The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1896-06-03
THE RAVEN.

The Count Stibor was as brave as he
was highborn, and riches had poured in
upon him until he had become one Of
the wealthiest mobiles in the empire. 1t
CHANGED 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
ohamois, 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, on the opposite side Of the
channel, lone and precipitous rock
turned aside the CHANGING 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 of the wine cup bright
ened his humor, and he listened, with
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;
third that he had not lost his couteau
de chase in 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 in
a cup of honey.
Hear me, said the magnificent
noble, during transient pause in the
conversation II seem to be the only
hunter of the day to whom the sport has
been without Flemish. 1t is true that
all your misfortunes are light enough,
but / will have no shadow cast upon my
own joy, and therefore to compensate.
you for these alleged mishaps, each of
you is free to form wish, and If it be
within my power to grant it, pledge
my word that it shall be fulfilled.
A murmur 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
rule over their fellow men, tho 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 ego of Stibor fell upon his
jester, who was standing apart playing
with the tassels of his vest and appar-
entity quito uninterested in n subject
which had made all around him eager
and excited.
''And thou, knave," said the noble,
"hast thou nothing to ask? Thou must
bestir myself, or thy master will have
little left to give, If the game so on
thus y
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 l 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. l only ask for stones"
A loud laugh ran through the circle
"Stones, Betzkor' echoed the astonished
Stibor. Thou shalt have them to thy
hearts content. where and in what
shape thou wilt"
~ take thee at thy word, Count Sti-
Dor | win have them yonder on the
crest Of the bold rock that stands out
like braggart daring the foot of man,
and in the shape of 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 in voice Of thunder as he
rose proudly from the earth where he
had been seated ON couch of skins.
1.-THE castle of Betzko shall be builtP
And it was built, and within year
O festival was held there, and the noble
became enamored Of his own creation,
for ii was beautiful in its strength, and
the fair DANES admired its courtly halls
as much as the warriors priced its solid
walls and its commanding towers. And
thus Count Stibor bought off the rock
fortress from his jester with gold, and
made it the chief place of his abode,
and he Toasted there with his guests
and made merry with music and dances
until it seemed as though life was to be
for him ono long festival. Men often
walk over the spot which afterward
opens to bury them.
Little by little the habit of self in
diligence grew upon the luxurious noble.
Yet still he loved the chase bevond all
else on earth, and his dogs were OF the
feetest aud finest breed.
He was one day ut table, surrounded
by the richest viands and the rarest
wines, when one of his fayorite hounds
entered the hall bowling with pain and
dragging after him his wounded foot,
which dropped blood us he moved along.
Terror seized upon the hearts OF the
vassals even before the rage Of their lord
burst forth, and when 1t came terrible
was the storm, as he vowed vengeance
against tho wretch who had dared thus
to mutilate an animal that he valued.
An aged slave flung himself at his
feet. mercy, my lord, mercyp' he ex-
claimed piteously. II have served you