Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-02-17

doublet, the Infatuated father gave utter.
arce TO many bitter invectives, and said,
with vengeful looks, "He shall not be
kept waiting, Gilbert. The dull -pated
fool dreams not Of the honor that awaits
him"
What could'st thou dor" inquired the
other.
Meet hi1l; meet this audacious scion
of an odious and detested race"
ION, sir, be cautious; let not your
choler, get the better of your calmer judg-
ment."
Peace! When l need advice l shall
seek 1t from my discreet kinsman," OBJ
served the Baron, in tone of irony.
Long before the appointed hour, the
Baron, on that eventful and fatal evening,
concealed himself as before in the mass of
foliage near st. Jerome's Cross. He had
never proved himself to be patient man
at the best of times, and it is therefore the
more remarkable that he should have
contrlved to remain passive for nearly
one whole hour. Young Herberger, I'M
conscious of the surprise that awaited
him, leisurely took his way along the
road. AS he neared the trysting place, he
sighed, and furtively glanced at the cross
before which he paused for a few brief
seconds. A howl. such as an animal of prev
might give when it is about to pounce on
its victim, was the first notice the miser.
able lover received of the dangerous
proximity of the Infatuated Baron, who,
with hasty strides, approached the yonng
man.
"The Baron Won Altenfeldt |" said
FranKe Herberger, removing at once his
plumed hat. "This meeting is, indeed, un-
expected, and"
1 waste not words upon knaves or
fools! Ii thou art not a coward to-boot,
draw and defend myself"
"My Lord Baron, why this excess of
wrath?' exclaimed FRANKIE. "You do me
wrong by making use of such epithets."
"Prove thy words l will hold no
parley with your shouted Altenfeldt,
waving above his head his heavy sword,
which. every moment seemed about to
descend upon his mortal foe
81 repeat again, you do me wrong"
said the young man, calmly.
Thou art craven, like the rest of the
Herbergers" cried the Count of Sonnen-
berg, with naughty curl of his lip.
A conflict with the father of his beloved,
FRANKIE endeavored to avoid, it being about
the last thing he would think of entering
upon; but his wrathful adversary was not
to be propitiated by fair words. He mad
ly attacked his daughters suitor, and the
latter was forced from sheer necessity to
ward OFT the blows as best he could that
were so mercilessly shOwered upon him.
Notwithstanding the violence of the Bar
on's attack, FRANKIE did not attempt to act
on the aggressive, but contented himself
with keeping his angry assailant at bay.
At length, however, by vigorous effort,
the Baron struck the weapon from the
hand of Herberger, whom he then caught
by the throat, that he might make sure of
fulfilling his fell purpose. Poor FRANKIE
felt the point of the Baron's sword against
his chest He closed his eyes, believing
his last hour had come. Much to his as
constituent, he found the hand on his
throat relax its grasp-heard deep groan;
and, on the next instant, beheld the Baron
Won Altcnfeldt stretched at his feet, bath
ed in his blood. Before him stood the tall
and slender form of Gilbert.
"What hast thou done?" murmured
FRANKIE, to whom the events fthe last few
moments seemed more like the disjointed
fragments of some hideous nightmare
than living reality.
"Saved your life F" said Gilbert. Had
been second later, you would have been
sacrificed"
"Wretch !" calculated Herberger.
Monster, you have slain your protector
and kinsman |"
is it thus you thank me for saving you
from the vengeance of an Infatuated mad
MANI"
Mother of Mercy, but this was hor-
riblep calculated FRANKIE, passing his hand
rapidly over his brow. $50 horrible that
it almost surpasses beliefr
You are right there, my friend" OBJ
served his companion. Say what thou
mayest, this mobiles death will be laid at
your door"
CAT miner"
cay, even So There are no witnesses
beside our two selves"
"What demon was it that prompted !
you to commit so heinous a crime ?"
None have stood your friend in
the hour of need. Why, think you
For the sake of my cousin Odella. Had !
you fallen instead of your adversary, she /
would not have long survived. For her
sake | have made this sacrifice, and yet |
you do not thank me"
Herberger was stupefed with astonish-
ment. He had always held the speaker in
utter contempt, whom he regarded as a
paltry, shutting knave. The blow dealt
by Gilbert had been aimed with such
deadly intent that his weapon passed
through the heart of the ill-tated Baron
Won Altenfeldt.
"Heaven be merciful 70 us /" exclaimed |
FRANKIE, shuddering. Infamous assas- /
sin thou hast slain thy protector and
kinsman!'
"This is not the time for reproaches,"
answered Gilbert. Be thankful that you |
have escaped. Ifyou stay here all will be
lost. They will charge you with the MUIR
der y
Rnt am innocentW