Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-01-01
ALL'S WE'LL THAT ENDS WE'LL.

Translated for the REcoRD-UNloN by Minnie Swee- !
neY nom the German of Bettina Wirth, in =" Ueber |
Land and Nicer"
Not far from city in that region of |
Switzerland which is not at all renowned |
for picturesque beauty nestles a little old
castle, surmounted with four towers. Its |
quaint court and garden are hidden from
the gaze of passers-by by high wall. At
sunset the jays swarm about the caves and
chatter busily, as though they were giving
the history of the place from the very be- |
ginning. This has been their custom for so |
long, that the country people all call the |
castle "The Rookery." 1t had long lain |
tenantless, and its owner almost despsired |
of ever finding an occupant who would be
brave enough to ignore the tales of ghosts, |
and lights, and other mysterious happen. |
ings which the peasantry around about
who came with view to renting the place, |
remarkable for cheapness and elegance. |
But at last day dawned which more than
fulfilled the widest dreams of the owner.
A young Englishman, who had spent
season in the house, was so well pleased |
that he bought it outright, OF course the
interest of the neighborhood conferred itself
in him; the people about shook their heads
and shrugged their shoulders ominously |
and watched the new conner closely. Evil |
IDENTIFY he did not intend to keep great |
state in his new house; STILL he was gen.
erous enough with his money always kept
a table with plenty of covers for friends
from the city; had Blk saddle-horses, i'm
ported from England rented the trout
streams of the neighborhood for his pri-
vate use kept yard full of rare poultry,
and showed in many ways that money was
of little moment to him. Under these cir
cumstances Mr.. Wyndham naturally be-
came quite popular, even if he was some
what peculiar; sometimes for weeks he
scarcely spoke to the servants, nearly all of
whom he hired from the surrounding dis
trict; he merely nodded and he was IN
derstood and obeyed, for gold is a wonder
full eye-opener and quickener of the in
telligence when used as the master of 1.-The
Rookery" used it.
On a cold wet evening in the spring of
IS an unusual hustle was noticeable at
the castle. Up and down stairs hurried
~ II
which waits on tie preparations for enjoy
ment, but with CONSERVATION and excite
ment printed on every face. AS the butler
admitted the doctor, he said he was called
not to attend the master Of the castle, but
a visitor who had been there two weeks,
and who, in foolish attempt to show him.
self superior horseman, had sustained Sc
rious injuries. The doctor was shown up
stairs, and the household gathered about
the great fireplace in the kitchen to re-
count the circumstances of the accident
and to repeat the old tales against the
good name Of the castle. Presently the
doctor left the house, and the news was
brought to the circle about the fire that the
injured man would pass away before dawn.
Up stairs only his valet waited in the
aute.room of the sicz.mans chamber, to
assist, if necessary, the young master He,
the master, stood, spell bound, at the bed
side in the dim light he stood listening
and gazing. On, no lie would not believe
the case hopeless No tie of blood, no
bond of duty or friendship, bound him to
the man, lying pale and motionless before
him. Yet as he gazed, inexpressible pain
touched every feature of his fine, manly
face. Often, tired with anxiously scanning
the features Of the unconscious man, he
would let his hesd fall listlessly forward on
his breast, but, at the slightest sound, he
would start, and helpless and dumb, renew
thu fixed look of despair. He felt the
mans blood on his hands. Yes; he, who
would give his life to ease the pain of any
human creature, who every day spent his
substance for the poor, he was guilty OF
this mans murder, because in the pre-
sumptuous Gdaring of youth he had led
him to his death. On, no He must not
die and take the peace of a whole life with
him into the silent grave. What had he
done that fate should punish him so
cruelty?
They had met in Cairo, and they were
not together long before Wyndhsm dis
covered that the Frenchman was not the
hero he described himself to be; still be
was a pleasant companion, and never
minded a laugh at his own ex-
pense. They had met at differ
emit places again and again. Two
weeks before Wyndham was not little
surprised when Mons. Danvers sent in his
name at the castle. As of old, he was
somewhat boastful, and, as of old, Wynd-
ham laughed at him, There the acquaint-
ance was renewed on the old footing. Dan
vers had a high regard for Mr. Wyndham,
and wished to impress him as model Of
courage. His courage, he insisted, must
be put to the test. Mr. Wyndham lokingly
agreed to the proposal, and smiled to him.
self in ANTICIPATION of the scene, when,
thrown from one Of the spirited
horses, which were the admiration Of the
country side, the dashing Frenchman
should rise covered with dust and humility
He gave him 4 spirited animal, which
WOul bcOOk no timlu or inexperienced
rider, and mounting his own favorite PAGER,
the test of the Freuchmana powers began.
VITA characteristic dash Mons. Dauvers
attempted to force his horse past some OBJ
stacie, and tais was she result. Truly,
thought WyDdaam, there was little to
laugh over. For hours he had lain entirely
unconscious. The doctor said he would
pass away without rousing from his stupor
So for foolish joke, the young master Of
the castle was to suffer lifelong torture.
Suddenly the man moved his hand,
Wyudham bent over him Just as he opened
his eyes slowly and YEARLY. Not knowing
whether Danvers recognized him or not,
Wyndham unconsciously fell upon his
knees and whispered huskily. Pardon Z"
a movement Of the lips showed he was IN
derstood. After while tae answer came
slowly and painfully i'm Monsieurs ma
tive tongue do not hold you response
bic I am a fatalist, and have always felt
that my life would end miserably." He
paused and Wyndham gave him a drink.
What did the doctor say Do not let
me see that you still think me coward
speak to me honestly. as Sou would wish
to be spoken to T.
al