Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1889-06-01
The Architects COMPACT.

THE Archbishop Conrad de Hochsteden
wishing to erect cathedral which should
exceed all others in Germany and France
both In beauty and design, directed the
most celebrated draughtsman of Cologne tc
prepare plan. The name Of this architect
remains unknown. Let this, however, not
be attributed to what was the common lot OF
almost all architects who covered Europe
with monuments in the middle ages the
reason was very different, as will be seen
presently. It was in 1913 that Conrad de-
| Hochsteden issued this order, and in 1899.
$50 years afterward, the cathedral was
| still unfinished.
The architect to whom the archbishop
had applied was sauntering one day along
the Rhine, neditating upon his plan. Alb.
sorbed In thought, he reached the Franks
gate, where at this day may be seen several
mutilated statues. Here he seated himself
He had a small stick in his hand, with
which he drew sketches upon the sand, then
effaced them, and then began others. He
continued in this manner until the setting
sun reflected its last rays upon the bosom
of the Rhine "Ah!" cried the artist.
how beautiful cathedral would look. its
Ing the departing sunbeams, while the
Rhine and town would be involved in dark.
ness! All! this would be lovely!" And he
continued drawing in the sand, perfectly
satisfied with himself.
Not far from him was also seated an old
man who appeared to observe his move.
inents with great attention. Indeed, when
the artist. thinking he had attained what
ne sought, exclaiming aloud, Yes, that's
it Yes" murmured the old man.
that's it, indeed but it is the cathedral
Of Strasburg." He was right The artist
thought himself inspired; but his produc-
.sn t>s-A mere Effort OF memory. This
,ssn ~ss therefore effaced, and he com.
rlehos6 another. Every time that he was
sStiaEei, and mad drawn plan in accord
aaos With his ide a., the old man chuckled
AID mL.tered: Metz, Amiens," or some
-.her city famous for it's cathedral. son
lag word, master" said the artist, tired of
ais jeers, you seem to understand well how
to blame the works of others,iI should like to
Zee what YOU can do" The old man said
nothing, ~ continued his criticism, until,
.osing patience, the artist exclaimed !:
Come. come. try your hand !" And he
held out the stick to him.
The old man looked at him in peculiar
manner. Then. taking the stick, he traced
few lines in the sand, but in such mas
terly way, that the other called out immed-
lately, 80 On tits plain you are an architect |!
Do you belong to Cologne?"
No, rejoined the old man, dryly, and
he returned the stick to the artist
= Why do you not proceed ?" demanded
the latter. 81 entreat you to finish your
design"
NO: you would copy it, and reap all the
honor," replied the other.
Listen, old gentleman" continued the
architect 'We are alone" And, in fact.
the shore at this moment was deserted. for
the night was becoming darker and darker.
I'm give you ten golden crowns if you VIII
complete the sketch now before me-"
C Ten golden crowns to me ?" roared out
the old man. And SO saying, he pulled
from under his cloak on enormous purse.
which he threw into the air. By the noise.
it was evidently full of gold. The artist
started back some PAGES then returning,
full of agitation and gloom, he caught hold
of the old mans arm, and drawing dagger
at the same time, cried out, s. Finish it, or
thou diest."
violence against me? Al Ah that
viii not serve you either" said the strsaS>a
with smile of derision. Then, ssssins
his adversary, he hurled him to the g,ound
saying, ''Wen, well, now you know TIA,
neither gold nor violence can affect me: 20
may have the plan which sketched beio.,
you, and the honor along with is, Z -
choose"
"How so?" exclaimed the psssssss
artist.
"Be mine, body and soul !" answes.dAss
stranger, with stern voice.
At this the other uttered loud cry. a2S
made the sign of the cross, whereupon tn.
devil, for he it was, suddenly disappeared
On recovering his senses, the architect
who found himself lying upon the san6s,
arose and fastened home, where the ~
woman who waited on him, and who haI
been his nurse, asked why he returned %
late. He did not attend to her, but hurried
to his chamber and Immediately retired 10
bed, where he dreamed Of apparitions; and,
among others, OF the old man, who present.
ed himself to his imagination tracing those
admirable outlines upon the sand.
"Ah!" exclaimed he, upon waking the
following day, :" plan of this cathedral
that Is to surpass all others, and has 90 long
engrossed all my thoughts, does actually
exist :
Whsreupon he fell to work drawing
towers, porches, and arches, but nothing
succeeded The old mans plan, the mar
vellous plan, was thelonly one that would
do.
He therefore threw down his pencil, and
proceeded to the Church OF the Holy Apos-
ties, and tried to pray. Vain effort! The
church is one of the smallest IN Cologne.
What it must have appeared in comparison
with the old mans drawing may well be
imagined. In the evening he again found
himself, how he knew not, upon the bor-
deya of the Rhiro The no cSsllp thu