Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-11-30

golden opinions of all the society assembled
there. No one was more pleased with him
than the old baron. 1t was even believed
that he ranked so high in the good old mans
opinion, that it was rumored he had propos-
ed and was actually accepted by Clara Hart
man, with the full sanction of her father.
As narrator few could excel him. His
vivid descriptions lent life to his stories /;
and when he chose, (as on the present oc-
casion) he could harrow up the nerves of
even the most apathetic, by depicting hor-
rors in their most glaring, most appalling
colors.
One burst of Indignation, as he conclud-
ed, bespoke how truly he had interested his
auditory. A thousand execratons were
heaped upon the head ofthe unhappy youth,
who seemed plainly, incontrovertibly, from
the details given by Carl, to be the perpe-
traitor of the bloody deed.
"Tll 90 to see his execution myself
could enjoy the death tortures of such a
wretch ' Indignantly exclaimed the Prince
of Olesbach, young Russian, as he took
pinch of snuff, aud handed to his next
neighbor his splendid box, which dazzled
the eye by the richness of the diamonds en-
circing it it. {" If such a wretch existed
L
"And well would he deserve it; a cold
hearted, cruel assassin" chimed in another
May he be punished in the world to
come p fervently ajaculated Carl.
"Nay, nay" said the old baron, that is
saying too much 1t is true the man de-
serves an earthly punishment; but you are
allowing your anger against vice, my dear
boy, to carry you too far" And the old
noble good-naturedly patted Carl on the
arm.
Thus various subjects were discussed and
argued but during the whole evening Ley
den spoke not word. AT last the hour for
breaking up arrived; and according to ETH
quette the prince moved first. Ere he did
so, he requested the return of bis snuh-box
The person to whom he had handed it de-
clared that he had passed il to the next, who
in his turn denied all knowledge of it, as
did the rest of the company.
Every one had seen it, every one had
handled it, but none could now produce it.
The room was searched, the servants had
not even entered the apartment the door
had never been Enclosed, none had stirred
from the table. The affair began to wear a
serious aspect. The old baron felt his hon
or wounded, but still hoped it might prove
to be an ill-timed pleasantly. Under this
impression he rose.
Gentlemen, some person amongst you
has doubtless concealed the box, intending
thereby to give our ilustrious friend fright,
and, in good faith he deserves it for thus
careessly forgetting to look after trinket
said to be worth fifty thousand florins but,
as he seems really uneasy about it, l must
beg the person who has taken it instantly
to return it, and confess the loke."
And the noble affected to laugh. None,
however, responded, and Hartman saw,
with increased uneesiness, that he must now
take up the matter more seriously.
MY friends, you cannot feel offended
when | offer myself as the first person to
undergo the ordeal-an ordeal, almost
blush to submit to. We must be searched
None but the guilty can feel annoyed at
this proposal"
Professor Leyden started up. "By heav.
, en- I'd sooner die '
Another was of the same opinion, and
objected to undergoing such an operation,
= which, at the very least, implied doubt
2 Poor Hartman looked like ghost. He
= glanced appcalingly towards Leyden, who
now rose.
= Let the door be locked" he said in ;
l grave voice; "let it be well secured" This
! was done. Now, gentlemen, you must eli
a ther acknowledge the correctness of thu
= measure ! adopt, or |, the disciple of a jug
e Cling science, perish !" and he drew from
his pocket small pistol. "Nay, start not
: my friends against myself, alone, | meal
|. to use this weapon, and that only in case
: wrongfully accuse an individual now pres
;, emit You may remember, before dinner,
/, phrenologicaly examined you all. Their
r, was little to say about you generally; bu
there was one amongst you in whom | coul
l. not be mistaken-one whom | wished nc
4 to have named, whose presence ever since
y | must say, has made me shudder. lse
e. the gentleman to whom alude already tur
lie pale. Nay, attempt not to smile. am e
n ther villain for allowing false theory t
I'd mislead me, or you, Carl llollenon, are bot
n a rObber and a murderer"
lie A thunderbolt would have caused less cor
to sternation. The baron started up in rag
r and agony; the prince believed the prole
&c sor had suddenly gone mad; while the otl
Ii ers looked, with searching glances, ate
ar nately at Leyden and Carl. The former ha
We coolly resumed his chair the latter ST
~
al Old Hartman was about to speak in Il
ne gentle terms to the man who had thus insu
ted his future son-in-law, when, waving hi
ny hand, Leyden quietly added, " Search him
H. The baron, in his eagerness to defend hi
X protege, at once flew to do so. Immediate
p ly the snuf-box fell on the table. The wo
he thy old man sank, overcome, in chair.
of the breast-pocket of Cars blouse he h;
ch found the box, which the other had, unr
lg sistingly, allowed him to draw forth.
For few moments there was dreadfI
wv death-lke pause. The party seemed pet
m fed, while the trembling Carl seemed
ok struggle with his feelings. At length, as
Ter suddenly awaking, he started up, and inc
IN herently pronounced
ng The hand of God is on me ! woul
or but cannot, fly his judgment. Profess
me Leyden speaks the truth | am robh
ely and murderer Under the name ofGra
of wooed and won the peasant maid of who
nat we spoke Just now. In madness, espol
The ed her. Tired, however, in few sh'
APP days, of being tied, for life, to one uned
i'm catad and lnw hnrn-haarin. .ho. VA