Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-10-25

lOEeu the misery she was lnIlfctlng upon
these two young men.
She was pleasant and agreeable girl
enough, but as I looked upon Albrecht
as a brother [ could not forgive her
When [ demonstrated she laughed in
my face.
i" / am woman, and can do as like, ;;
she said, tossing her lively curls up in a
golden cloud
This silenced me, of course, and as soon
as | could lead her to seat, I walked
away.
Ten minutes elapsed, and | found
Albrecht Sneider near me.
He was pale, almost CHASTITY, and his
lips quivered convulsively.
What is the matter?" said.
He drew my arm in his, and walked
me off TO a conservatory, crowded by the
richest tropical fruits.
Henry Graham" he whispered in
sepulchral voice, Z" don't you want a
cOrpse?"
l started in utter horror,
Yes" / faltered; but-this is a
strange place to talk about such a sub
ject."
''No-now or neverl You shall have
a corpse by tomorrow night. 1t may
be mine, it may be hers-Heaven knows
it may behers"!
Hooked him full in the eye. Was he
mad, or had he been drinking? Evi-
IDENTITY something was the matter.
81 know what you think" he said
sadly But it is a fact. cannot live
without her-and, believe me, Harry,
she is playing me false
AT this moment he drew me behind
large Towering cactus, and clutched
my arm.
"Silence- silence-move and | will
kill you y he said in Il savage, moody
tone.
knew his motive.
Hilda, leaning on the arm Of the
light-hearted Fritz. was about to prom
enade with him.
Beautiful Hilda," he said aloud, I'M
conscious of the presence of strangers,
to whom the style of conversation must
be ludicrous, "believe me when | say
that | love and adore YOU"
The merry German girl laughed, de-
claring that he was the third man vino
had made the same remark to her.
but, beautious Hilda ~ he cried, " l
am in sober and serious earnest. To-
morrow night at eight-yes, without
fail, Will repeat the words to your
father" Hilda now became graver in
tone.
4 did not know you were serious.
Herr Mole" she began. /" If you really
intend speaking to my father
Albrecht could bear no more. He
held me tight by the arm and drew me
away.
We left the ballroom together, and
soon were seated by my comfortable
fire, enjoying the luxury Of tobacco and
beer
Albrccht scarcely spoke, but d great
deal of beer disappeared, and finally he
left me in a very gloomy and taciturn
state of mind.
The day was a busy one with me; I
had letters to answer.
My dinner was sent up at the usual
time, and after eating it INDUCED. as
was my custom, in a quiet pipe, and
some schnapps.-
My father had been rather pcremp-
tory in his expressions. He wished me
to return as soon as possible.
had spent three Years in Germany,
and he wanted to see some result.
had spent three years in Germany,
and he wanted to see some result.
Besides, he was kind enough to say
that | was missed at home, and my
mothers and sisters would be glad to see
me.
To be remembered and scolded thus
kindly was very pleasant, but still my
education was not complete. Until my
anatomical studies were supplemented
by the actual dissection of human
body, l could not be said to have arriv-
ed at the surgical perfection at which |
aimed
What was to be done?
Like nearly all German students
would have done, | answered myself by
lighting up huge pipe, and filling up
another mug of beer.
But no ideas would come.
Then came a timid knock at the
outer door. AS my deaf and blind old
landlady never interfered with such
mundane concerns, | at once replied,
and found messenger in uniform, with
letter.
He asked for me, and being satisfied
of my identity, gave me a letter.
AS soon as | had taken it in my hand
the man hurried away.
I tore it open as the manner of deliv-
cry was in itself strange.
DEAR HARRY unfortunate 'rixe'
has occurred. In q quarrel to-day poor
Fritz has received his quietus. AS it is
absolutely necessary to keep the matter
secret his body will be sent you. Do
with it as you please, or, rather, as you
think WISE At the same time pledge
you my word [ have done him no
harm. ALBRIGHT SNEIDER."
Fritz dead, and his body brought to
me. 1t was not only horrible but very
suspicious / recollected the scene of
the night before.
Still I was bound, in honor, L thought,
to protect my friend
What was to be done with the body?
My instincts as medical student were
alive In one moment.
mechanically went to the cupboard
and took out all my surgical instru-
mentS.
While so doing lit was now dark night
there came knock at the door,.
Irushed hastily to the passage and
something on stretcher. 1t was COW
cred by a sheet.
A slight shudder passed through my
frame as l hastily led the way to my
dressing-room. None of the men spoke.
They moved solemnly, and with true,
German gravity.