.
'Jalomitza he repeated. are you
not ashamed to be looked on in that
manners"
Still she gave him no answer but
turned her back toward him ''Jalo-
mitza he cred. II tell you that this
shepherd is none 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
ever, without being unable TO prevent
her lips from trembling
Il know il because feel it, and I
feel IL because | love you. see also.
that he pleascs you. aud / fear that
you will be- his victim like all those
who have gone before"
Il? Never! swear IL to you" said
she growing deathly pale.
The shepherd approached, and hold
ing out his flute. said to Conan, "Hers
Is my flute viii you take It and try
your hand?'
Without considering what no was
doing. Conan seized tho instrument
and commenced playing but with
such vorvc aud spir:i that he was as
tonished nj his own performance flo
I...~.