Year: 1876

THE IRON CHEST.


BY AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR.


CHAPTER XVI.


Ihad left no word whittier was going. In
deed, Il knew not myself, for had no direct des'
tination in view, but only longing to rush
away into solitude, to escape from all accus-
toned eyes, and be alone with my misery, that
I might learn to stare it in the face, and get
myself used to its spectre presence, since l
could not hope ever to shake it of. | took
an unfrequented mountain path. was on
foot, for it seemed to me that the most violent
bodily exertion was necessary, to help quiet
the tumult of my mind and without looking
to the right or the left, struggled onward, over
rocks and chasms and frail bridges, spanning
wild gorges and rushing streams, as though
pursued by fends had walked for many
hours. had left home at MONDAY, and the
sun was now sinking in the horizon, as came
to the entrance of forest, dark, gloomy and
impenetrable. paused, uncertain how to pro-
ceed. If entered the wood ran the risk OF
encountering wild beasts, without the Proba-
bility of finding any shelter for the night; for
/ had journeyed as rapidly as almost to have
exhausted my strength, and now felt the ne
cessity of refreshment and repose. I present.
" discerned narrow and tangled path just
skirtirg the edge of the dense growth, and de-
cided to pursue it, hoping it might lead to
some woodcutter's hut, where I could obtain
bit of sehuarsbrod (black bread) and per-
mission to rest on the floor for the night. 1t
grew darker and darker, and for some time l
pursued my way without coming in sight of
any babitation. At length, just as l was be-
ginning to give up all hope of doing so, and
to think would be reduced to the necessity
of climbing into the branches Of a tree and re-
naming there until morning for safety, l lspied
thin wreath of smoke curling up into the
air at no great distance ahead of me, and
quickened my steps to reach, with greater ex-
pedition, the abode of which it was the signal.
: No such abode, however, met my eye. But
as drew near, I saw fire of brushwood
kindled on the ground, and crouching over it
the lean, gaunt figure of an aged man, whose
long, white beard reached below his waist.
His dress denoted the extreme Of poverty,
consisting of sort of black gown or robe,
almost in tatters, quite insufficient to protect
him from the night air. His bald-head was
uncovered, and his face had pinched and
hsggsrd look, which combined with the lines
and wrinkles of age to give him an uncanny
and wizzard-like expression, enhanced BY the
CLEAN of pair of very large, deep-set and
densely black eyes, raised inquiringly and
somewhat forbiddingly at my approach. In
few words I explained to him my exhausted
condftssu, and asked teRve to rest and warm
myself beside his fire.


"Be seated, traveller" was his grave reply,
"and when the fire has warmed your limbs,
you will be welcome to partake Of my supper
with me, provided you do not scorn such hum
bic fare"


He spoke in very good German, and his
accent was one of refinement. In fact, his
whole air was polished, though tinctured by
deep melancholy, and led me, in spite of his
dilapidated attire and forlorn appearance, to
believe him to I've person of no common
birth. was reused from the contemplation
of nv own wretchedness to sort of interest
in this singulsr.looking being, and could not
help wondering, as seated myself opposite to
him, what freak of chance or fortune had
brought him to this solitary place. could
see no sign of dwelling near; but after we
had sat awhile in silence, he arose, and bid
ding me follow him, led the way to sort of
rude hut, formed by the entwined bosghs Of
small trees. and quite screened from the view
of any Wayfarer who might pass along the
narrow road. Here stood rough bench,
large enough to seat one person, but no other
furniture was visible. An earthen pitcher
and plate of pewter were in corner on the
ground, the latter containing part of coarse
brown loaf, which be brought and offered me.
"Be seated here" he said, pushing the bench
toward me, land will bring draught of
fresh water from the spring near BY" Taking
the pitcher, he went out, leaving me alone in
the hut, overpowered by astonishment at all
saw. In few minutes he returned, and held
to my lips the pitcher, filled to the brim, with
deliciously cold, pure water. drank deeply
and felt refreshed by theinvigorating draught.


"Tis better than the wine-cup," he re-
marked, sententiously, as he set the vessel
again on the ground. Remarking that be
continued standing, arose and offered him
the seat occupied, which was, indeed, the
only one to be seen, but he declined it.


"Keep it for yourself, my son," said he, in a
more friendly tone than he had yet employed
in addressing me. IF you are accustomed to
luxurious resting-places, you will find it, l
fear, destitute Of comfort, but still somewhat
better than the bare ground. For myself, the
lap of earth affords me sufficient repose, both
in sitting and sleeping. have, as you see,
neither chair nor couch"


"You have, indeed, but scanty comfort
shout you here" could not forbear observ'
ing; "but probably this is only temporary
abode"


"You are Mistaken" he calmly replied.
'This dwelling, such as it is, has sheltered my
head for halfa score of years, and will shelter
me, as Ar as l can foresee, until die. May
that day be not far distantp he added with