AN ELBADRITCHEL HUNT.
Fritz Schmidt, like many another Bucks County boy, had frequently
heard the rural tale of a mythical bird called the "Elbadritchel,"
supposed to be abroad, particularly on cold, dark, stormy nights, when
the wind whistled and blew perfect gales around exposed corners of
houses and barns. 'Twas a common saying among "Pennsylvania Germans,"
at such times, "'Tis a fine night to catch 'Elbadritchels.'"
[Illustration: CATCHING ELBADRITCHELS]
For the information of those who may not even have heard of this
remarkable creature, it is described as being a cross between a
swallow, a goose and a lyre bird. Have you ever seen an
"Elbadritchel?" No one has to my certain knowledge, so I cannot vouch
for the truth of this description of it.
Fritz Schmidt had never taught to question the truth of the tale. So,
when one cold, stormy night several boys from neighboring farms drove
up to the Schmidt homestead and asked Fritz to join them in a hunt for
"Elbadritchels," he unhesitatingly agreed to make one of the number,
unaware that he had been selected as the victim of a practical joke,
and, as usual, was one of the jolliest of the crowd. They drove
through a blinding downpour of rain and dismounted on reaching a
lonely hill about three miles distant. They gave Fritz a bag to hold.
It was fashioned of burlap and barrel hoops, inside of which they
placed a lighted candle, and Fritz was instructed how to hold it in
order to attract the "Elbadritchel." They also gave him a club with
which to strike the bird when it should appear.
The boys scampered off in different directions, ostensibly to chase up
the birds, but in reality they clambered into the waiting wagon and
were rapidly driven home, leaving Fritz alone awaiting the coming of
the "Elbadritchel." When Fritz realized the trick played on him, his
feelings may be better imagined than described. He trudged home, cold
and tired, vowing vengeance on the boys, fully resolved to get even
with them.