Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-05-12
FORrY.PIvE MINUTES.
A TALE FOUNDED ON FACTS.

A TALE FOUNDED ON FAC1S.
Il A FRIEND of mine who had Travelled
J through Germany about ten years ago, re
lated to me the following strange but true
story, which now lay before the readers
J of the Golden Era:
While was riding in the mail coacn
which runs from Dresden to the Bavarian
frontier, I became acquainted with an
Epplishman by the name of Baron Dale
who was travelling through Europe for
J the pleasures of sightseeing. de was
well acquainted with the manners and
customs of the inhabitants OF different
countries; and as he had been IN San
Francisco. he often spoke to me about the
prospects of California, for l had told him
that had resided in that city since ls49.
Only one thing was remarkable IN his
fuept conyersatior-hen never mentioned
the habits, dresses, etc, of the women
who inhabit the different countries
through which he had travelled. Every
time / mentioned the word "ladies or
"wives" he broke off and fell into deep
and gloomy silence.
It was late one summers evening when
the coach stopped at the Red Lions Inn,
the principal hotel OF Brakeman, small
but picturesque city of Bavaria.
During supper the Englishman spoke
about the beautiful scenery surrounding
the town. and offered to conduct me on
| the following afternoon to an Old Roman
tower that stands upon high hill near
BY the river that divides the city into two
| equal halves.
I thankfully accepted his invitation:
| Had known what an awful scene l had
| to pass through, would never have ac-
companied him.
"Well, to make my story short, the
| Baron and / assembled the hill. Near the
tower we found a waiter Of the Red
Lions Inn, who had a basket in his hand.
unchs-very well; you may CO."
said the Englishman, taking the basket.
The waiter was about to leave, when
the Baron cried out:
"Stop; here is your trinkgcld (fee).
Have you put my telescope in the bas-
ket p"
The waiter said Eyes," and with smil-
ing face left US. The Baron, who was
very rich, had given him a louis.
"Come, mine Herr, let us enter the
sun is too hot close to these ancient
walls!" said the Baron in excellent Ger
man.
l followed him into large hall, in
which found traces Of Roman sculpture
and part of massive floor.
What bad taste y cried as my eyes
became more accustomed to the semi
darkness. / saw wide modern staircase,
with broad steps and highly polished
rails, leading up to the second story OF the
tower.
"That's what the citizens of Bruck-
enau said, and they added that Baron
Dale was an eccentric fool" replied the
Englishman in Q sarcast til. tone.
"Did you-y
He interrupted my question. Yes, l
caused it to be built. This tower belongs
to me; bought it of the city corporation
for mere trife. There was spiral stair
case in the place of this one, and it was
too much like ascending the wheel of q
treadmill; 80 l had it torn down. Please
take this telescope and ascend to the top
of the tower. Your ascent of over two
hundred steps will be amply repaid by
the beautiful prospect that opens before
your gaze as soon as you reach the battle
mentsr'
After pause he continued:
"Do not wait for me. On your return
you will find splendid lunch spread out
at the foot of these stairs" The words
"splendid lunch" sounded very strange,
and looked into his face, which had as
sumcd gloomy If not fiendish expression,
while his eyes glared as if he hated the
very sight of'me.
As soon as he perceived that was OBJ
serving him very close the expression of
his features changed, and in q cheerful
tone he concluded:
"And while we are eating our lunch l
will tell you tale about German woman.
You know you have asked me about ladies
before"
I bowed and then fastened up stairs.
Truly grand panorama of mountains,
woods and valleys spread out before my
enraptured gaze. Far below me was the
ancient town of Bruckenau, with its walls
and terraces, its churches and public
buildings, while surrounding it was a
double belt of tall poplar and bushy
chestnut trees, that looked like q green
frame in contrast with the tall gabled
houses and dingy looking churches. Be-
yOnd the town were patches of woodland,
from the depths Of which heard the bells
Of cattle, while nearer and clearer came
to my ears the song of a shepherd. "Now
let US thank the LOrdP
The vesper bells of neighboring con-
vent seemed to join with the song, and in
voluntarily joined in the simple but
impressive song of the poor shepherd.
Lower and lower sank the sun. The
mountain tops reflected its red beams,
and masses Of clouds above them became
edged with bright golden hues, which
deepened into purple, then leaden gray
became predominant and the veil of in
creasing darkness began to envelop the
valley.
This was a warning to me to hasten
down. There were three sections of the
stairway. When reached the top of the
last section saw light. At the same
time voice cried, "Stop, or you are q
dead man |"
looked down. About fifty feet below
me stood the Baron, with candle in one
hand and double .barrelled pistol in the
other
"Why, my dear sir, you are crazy
Please put up your pistol; do not like
such practical jokesv' cried I, with a
forced laugh.
practical joke, ha ha hal It's not
q practical joke, but stern reality. I've
got you in trap, sir |" answered he, fas-
tening the candle to the railing.
Iquickly passed my hand into my coat
pocket. A cry ofterror escaped my lips
my bowie-knife and revolver were gone.