The Argosy — page 60: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

47 IN THE BLACK FOREST. By CHARLES W. Woop, AUTHOR OF ‘*§ THROUGH HOLLAND,” ‘ Rounp About Norway,” &c. Besta Rhine Falls were left to astonish other eyes and ears with their rush and roar, and once more I was journeying towards the Black Forest, taking a long round, and making yet another violent effort to see the Wehrathal. Success would depend very much upon the elements, but come fair weather or come foul, I had determined to see this much-praised valley. A rash resolve. The train made its slow way to Basle; how slow and how weari- some only those know who have passed through the experience. Travelling for pleasure, these frequent stoppages and long halts are endurable; but to anyone hastening on matters of life or death all this delay and loss of time must be torture. At Basle we changed for the Black Forest. ‘The train was crowded, and passengers were packed together regardless of class: not the most comfortable arrangement In the world. The summer manceuvres were going forward, and every station was thronged with noisy Ger- mans. Countrymen dressed in their Sunday best, and looking stiff and uncomfortable; half of them carrying glaring umbrellas tied round like lettuces. They scrambled, any number into any carriage, and the train groaned with its extra weight. The day was intensely hot and bright, but I had learned wisdom of late, and did not expect too much. ‘There is no mesmerism in these matters. It is sard that to wish for a person will often bring him, but it is not so with blue skies. We reached Schopfheim, a small, industrious manufacturing town. Here I was glad to say good-bye to the train, which continued its slow way towards Zell, another industrious manufacturing town, over- shadowed by the mountains. Zell was nearer my destination, but a fellow traveller (above the Sunday-best and cotton-umbrella order) said there would be greater chance of finding a carriage for Schonau at Schopfheim than at Zell. So I alighted; and the guard, more civil and human tham the | schluchsee diligence-conductor had been to the unprotected lady travelling to Hochenschwand, put out my luggage at Schopfheim, though it was labelled for Zell. Next, my fellow traveller piloted me through the not very intricate mazes leading frem the station’ to the inn of the Three Kings, where he seemed quite at home. Ina moment the host and hostess bustled out with effusion (they were honest, straightforward folk), and assured me that a horse and carriage, everything the inn contained, was at my disposal. CONNICHOOKS.EO im