Year: 1862

Not many miles from the city of Rouen, in
France, is located wild and dense forest.
This wood is chiefly inhabited by charcoal
burners; and many are the dark legends in
which they figure. Of course the tales are
most exaggerated, and in most cases have no
foundation at all.


During the year 1888, however, several
travellers, whose way lay through the forest,
mysteriously disappeared. The whole place
was secured, and the inhabitants vigorously
examined, but no clue was obtained, and they
were dismissed. For several months after
this, no travellers were missed, and finally the
public excitement was allayed. 1t is at this
time that the incidents related in this sketch
occurred.


Ii was fine morning in early autumn, and
the woods presented beautiful appearance
The birds were gaily singing, and the rays of
an afternoon sun were gliding the tree-tops
In the very heart OF the forest, surrounded
by heaps OF smoking earth stood one of those
burners. He was splendid specimen of
man, so far as physical proportions are con-
cerned; fully six feet in height, and stout in
proportion. His broad shoulders might have
contained the strength OF Hercules. His
head was large, and covered with shaggy
mass OF hair, and his features were decidedly
repulsive. His eyes were small, and nearly
covered with bushy eyebrows He had, alto
gether, a cruel and malevolent appearance.


As we introduce him to the reader, he was
leaning upon large axe, apparently in a
leaning position. The road ran by the place
where he was standing, but he could not see
far along it on account of sudden turn
little distance from him. The clatter of
horses hoofs, however, could be plainly heard,
and in few minutes horse and rider came in
sight. The new conner was a small and active
looking man, and from his dress appeared to
be gentleman well off, His eyes were un-
usually keen and searching, and were bent
upon the charcoal burner in such a manner
that the latter completely quailed before him.


"A fair day, my good man. said the horse
man. In the easy manner of one speaking to
an inferior.


Excellent, Monsieur, for one of my trade
/ love not the boiling suns of summer, nor yet
the bleak winds of winter"


"Since YOU are so nicely suited, I suppose
YOU are what so few are in this world-happy."


You say, truly, Monsieur few-few indeed
are truly happy. There is no happiness with
out contentment."


.'And are YOU not contented?"


AT times think l am; but when l see the
nobleman riding by in his coach and four,
rolling in riches, with servants to obey his ev-
cry wish, and / have to toll hard for nv daily
bread. cannot helping thinking that God is
unjust


And do YOU never think of appropriating
any of these superfiuous riches to YOURSELF"


"What does Monsieur mean? l trust that
no thought of disobeying alike the laws of
God and man ever enter into my mind"


Il mean nothing; IT was merely an idle
question; but did not stop TO talk thus, but
to ask the way TO p 1t is getting late and
must be on the move


IF Monsieur is in a hurry, l can direct
him to Z. in about half the time"


Il shall be much Obliged to YOU, my friend.


This lane begins very near my home,
which is about half mile further on. You
had better stop there, as my wife can point it
out to YOU"


IL will DO so. Here is reward" exclaimed
the horsemen, offering him piece of gold.


The other drew back and refused to take
it. alleging he had done nothing to deserve it.
The horSeman then put spurs to his horse and
rode away, bend in the road soon hiding
him from sight. Having rode on until he inn
agined that his horses hoofs could not be
heard by the charcoal burner, should the lat
ter be listening, he dismounted and silently
retraced his steps. He arrived at the place
where he had left his friend, the charcoal
burner. but the latter was not to be seen
The stranger fastened back to his horse, and
re-mounted.


1T is as expected he muttered. This
road makes large bend here, and by cutting
1 a / n
little, though. as am fore-armed. We shall
see who'll come out first. comprehended
why he refused my gold piece; he considers II
as his own, and he thinks he may as well take
all together; but / must hurry ON and finish
this business before nightfall'


SO saying, he put spurs TO his horse and