San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-03-23
earth could ever have found itrr


Hugo Weyprecht was apparently a very
hardened ruffian indeed, for he betrayed
absolutely no sign of remorse or embar-
rassment; rather his face assumed shade
Of extra hauteur as he said, Struggling his
shoulders:
every one must shift for himself in
such cases, and charity begins at home. I
have done nothing illegal; if the robbers
had not got money they might have used
violence" Then, turning to the Jew be-
side him, he added: "Get down; can
dispense with your further services, and
shall drive myself"
The Jew after feeble resistance obeyed,
but not without much plaintive wailing
"And how should poor old Isaac find his
way home with his broken bones at this
hour of day, And who would ever
restore to him his precious sledge and his
valuable horses, which were all he had to
live upon"'
'"The sledge and horses will be deposited
with the town authorities" explained
Hugo, "where you can fetch them to-
morrow. AS to you, SIR" he continued,
turning to the tall, red nosed stranger, 'be
likewise good enough to relieve US Of your
company"
"May I ask by what right" said the
man, beginning to buster. 81 have paid
my place in the sledge as well as you"
Every WELL" said Hugo, unmoved,
"you may remain If you are prepared to
accompany me to the police Office the
moment we reach x"
The man looked crestfallen, and NUT
tering imprecations ne began to get out.
81 thought so," said Hugo, grimly.
His eye now rested for q moment OH the
fur clad man with an expression of
doubt.
perhaps the noble gentleman would be
glad to get rid Of me as well?'' he said
with q sneer. "It would be pleasanter to
drive all alone with the beautiful young
lady whom you have just robbed, would
it not' Sorry cannot oblige you, and l
am not to be scared away by the threat of
the police Office. Why should I be- My
passport is all in order; here it is at your
service. Gregor Dimitroff, commits voy-
ageur, travelling to K, with specimens
of plated watch chains"
"You can remain" said Hugo, with a
frown; then, turning to Clara, in the same
commanding tone of voice, Take this
handkerchief and tie it about your head.
You will catch cold with your head I'M
covered"
Mechanically she obeyed him, far too
much terrified to resist this terrible man.
who somehow compelled obedience by the
mere sound of his voice.
In minute the sledge, lightened Of two
occupants, was speeding on again, and
only when emerging from the forest
shades on to open space, with the lights
of the town shining before him, did Hugo
somewhat Slacken the pace
Not n word more had been exchanged
between the three inmates of the sledge
when they drew up in the courtyard of
large hotel in the suburbs of the town.
Hugo now sprang from the box with
long drawn sign of relief, and eagerly
held out his hand to assist Clara
in getting out, but affecting not
to see his movement, she stepped out
at the opposite side and hurried past him,
without youchsafing one glance.
Her limbs were cramped from the long
sitting posture, so that was, perhaps, the
reason why she twice stumbled on enter
ing the broad, lighted corridor. Clara
frowned little and shook her head, as
though impatient Of her own weakness.
She would walk quite straight and quietly
till she reached room, she told herself,
and then she would sit down for little.
Her head was whirling so strangely, and
large, fiery globes seemed to be dancing
before her eyes; but he must not be
allowed to guess how her knees were
shaking, and she tightly closed her mouth
to prevent her teeth from chattering
against each other. Oh, yesl she could
walk upstairs, she answered to an obsequi-
GUS waiter, who approached her with
question. No help, thank you; she felt
quite strong, and then Clara clutched at
the banister and fell senseless in faint
ing fit
When Clara recovered consciousness she
was lying in bed in a strange room, and a
good natured chambermaid was standing
over her
THANK heaven, my dear young lady,
that You are coming to again." she said in
German. Then, as Clara sat up in bed
wildly, and clutched her hand with
scared expression, "Do not be afraid, You
are quite safe This is the hotel and I
am the chambermaid. l was once in
service with German lady"
Are there no robbersf" repeated Clara.
None, none, my dear; the gentleman
told me what fright you have had. No
wonder it mas upset you. And the poor
gentleman, your brother, am thinking,
has been in such dreadful way ever since
promised to let him know as soon as you
opened your eyes" And she rose to go to
the door, but again Clara clutched hold of
her hand with an expression of positive
terror.
mo, no! not that" she gasped. HE
must not come, promise me that he shall