Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-03-07
The Humming Top.

| NOIii, uut nuu III uo IcopcCt uiihihioh-
ed his pride and aristocratic bearing,
Attired in a gold embroidered coat,
such as men of his distinction are apt
to wear when lying in funeral state,
he started off on the direct road to
heaven.
Marching along at brisk pace, he
presently overlook and passed little
group, consisting of three most wretch
ed beings-a white haired, palsied old
pauper woman, a youth, from whose
neck still dangled the halter which
had brought him from the closing
scene of his life's drama, and poor
little bumped backed eonsumptive
boy, 5 or 6 years old, who, from time
to time, glanced lovingly at toy
clasped close in his hand.
Count GeierAug arrived at the gates
of heaven, and politely addressed St.
Peter:
Pardon me-" he began, 81 would
merely beg to inquire"
But the former apostle and present
keeper of the celestial gates interrupt
ed him sternly:
"It's not your turn. The three be-
hind there. whom you passed on the
road, comes first"
Before me | am Count Geierhug,
the prime minister. l have the title
of excellency, am knight of innumer-
able orders. member of various learn
ed societies, and"
"Up here we recognize neither
knight nor scholar"
yet your reverence was kind of
knight yourself, and welded dash
ing blade in the affair with Malchus." "
Peter silently eyed the smiling
speaker.
"And your reverence was also a
quasi scholar-or author-or-"
"On earth | was only poor fisher
man."
"Yet," continued the count, with a
profound bow, "your reverence's Epis-
ties are even more celebrated than the
world renowned letter of Mime. de
Sevigne."
Again Peter surveyed the fatterer
in utter silence, but with so penetrat-
ing a gaze that the false courtier's
eyes dropped beneath it.
In the meantime, the three pilgrims
had arrived.
No sooner did Saint Peter see the
boys innocent face and crippled body
than he said kindly:
Run in little one. This is the
right place for you"
The apostle then turned to thick
book upon which, in golden letters,
stood Ledger"
What is your name 7" he asked
the old woman.
"Brigitte Stegmaierin, if you please,
holy Saint Peter" she replied with a
courtesy.
"Precisely-Brigi,tc Stegmaierin, .
replied Saint Peter, poring over his
ledger Then, in grumbling tone,
he continued Debit; Has bitter,
bad tongue of her own While,
charged to her credit: She is wretch
cdly poor"
"Poor :" cried the old crone, weep
ing and flinging up her arms; God
is my witness that is true; and the
holy Saint Peter knows that poverty
is gnawing pain"
"Well, well" said the apostle gent
ly; "go in, granny, go in. In there
there is no more poverty or pain"
The young man with halter
around his neck now stepped forward.
"Your name ?" demanded Saint
Peter.
"Veit Kratzern."
"Stole a gold bracelet" read the
apostle, with frown.
"Item: A purse full Of money.
"The contents Of the contribution
box of st. james church."
Saint Peter scowled iercely at the
youth, who shook like q leaf in the
blast.
Credited: He did it all at the in
stigation and entreaty of his sweet
heart HIM! Did you love the
woman SO very much ?"
"Ahw faltered the boy, 81 could
never tell you how much /"
"Enoughw broke in Saint Peter
Don't talk to me about it. BE off,
will you ! out of my sight"
what! In there p. and the thief
pointed towards the gates.
"Well-yes. Only make haste or
| may repent my weakness"
Through the briefly opened portals
the fair forms and pitiful faces of two
shining angels we're revealed. One
of them tenderly wiped the tears from
poor old Brigitte's eyes, while the
other, murmuring mild and compass
sionate words, removed the rope from
Veit Kratzern's neck.
Nov, we are ready for you," re-