The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-03-25
4 LEGEND OF INNSBRUCK.
BY HARRY BALDWIN


and deep gorges surrounding the little VIII
lage Of Innsprucken, nestled in the beauti-
full valley of the Loire, one chilly Septem-
Der evening in the year 1853, as Gottlieb
Glnck, the keeper of the only inn the place
affoided, drew the blinds of the bar aud
seated himself before the glowing fire, with
smile of satisfaction and pleasure upon
his rubicund face. If it was dreary and in
hospitable without, in the cosy room Of the
cavern, with the large Fireplace emitting
cheerfulness and warmth, and the portly,
shining bottles of the bar FURNISHED and
bright, all was inviting and of nature cal
culated to inspire feelings of comfort and
contentment. Besides, the season had been
q fortunate one for honest old Gottlieb and
his Golfers swelled with hard earned guild
ers, the result of care and attention to his
summer visitors. 1t was not strange, there
fore, that as he took the huge arm -chair
before the fire, he cast satisfied glance ut
his evening customers, who sat smoking and
drinking at table near by.
Suddenly there was lull in the storm-a
hull following a long. wild shrek of the
sweeping wind, with which seemed
mingled scream SO unearthly and
yet SO human that the men at
the table dropped their pipes and looked
askance at their host, who half rose to his
feet at the ghostly whisper of his help"
young Arnold Tegtmeyer
"What was that?"
Whether the dying echo of the wind was
human or not, they never knew; but their
expectancy of something uncanny was sat-
listed nymoment later, when there came a
loud knock at the outer door, followed by a
rude push against the paneled barrier, and
asfit flew open there entered man whose
strange and sudden appearance brought
every person IN the room 10 his feet.
He was tall, thin man. with cadaverous
face and wildly cleaning eyes, appareled
in long black cloak, which, sweeping back
from his form, revealed glossy velvet suit
beneath, and richly jeweled sword. In
his arms he bore bundle, wrapped in folds
of dark crimson cloth, like a silken counter
pane, and as he confronted the gaping
throng his wet and dripping garments, and
pale, wild-eyed features caused them TO
draw back with mingled CONSERVATION and
"Well!" he said finally, fierce sheer on
mis- lip, a sharp rebuke in his tone of voice.
shave re never seen a benighted traveller
before, that we stare at him as though he
Tere the evil demon himself? Who is the
landlord here?"
Gottlieb, somewhat treasured at the hon
est German of his strange guest, advanced
a step and minated his proprietorship of
the inn.
Then prepare your best room at once, if
this be an inn; if not, direct me to the
nearest tavern. My horse is without, shelter
and feed him at once, and lead the way to
my apartment"
With q trembling hand and fustered
manner the host took a lighted candle from
the mantel, and led the way to the open
staircase leading to the upper story. The
stranger followed him closely, and as they
reached the front apartment of the upper
floor laid his burden carefully ON the bed
and confronted the innkeeper.
Listen to me, he said impressively, as
he took purse from his pocket; 'this purse
contains O hundred guilders-leave this
room and do not return until l call for you.
If any come for me, if any inquiries are
made concerning me-"
"But, your worship" began Gottlieb--
ga fire. a warm meal or change of cloth
ting"
Nothing, tell YOU briefly replied the
stranger. Go, you are paid. See that L
am not disturbed"
As he spoke he grasped the candle and
thurst the>innkeeper unceremoniously into
tho outer passage, with the purse in his
i hand.
But" persisted Gottlieb, 'you spoke of
visitors; who are you? What shall tell"
~The devil, if you like" interrupted the
stranger sharply, and closed the door in his
hosts face.
81 believe it," muttered Gottlieb as he
CROPPED his way down the dark stairs. Him
mel! what was that ?"
Less terrifying and far more human than
the voice without which had so startled him
but few moments before, there sounded
on his ears the low, plaintiye wall of an in
ho r,aiof oh no
sound, and as the innkeeper entered the
public room, curiosity and interest were de-
picted on every face at the amaZement and
Consideration expressed in his own.
Business is business" he said as he re-
-eumed his seat, and held the Melted purse
in his hand, with the gold pieces shining
between its silken chinks, up to the view of
his friends, "and his lordship pays royalty;
yet 1t is question with me if his worship's
last words do not refer more accurately TO
himself than he might wish it to be con-
sidered.'
what was it he said ?" queried one Of the
men Mt the table.
"That he was the devil"
A silence brooded over the little thronq
for n few moments following the words, and
the bar boy, Arnold Tegsmeyer, after forti-
flying himself with large drink of spirits
at the bar, walked restlessly to the window
and gazed gloomily forth into the darkness
and rain.
He might have stood there five minutes
or more, when the little company, which
had meanwhile drifted into various specula-
lions and comments on the strange visitor
were suddenly startled by cry of amaze
ment and terror from the lad. Intuitively
each man sprung to his feet, and FASTENED
TO the spot. Every eye followed the direc.
zion indicated by the white faced lad, and {
cold horror overspread each face as the,
looked and saw
A sight which curdled their blood with {
nameless terror. Running from the hous'
was n large timber, which connected twent,
feet away with the stables of the inn below
and pendent from which was the gate of tn
place. About eight feet above this was
second timber running in the same direction
AMI strengthening the Homework of tia