The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1867-07-26
Select Gale.
THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
a GERMAN LEGEND


CoNTINUED.
In consequence of the peculiar oppor-
tunities which l enjoyed, soon discov-
cred that Wostang, whom | had long
thought rather highly of, was in reality
very bad character. Some persons of
the worst description in Gottingen APP
peared to have been his associates.
Times without number ! was accosted
as an acquaintance by gamblers, pick
pockets, and usurers; ; and through their
means | unravelled train of impos-
ture, prohigacy, and dissipation, in
which he had been long deeply involv-
cd. found out even worse than this
at least what | dreaded much more.
This was Il forgery to an immense
amount, which he, in concert with an
other person, had committed on an eX-
tensive mercantile house. The accom-
plice, in high state of trepidation,
came to tell me that the whole was in a
fair way of being blown, and that if we
wished to save our neclls, an instantan-
eous departure from the city was indis-
pensable. Such piece of intelligence
threw me into great alarm. If ! re-
mained, my apprehension would be in
evitable; and how would it be possible
for me to persuade any one that | was
not WOlstang? My conviction and eX-
ecuton must follow; and though | wa,
now so regardless of life that | would
gladly have beenin my grave, yet there
was something revolving in the idea OF
dying for william, merely because
could not show that | was not myself
These reflections had their due weight
and | resolved to leave Gottingen next
day, and escape from the country "
| together.
While meditating upon this scheme
walked about three miles out of tOwi
for the purpose of maturing my plans
undisturbed by the noise and hustle OF
the streets. As Twas going gslowlyalong
preceived a man walking about fur
long before me. His gait and dress ar
rested my attention particularly, anC
after a few glances | was convinced tina
he must be myself. The joy that pre-
vadcd my mind at this sightno languag,
can describe: it was as Il glimpse OF
heaven, and filled me with perfect &c
stasy. Prudence, however, did not for
sake me, and resolved to steal slowly
upon him collar him, and demand N
explanation. With this view lapproach
ed him, concealing myself as well ms
could, and was so successful that | haI
actually got within ten yards of m,
prey without being discovered. At thi
instant, hearing footsteps, he turned
round, looked alarmed, and took to hi
heels. | was after him in moment
and the flight on one side, and pursul
on the other, were keenly contested
Thanks to Wolstang's long legs, the,
were better than the short ones wit
which my antagonist was furnished
and | caught him by the collar, as h
was about to enter wood. | graspe
my body with IIerculean grippe, so terri
fled was | to lose it, Sand now, 20
villain" said | as soon as | could IT
cover breath, "tcll me the meaning o
this. Restore me my body,or by heave
| WHIP
"You will do what ?" asked he, wit
the most insolent cooncss. This que,
ton was dagger tony soul, for | kne'
that any punishment inflicted on hil
must be inflicted upon myself. | stoo
mute for few seconds, still holding hin
strongly in my grasp. At last THROWN
pity aside, by one vast effort, | erie
out, declare solcmnly, Wolstnnl
that if you donot give me back my bod
| shall kill you on the spot"
XIII me on the spot !" replied h'
"Do you mean to say that you will ki
your own body""
Il do say So" was my answer: -
will rather destroy my dear body, tina
it should be disgraced by Il scoundr
likey you"
"You are Jesting." said Wolstanl
endeavouring to eXtricate himself.
shall show you the contrary" n
+ joined |, giving him violent blow @
the nose and another ON the ribs, Thc'
strokes almost drew tears from my eye
and when l saw my precious blood FLOW
ing, certainly would have weptalou'
but for the terrible energy which ral