The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-26


long beard, and penetrated the girls
scanty clothing. They were enveloped
in cloud of dust. which did not dis
perse until the rain fell in torrents,
when Vlad and Neagoe had disappear
ed. Radu remained on his knees, aban-
doned by all, for none of his acquaint-
ances would speak to him.
Leano was led into a neighboring
house, shrieking and weeping, and
tearing from her head the costly gold
en- "beteala," which she trod under
foot Her friends sympathized with
her, but they asked: why had she
fallen so deeply in love with Radu, of
whom one knew nothing, not even
whence he came. or who his family
was? So II is when one does not marry
a man from ones own village, and
when ones parents spoil one, as lie
amos parents spoiled her! Her father
should have beaten her, and have lock-
ed her up in the house, and then this
misfortune would not have happened"
SO they spoke amongst themselves.
while the wretched Radu sought to
find shelter within the porch of the
church, but the verger closed the door
quickly, and did not allow him to en-
ter. He was in despair, for he knew
look coldly on him, and despise him.
Suddenly he heard rapid steps coming
through the darkness. and soon
young man approached the church.
He was at first much frightened on
seeing Radu, but after a time he APP
preached him, saying:
II pray thee, friend, for Gods sake,
do not betray me! / have but just es-
capped from the Salt Mines, and know
| not where to conceal myself"
Poor Sandule-for it was indeed he
| knew not that Neagoe, his beloved
Neagoe, had stood on the same spot
! but an hour ago!
How can 1 help thee?" said Radu
| for l also am prosecuted, and know
not which way to turn for peace. A
wild beast could serve thee better than
II Yet, stay, up there is a way to the
mountains-a steep path winding
through the rocks; no one will be like
ly to discover thee there; l can give
thee no other advice save this"
Sandule departed quickly, without
waiting for further conversation. Un-
der cover of night. he was able to
enter his own cottage, and pack up
and take with him the little property
which he possessed before he disap-
peared from the village.
On the other side of one of the lofty
Carpathian mountains there is perch
ed a small monastery high as an Gag
les nest A young monk, clad in wool
en- vestments, comes outside and be-
gins to beat the 'Toaca." after doing
this he ascends the belfry tower and
rings bell, at the sound of which the
monks emerge from their cells and
drag themselves slowly towards the
church. Many of them are very aged,
with long white hair and boards, and
wear tall black hats enveloped in long
crepe wells. After the monks, followed
a very old man, who walked with much
difficulty. This was Vlad, who had
ageousiy helped him to climb the
steep ascent.
"Ah! my child! 1 am dead with fat
igue, l can go no further, let me rest
here What festival did'st thou say it
is today?"
mo church festival, father, but the
Irince is to visit the monastery, and
perhaps we may receive a gift of
money"
Il need no gift, let me sleep!" He
sat down upon stone, and leaned his
head on the side of the grey wall.
Neogoe looked anxiously around her;
the old man was pale as death, and his
lips were blue. Father cried she are
thou not well?"
But she goGh oreply andiooked about
in vain, in search of a drop of water;
then she ran towards the monastery
The young monk was just leaving the
church, and she fell on her knees say.
ing: Holy father l pray thee, in God s
name, to help an unhappy girl, whose
father is dying by the roadside!"
"Neagoe!" exclaimed the monk.
The girl drew back on hearing hel
name.
'Radu, thy most unhappy brother"
who are you, that knows my
name?"
81 know thee not" And she turned
to retrace her steps.
"Neagoe, do not be so hard and
luel."
TT is my life which thou hast made
hard"
MY heart has died within me-" said
he, still following her.
There are many dead hearts," she
replied. But if you wish to help oul
father come quickly, for he is at the
point of death. if he is not already
dead!"
And he will have died without lift.
|, ing his curse from mel"
On hearing approaching footsteps
the old man opened his eyes. "WhC
disturbs me in my last hour?" asked
he.
"A great sinner" replied the monk
and he fell down and kissed Vlad's
feet.
| "A great sinner, but he is also thy
son! / beseech thee absolve me from
| thy curse! See my monkish garments