The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1875-03-26
The HunchbackPd Musicians.

There once lived in the city of Aix-la-
Chapelle two hunchbacked musicians.
Friedei, Notwithstanding his deformity,
vas q handsome youth, but the charm
.hich especially attracted beholders was
tie beauty of a cheerful, contented
spar which Shone from his clear eyes,
and wen found expression in the sweet
harmQy which he drew from his violin.
Nov Heinz was unlike Friedel in every
reSpec. His hair was red, his eyes pale
and dul, and his mouth coarse and bru-
tai. None liked to hear him play !; it
seemed IS if his natural ugliness lad be-
wltched tle very instrument III his hands,
for it poured forth only harsh and graf
ing sounds, most dismal to hear cOnse
quently he VAS seldom employed, while
Friedel WAS III continual demand for oc-
casions Of merry-making.
In this city dwelt a rich wine mer-
chant. He had a beautiful daughter
named agatha, whom Friedel loved, and
she, seeing only the beauty of his soul,
gave HIN her heart in return, but know
ing tina: her father was determined to
marry her to Il man of wealth and posi-
ton, the lovers decided to conceal their
attachment until compelled to reveal it.
Unfortunately that time came speedily.
4 rich sllitor claimed Agatha hand, and
her father gladly gave his consent. Then
Friedel Knew that he must speak, or lose
his darling forever, so II day he pre-
scented himself at the merchants grand
house. His heart SAM ike lead, and
his face flushed crimson as he entered
the dark, magnificent apartment where
the proud man was sitting still he did
not taiter o lose courage until he had
pleaded his cause IN words that would
have touched any bat a sorlid heart.
As might he expected, however, poor
Friedel was repulsed with cruel scorn,
and driven from the house for his pre-
sumption.
Half distracted with modification and
grief, he wandered ont of the town, not
knowing or caring whether he went. At
length the descending darkness and the
cold evening dews made him 1~ealizc the
distance he had travelled, and he quickly
retraced his steps.
As he drew near the city he was
amazed ut the strange sights and sounds
that filed the air. All sorts of night
birds were abroad, wildly flying and
screaming as if possessed, while just
above the tops of the houses troops of
witches, mounted on broomsticks, were
riding ~furiously toward the tish-market
of Aix-la- Chapelle. An irresistible i'm
pulse impelled Friedel to follow them.
He soon arrived ut the square, which he
beheld illuminated by myriads of little
flames, making it as bright as MONDAY.
Here tables were spread, loaded with
wines, fruits, and delicious dainties,
and crowds of women were rushing
hither and thither III the greatest c0nfu-
sion. Suddenly Friedel remembered
that on guarter-day the witches were said
to meet at midnight in this square for Il
grand picnic.
As he stood gazing upon the remark
able scene before him, half doubling his
senses, the leading spirit of this strange
company approached him, and invited
him to psrtake of the r~efreshment. Erie
del's heart was still sick, but his stomach
was not in the least impaired-which
MAJ be regarded as a hopeful symptom
SO he sat down at the feast, to which he
did ample Justice. When he had fin
ished the leader placed in his hand a viO-
lin, and requested him to play for dane
ing. Nothing loath, he took the beloved
instrument, and as he sounded it the
tables and seats were removed like magic.
Though every II appeared to be talk
ing and laughing not a sound reached
FriedelS ears, but instead, the atmOs-
phere seemed oppressive with the silence
of death.
The signal was given, and then began
the maddest dance ever performed. The
scene grew wilder every moment, while
faster and faster flew the musicians bow
without any v~olition Of his own, as those
weird forms spun around him. At last,
dizzy with the whirl and excitement, he
sank on a seat utterly bewildered and