The Princeton union., 1892-02-18
THE ENCHANTER.


gorge which separates the Virful en-
Dor mountain from that of Furnica,
come upon the Jalcmitza river. one OF
the deep sources of which springs
from an immense cavern of stalactites.
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 have once
entered it have never been known to
reappear.
Formerly the cave was the dwelliu g
of a monstrou5 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. 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,
.'Bucore! BucOre!h but neither the en-
chanter nor any one of the maidens
ever came forth.
In the 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 find
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-llke cheeks fresh red lips, wavy
yellow hair and deep blue eyes. which
were all in accordance with the finely
chlseled nose and transparent nostrils.
From above her richly embroidered
dress there issued delicate throat,
while the tiny rebellious yellow curls
which escaped from the thick plaits of
her hair, resisting all discipline curled
naturally on her neck and forehead.
1here 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 very comely youth
and well-to-do. He possessed fields of
his own, horses, cows buffaloes and
: sheep and he usually wore waist
coat OF white sheepskin. richly en-
oroidered in colors and a long white
mantle lined with red cloth, bordered
with gold and colored needlework
Many young girls looked with favor
on Conan; AMI 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 to avenge
the loss OF all those poor young women
who had fallen into his snares.
at was 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, and yet no
one had seen him 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 Jalomitza. who had
drawn near to listen to his exquisite
music and stood with parted lips and
Auivering nostrils
After short lapse of time again he
raised his eyes to Eers-yet a third
time. and his gaze dwelt more fix
edly. Then Conan whispered in her
ear, 60 away from this. Jalomitza;
that man is impertinent. But tho
shoulders and elbows of the vounp
girl exhibited a gesture of imperti-
nence.
'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. .Jalo-
mitza." j" he cried. II tell you that this
shepherd is none other than the En-
chanter Bucore.' Il. -..
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 a provoking air, not how
ever without being unable to prevent
her lips from trem bling. .... =
Il know it because feel it, and ]
feel it because love you. I see also
that he pleases you and I fear that
you will be- his victim, like all those
who have gone before. .
Il? Never! [ swear it to you," said
she. growing deathly pale.
The shepherd approached, and hold
ing out his flute. said to Conan, ..Here
is my flute. Will you take it and try
your hand?" rs
Without considering what he was
doing, Conan seized the instrument
and commenced playing, but with
such verye and spirit that he was as
tonished at his own performance. He