The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-04-26
THE OLD HOUSE In JUDEK STRASSE.


of Franktort-on-the-M Maine was the street
called Juden Strasse, or Jews street. AL
though in the very heart of the city, it was
quiet and retired, and represented but
small number of the busy residents of
Frankfort.
In one of the houses dwelt jew, whose
love of gain-if, indeed, such passion had
entered into his soul-was under the full
domination of his honesty and integrity.
These were jewels which he priced far
above the gold and precious stones with
which his brethren sought to solace them
selves for their outward poverty Of appear
ance
I will not say he was not earnestly
seeking for means to provide against the
| future contingencies of fortune, and to lay
up something for the little ones who sat
around his board; but high above all these
was enthroned pure principle of honor
and justice, perfectly incorruptible, to the
| loss of which wealth and honors could not
bribe, nor poverty compel him.
The wife of Ben Heber Rothschild was
fit companion for such man. Stately
as an Eastern Princess, and beautiful as
only her own race can be, in wealth and
brilliancy of her deep black eyes and raven
hair-distinguish for the peculiar purple
tint that flashed over all in the suns rays,
Just as the CLEAN over the ring-dove's neck
Sarah Rothschild was as good as she
was beautiful.
Their house was neat and beautifully
ordered, although the furniture was all OF
a simple form, it was made of rare old
wood, that would now bring its weight il
gold. One closet was devoted to sets o.
different patterned Dresden china, the
heir-looms of families who had been impov
erished. and who were glad to let them lie
in the Jews closet, while they lived upon
the money they brought. All how few
could redeem them. This closet was otter
carelessly exposed to strangers, and it
wealth of beautiful cups and plates was the
theme of many lips, as it was the admira
ton of the children of Ben Heber. They
indeed, were never tired Of gazing on th'
paintings and fine gliding that enriched
the china.
Although the outer closet was thus fear
lessly exposed, few would have imagine'
that behind its seemingly secure bacl
there was an inner one that contained
princely inheritasces in gold and diamonds
This was the trust closet, so constructs
that the closest inspection would not revea
It's existence, and in it were hidden, no
the treasure that extravaganza had pawne
and for which the worthy Jew was receiv
ing profits, but simply those which ha
been entrusted to his integrity to keep an
for which he would never be paid.
, One night when the family were abou
to retire to rest, a faint knock was hear
at the door, and was answered by the ma:
ter of the house. A gentleman plain an
}, simple in his dress, and carrying nothing
not even his cane with which to defen
himself from attack, appeared on the step
!. His person was wholly unknown to tn
jew. and it seemed that his was equal
so to the stranger, for he was particul;
/. in asking for him by name.
;, He ushered his visitor into the room
which his wife was still sitting as he lie
her, in front of the famous closet, whic
4 stood with its wide glass doors quite opel
At first the stranger seemed half dispose
to object to the presence OF the lovely JeV
ess; but when she turned her superb hea
and acknowledged his presence by boz
s while her grave and serene countenan'
relaxed into a smile, he seemed -contel
4. that she should stay and witness his bus
ness with her husband This was SOC
unfolded. The visitor was German prin
VINO, for some political or personal reaso
. was forced TO flee from Frankfort. i