Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1896-08-29
THE RAVEN.

lne OCullU GUlGOr Was us DTdVe dS ue
was highborn, and riches had poured in
upon him until he had become one of
the wealthiest mobiles in the empire. 1t
chanced that one day he hunted with
great retinue among the mountain fast
nesses, and glorious was the sport of
that gallant hunt The light footed
chamois, the antlered deer, the fierce
wolf, and the grizzly bear were alike
laid low. When the sun was about
to set, he formed his temporary encamp-
ment On the pleasant bank Of the Waag,
just where, OH the opposite side of the
channel, IL lone and precipitous rock
turned aside the glancing waters
The heart of Stibor was merry, for
the sport had gone well throughout the
day, and when his rude tents were
raised, the savory steam of the venison
and the sparkle cf the wine cup bright
ened his humor, and he listened, with
a smile upon his lip to the light sallies
of the joyous company.
AS they talked idly of the days hunt
ing, however, one wished that the deer
had taken another direction; second
that he had not missed certain shot;
a third that he had not lost his couteau
de chase i'll the underwood. In short,
there was not an individual among
them who had not some regret blended
with his triumph, like a drop of gall i'll
cup of honey.
"Hear me-" said the magnificent
noble, during Il transient pause i'll the
conversation. II seem to be the only
hunter of the day to whom the sport has
been without blemish. 1t is true that
all your misfortunes are light enough,
but Twill have no shadow cast upon my
own Joy, and therefore to compensate
you for these alleged mishaps, each of
you is free to form a wish, and if it be
within my power to grant it, l pledge
my word that it shall be fulfilled"
A murnur Of admiration ran through
the astonished circle, and the work of
ambition soon began. Gold was the first
thing asked for, for avarice is ever the
most greedy of all passions, and then re-
venge upon an enemy, for human nature
will often sacrifice personal gain to
vengeance, and then power, authority,
rule over their fellow men, the darling
occupation and privilege of poor, weak,
self misjudging mortals In short, there
was no boon within the reach of reason
which had not been asked and promised.
when the eye of Stibor fell upon his
jester, who was standing apart playing
with the tassels of his vest and appar-
entity quite uninterested in subject
which had made all around him eager
and excited
'And thou, knave," said the noble,
"hast thou nothing to ask? Thou must
bestir thyself, or thy master will have
little left to give, if the game go on
thus.
Fear not, fear not, replied the fool.
1.-THE claimants have been courteous, for
they have not touched upon that portion
of thy possessions which covet. They
have demanded gold, blood, domain, the
power to enjoy themselves, and to rem
der others wretched- they are welcome
to all they want. only ask for stones 2"
A loud laugh ran through the circle.
"Stones, Betzko!' echoed the astonished
Stibor Thou shalt have them to thy
hearts content where and in what
shape thou wilt. "
Il take thee at thy word, Count Sti-
Dor. will have them yonder on the
crest Of the bUld rock that stands out
like IA braegart daring the foot of man,
and in the shape of a good castle in
which may hold my own, should need
be-" was the unlocked for reply
''Thou hast lost thy chance, Betzko, -
cried voice amid the universal merri-
ment that ensued mot even Stibor can
accomplish thy desire. -
"Who dares to say that Stibor cannot
grant it, if such be his will?" demanded
the chieftain i'll a voice of thunder as he
rose proudly from the earth where he
had been seated on II couch of skins.
"The castle of Betzko shall be built"
And it was built, and within a year
festival was held there, and the noble
became enamored of his own creation,
for it was beautiful in it's strength, and
the fair DANES admired its courtly halls
as much as the warriors priced it's solid
walls and i.s commanding towers And
thus Count Stibor bought off the rock
fortress fio;n his jester with gold, and
made it the chief place of his abode,
and he feasted there with his guests
and made merry with music and dances