The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-09-10


ing is nothing remarkable, but the stones are
fine. Take them aud dispose of them, and
whatever they bring shall be yours.''
The old musician tried in vain to decline so
rich gift. Listz would not hear Of refusal
and the poor man at length withdrew, invok-
ing the choicest blessings of heaven on his gem
erous benefactor. He then repaired to the
shop Of the principal jeweller In the city, in
order to sell The diamonds. Seeing d misera-
bly, dressed man anxious to dispose of mag
nifcent jewels with whose value he appeared
unacqua,n,ed. the master Of the shop very nat
urally suspected his honesty; and while APP
pearing to examine the diamonds with close
attention, he whispered a few words in the ear
Of me of his assistants. The latter went. out
and speedily returned, accompanied by several
soldiers of police. who arrested the unhappy
artist, in spite of his protestations of iEno-
cence.
"You must first 60 to prison." they said,
afterwards you can give an explanation to
the magistrate"
The prisoner wrote few lines to his bene-
factor, lmploring his assistance. Listz hast
ened to the jeweller.
"Sr" said he, "you have caused the arrest
of an innocent man. Come with me, immedi-
ately, and let US have him released. He is the
lawful owner of the jewels in question, for I
gave them to him."
I" But, sir" asked the merchant, :swbo are
your"
sMy name is Listz.r
~ don't know any rich man by that name ;,
"That may be; yet ! am tolerably well
known.o
"Are YOU aware, sir, that these diamonds are
worth six thousand forins-.hat is to say,
about FIVE thousand guineas, or twelve thous-
and francs?o
$50 much the better for him on whom have
bestowed them"
''But in order TO make such present you
must be very wealthy"
aMy actual fortune consists of three du-
cats.u
"Then you are magiciaa?"
"By no means; and yet, by just moving my
fingers, | can obtain as mucn money as /
wish"
''You mast be magician!''
eff you choose, I'll disclose tc you the mag
ic employ"
Listz had seen piano in the parlor behind
the shop. He opened IT, and ran his fingers
over the keys; then seized by sudden lnspira-
ton. he lmprovised one Of those soul touching
symphonies peculiar to himself
As he sounded the first chords, a beautiful
young girl entered the room. While the mel
ody continued she remained speechless and
immovable; then, as the last note died away,
she cried. with irresistible enthusiasm, .Bra-
vo, Listz! tits wondrousl'
"Dos thoa knit v him, then, my daughter?o
asked the jeweler.
s1his is the first time have had tho pleas
ure Of seeing or hearing him." she replied !;
"bnt know that none living, save Listz,
could draw snch sounds from the pianos
Expressed with grace and modes.y. by a
Young person of remarkable beauty, this adj
miration could rot fail 10 be more than flatter-
ing to the artis.. However, after making his
best acknowledgment, Listz withdrew, in or
der to deliver the prisoner, and was accompa-
MED by the jeweller.
Grieved at his mistake, the worthy jeweller
sought to repair it by inviting the two musi-
clans to supper. The honors of he table were
done BY his amiable daughter, who appeared
no less touched at the generosity of Listz than
astonished at his talent.
That night the musicians Of the city sere-
naded their llastrious brother. The next day
the mobiles and most distinguished inhabitants
Of Prague presented themselves at his door -
They entreatel him to give some concerts,
leaving it to him to fix any sum he pleased, as
remuneration. Then the ieweller perceived
that talent in pecuniary light. may be more
valuable than the most precious diamonds
Listz continued to 60 to his house, and, to the
merchant's great JOY, he perceived that his
daughter was the cause Of these visits. He
began to love the company Of the musician,
and the fair girl, his only child, certainly did
not hate II.
One morning the jeweller, coming to the
point with German frankness, said to Listz:
sslIow DO you like my daughter?"
ssShe is an angei!"
"What do you think Of marriage ?o
81 think so well Of it that have the great
est possible inclination to try it.'
"What would you say to fortune Of three
miiiion francs?n
81 would willingly accept IT,"
"Weii, we understand each other. NY
daughter rleasvs you, you please my daugh-
ter. Her fortune is ready; be my son-in-
law"
"With all my hearf.''
The marriage was celebrated the following
week.
And this, according to the chronicles of
Prague, is true account of the marriage OF
the great and good pianist, Listz.
duel Settled by Cash.
A Frcnchman was to fight duel with an
American; the conditions were that but one