ORIGINAL TALE. THE HOSTEL OF THE OKERTHAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume 1, Issue 43, 5 December 1868, Page 6

ORIGINAL TALE. THE HOSTEL OF THE OKERTHAL.

tile landlord's stoet.

" Gentlemen," said the landlord, " you were badly frightened the other night, and although your fears were groundless, this old house has seen blood flowing like water, and the old rafters have re-echoed the sounds of deadly combat. You have read, I suppose, for you are too young to remember of the great uprising of German patriotism in 1813 against the French invaders, which led to the crushing of BonaDartp's power at Leipsig. We in this peaceful valley knew little of the state of affairs. Many of our free forresters went forth to battle for fatherland ; but I was compelled to sacrifice inclination to duty, for my father was old and feeble, and dependent on me for support. Wilbelm Heine kept this inn in those days, a noble old man, whose sole care was. to guard over his daughter, the sweet "Wilhelniina. I was a frequent visitor- at Heine's house, attracted more by the beauty of the daughter than the mellow /Rhine wine of the father. Things went on in their quiet tenor in the Okerthal for many a month, until one fine sunny day "Wilhelmina Heine pledged her troth to me beneath the old linden tree that grows by the spring. Qn the same day the unwonted sounds of martial music and the tramp of armed men awakened the echoes of the valley. A detachment of French troops had been despatched to seize on the passes of the' mountains, and accordingly they entered our valley with all the pomp and circumstance of war. The trembling inhabitants were brought before the captain who commanded the detachment, and were ordered to prepare food, forage and lodgings for the men. The people conducted to their humble dwellings these uninvited guests, and spread before them their frugal cheer. In vain did they waste their courtesy on the blood-thirsty brigands. In a short time the rightful owners were driven to seek refuge on the rocks, while the* French soldiery pillaged the homesteads. The captain took up his abode at the inn, and by a promise of protection, induced Heine and his family to remain. The best the larder afforded was placed before him, with a stoup of old Rhenish to wash it down. At the first alarm I had removed imaged parent to a place of safety, and returned at once to watch over the safety of my betrothed. A chosen band accompanied me, ready at a signal to. fall on the invaders. Noiselessly we crept to the window of the little inn, and looked in on a strange and exciting scene. The table was covered with dishes and bottles, and around it were seated half a dozen French officers. The captain, flushed with wine, sat at the upper end, and facing him was Heine, held by a eonplc of soldiers. The captain raised a pistol, and pointing it at the prisoner, said, * G-o, fetch your daughter here, or die ! ' Heine did not answer in words, but the worn and hatred depicted qn his features were answer enough. At the same moment a shriek was heard, and a soldier entered dragging Wilhelmina after him. The old man staggered at the sight as though he were shot; but he -recovered, and returned with a look of deadly hate the triumphant glance of the French captain. 'Fetch the little tartar hither,' pried the officer; 'we shall teach her to love a soldier, ay, and how to drink a cup of wine to the health of the Emperor before long.' Then' the old man's fury broke out, and dashing aside the two soldiers who held him, he seized a hunting knife from the table, and buried it in the heart of the commander. Then placing hiß daughter behind him, he faced his enemies. "With shouts and execrations the rest' of the Frenchmen gathered round, but none seemed inclined to lead the way against the long knife still stained with their commander's blood. Their hesitation saved Heine, for I dashed in at the head of my friends, and we were soon engaged in mortal contest with the Frenchmen. Bewildered with drink, they proved no match for the stalwart mountaineers, and before moiming not a man of the whole detachment was left to tell the tale. We buried the dead bodies at the foot of the old linden tree, and for a time "concealed ourselves in caverns, dreading the vengeance of the Emperor. You may imagine the joy with which news of the glorious victory at Leipsig was received. The old nqmesteada were rebuilt, and the new chapel was opened on the day Wilbelmina and I were united for weal or for woe. It is rmny years since that day, but I have never seen cause to repent of my marriagfi with the daughter of Wilaelrn Heine." ' The Fran BischofF, worthy old dame, smiled and nodded as her husband concluded, in a way that showed how true were .hif» concluding sentences. A frewh bowl was called for,but bpfore •,vo had begun to drink its contents a cvoat knocking was heardat the door, '.wl a lusty voice carrolling out — Er rnupht der fuchs fcibac, Y.t raucht der fuchu tab^j, Er raucht der leatheren f ucb» tabac ; ' Sa! sal' 1 Fuchs tabac ; Er raucht der f uchs tabao. Our host burned to the door, and soon returned with a couple of merrylooking students, who needed no press.

ing to join our parly. " Been telling stories, have you ? " said the elder of the two, after he had taken a long pull at #ie tankai'd ; " well, I shall be happy to contribute my mite to the evening's amusement ; so here goes." (To be continued.)