Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-11-29

Ter sleep.
"Yes," said his companion, II had
become almost broken in to the half
deadand- alive life and the loneliness
of a remote Schloss like mine, when
the call came and set my blood aflame.
"My only regret was that could
not join my old regiment"
"It has been fight of giants this
time" resumed the second speaker.
after short pause, as they turned
into the shadow of a small street.
crunching the crisp snow beneath their
even tread.
"Why, our Bohemian experience was
childs play to this; and yet"
How we'll those Saxons fight" in'
terrupted the other. speaking more to
himself that his companion.
"Then and now. And their prince
he is fine fellow"
'He is. Ach, how it all comes back,
Steinhausen.
"Our hot. dusty march through the
Bohemian hills. and then our rest at
that delightful Saxon villa.
81 always remember il as the most
perfect house in the world. What was
the name Of the people?'
"Ghering," returned Steinhausen.
"Ay, Cheering. l wonder, now, was
that pretty daughter married or not?
Did you ever hear Of them again?'
"Neyerw was the somewhat en-
phatic answer, though tried to get
some tidings.
"After the regiment left Saxony
was called away by business to Pome.
rama, and then to Vienna.
"About six months after we had
bid goodbye to Villa Bellevue | wrote
to the excellent Herr Amtmann, but he
never took any notice of my communi-
cation.
"Then various matters occupied me.
and the sharp outlines of my first i'm.
preston faded.
"About a year and a half later was
in Dresden. and made pilgrimage to
the villa, but they were all gone; the
garden was neglected wilderness. and
a gang of workmen were pulling the
house to pieces to enlarge it.
"No one could tell me what had be-
come of the family.
"They had left a year before. and
were much regretted, especially the
'Gnadige,' who was married, according
to one old crone, and single, according
to another.
81 had not heart to ask much or stay
long. That is all have ever heard
Little enough" said the other tour
former acquaintance, Burchardt.
II think have heard of young
Lieutenant Cheering. who distinguished
himself at st. Priyat-a Saxon officer
'Somc relation, probably" said Stein
hausen.
They walked on in silence for some
minutes. till turning into the market
place, they found themselves before
the open door of the Burgomeistor's
house. from which long stream OF
light fell upon the snow, and even on
the quaint carvings of the opposite
houses.
"rhe worthy BurgomeiSter is holding
high revels." said Burchadt laughing,
as he looked up at row OF windows
over the entrance against the blinds or
which the strong light within threw
the varied shadows of the guests as
they moved to and fro.
"We convalescents must be prudent
for they say his table is of the best
and his hospitality most pressing
SO saying. both officers stepped into
the hail. and were Immediately as
sist~1 ! by deferential servants to re-
move their cloaks, and ushered into
handsome dining room. where Burgo-
meister and his wife received their
guests. and which opened into spa
cous salon beyond. where dancing had
already begun with much spirit.
The new arrivals were greeted with
great cordiality and respect.
Numerous introductions. which al
ways in Germany the opening cere-
mony of any Aocial event. followed.
On the invitation of the host. the
officers laid aside their swords and
helmets: but reluctantly declined, in
obedience to the doctors injunctiOns.
to join the dancers.
"Then," said the host. jovial, portly
man. with curly fair hair and red mus
tache, perhaps the Herr Major and
you. Herr Rittmeister. would like to
90 upstairs to the card room?"
4 % nj
there. Allow me-
And as Steinhausen and Burchardt
bowed their assent, he passed on and
lad them upstairs to suite of rooms,
some of which were evidently bed
chambers. decorated for the occasion.
More introductions and bowings,
friendly recognitions and congratula-
ions.
At last the attentive host arranged
whist table for his honored guests.
"You have large assemblage to-
hight" said Steinhausen, as they wait
I'd for the fourth of their party, who
lad been arrested on his way to the
ard table by lady of large proper
tons and pretensions, with whom he
exchanged many defcrcntial saluta-
lions.
II see. no doubt, all the rank and
beauty of Bernstadt."
ia gewiss.' replied the Burgo-
neister, rubbing his hands with much
satisfaction, land many families from
the neighborhood also
1--WE have Saxons. Prlssians, Bo.
hemians and few Russians present
this evening.
You see, Eerr Major, Bernstadt is
in corner, and has three different ma.
tionalities close by.
81 must present some of the most
distinguished to you, mein Herr, be-