Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-09-18

seemed to accord little favor Behind him
was the little page, whose sweet and melan-
choly look seemed troubled by the cross as
pect of the old man.
Sir" said Traugott, with an eagerness
which he could not control, &c that paper is
now deprecated, but one day it will recover
its value, you had better wait a little than suf-
fer1oss.' Why, my little sir" replied the
unknown, ''why do you NEEDLE yourself
Do you know what these rags are worth to
me. and if | am not in pressing want of mo-
rey?' "Well," said Traugott, still more
agitated, &c cannot suffer that you part at that
price with note which is above the current
discount, I am ready to supply you with funds
on condition that, in few days, when this
paper will resume its proper stand, as doubt
not it will, you will permit me to return to
you, the benefit, of which accident alone, has
enabled me to profit" "You are an odd
young man. cried the old man, &c and for the
way in whidh you conduct your affairs, cannot
be rich for a long time" With these words,
he cast a glance upon his companion, who,
blushing, lowered his eyes.
The two followed Traugott to the Master
Elias.
While the old man counted over carefully
the money he had received, the young page
said in whisper to Traugott, &c believe, sir,
you are the same who, some months since,
made so pretty design upon the end of a
table IN the Court of Artus." Traugott bit
his lips and believed himself Knocked. The
scene of the business letter returned to his
memory, his confusion was extreme, and he
only answered by timid sign. {" If you be
the same,' said the page little louder, &C l
am no longer astonished at the delicacy of your
proceedings in this matter" The old man re-
buked his companion with a look, for speak
ing, and both departed before Traugott could
hazard one question. When they had clear
ed the threshold of the store, the clerks emula-
ted each other, in whispered jokes, upon the
physiognomy of their singular visitors. The
book-keeper, who piqued himself upon his
ready wit, fixed his pen behind his ear, and
with his chin placed upon his Bonded hand, fol-
lows them with his eye as far as he could see.
May God protect me,' said he, with the all
of one pleased in advance with what he was
about to say, that good man, with his grey
beard and his shroud-like cloak, has upon me
the same effect as an old painting de ammo 400
taken from the Oldest chapel of the church OF
ST. John ~
| Master Elias, who knew nothing beyond
bonds, notes and securities for money, and
whose pretensons never extended farther, de-
cided, like true merchant, that the unknown
was neither more nor less than polish Jew
Of very little cunning, for that he had sold a
an enormous discount, stock, of which, the in.
terest would increase its value tenfold in eigh
days. The honest draper knew nothing O.
the secret convention which Traugott wished
to execute, and which he fulfilled the follow
ing week, when again he met the two unknown
ones in the Court of Artus.
81 accept this reimbursement" said the OLE
man to Traugott, &C because | have been ap
rous to treat you as such" AS he said thes,
words, Traugott stopped him Immediately be
fore the painting Of the Burgmeister and ex
hihited, without more ceremony, the surpris
he felt in the striking resemblance he bore tt
one Of the fgures-a strange smile passed owe
the lips Of the old man, he placed his hand up
on that of Traugott, and said to him, &c 70,
know not, then, my friend, that am the Ger
man painter, Berkinger, those freocos are m,
work, that Burgmeister is my own portrait
and took my son as the model of that pag
whose gracious physiognomy has pleased you
| am truly charmed with your penetration"
Traugott gazed upon the old man with
smile of incredulity. How" thought he
&c can this man be the author of these paint
ings, which seem at least 200 years DID,
pretension so absurd, is surely the indicatio
of some mental alienation, or at least singula
mania"
eyes," pursued Berklinger, shaking hi
white and venerable locks, &c that was indee
glorious epoch, which saw in works Xix
, these the apprentice surpass his master. TIL
personages of Artus and the Knights Of tn
Round Table, filled me with enthusiasm, an
more than once my imagination evoked the
phantoms by my side, while | sketched upo
these walls
, During this soliloquy of the old artist, tn
youth who seemed to be his son, said in lo'
tones to Traugott, g. II your passion for tn
arts be as great as you exhibit, you woul
find pleasure, my dear sir; if my father woul
consent to receive you in his study.
On leaving the Court of Artus, Traugott 81
licited from Berklinger this precious favo
The old painter, fixing upon him look pie
cling and serious, seemed for some time to he1
itate
Indeed, my young FRIEND" said Berkli1
!, ger, "tbou hast no ordinary presumption
Know you if your eyes are yet worthy to pei
citrate the sanctuary of Science? To few
allotted the privilege so soon, for age, and Ion
study deem what thou seekest rich rewar
Nevertheless, come-you may come. Pc
haps thou wilt draw inspiration from sigl
of its secrets. Tomorrow, at an early hou
thou mayest enter my house. Be wise an