Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-19
THE HEAVENLY PHOTOGRAPH.

| From the Boston Transcript
A T ONE OF THE GERMAN OBsERvA-
"A tories plans were laid TO photograph some
parts OF the heavens. An assistant, Stammers
| by name, was commissioned with this expert
ment. Full Of the importance Of such q COM
mission, he went into ono Of the cupolas Of the
observatory, placed his Photographic apparatus
before the ocular Of q telescope. pushed back
the opening in the roof, and began his tedious
task, Though he was sure that many trials would
| be failures
The assistant looked first through the tele-
| scope, only to assure himself Of heaven clear
enough to begin work. A feeling Of satisfac-
| ton crept into his heart when he saw q wonder
fully clear sky.
With q certain curiosity he commenced his
drst proof. Carefully he got under the green
cloth that hung over the apparatus. He had
to wait at least half an hour, until the sensitive
plate should have received the impression Of
the most minute stars. After this lapse of time
he looked curiously at the plate to see how his
| first attempt had succeeded.
But his first look told him that something had
| gone wrong He saw no dark sky nor light,
spots on the same, but a light surface with dark
| spots which moved to and fro on the plate. He
| put back the green cloth and looked toward
peculiar phenomenon.
| Again he looked at the plate, and saw at first
bright star; it was again driven away by the
white fog. Stammers rose quickly and looked
| upward. He could hardly trust his eyes, and
| an exclamation OF angry surprise escaped him.
There through the opening peeped the face
OF his colleague, lighted up by lantern,
straight into the telescope, who now burst into
a hearty laugh.
81 only wanted to ask you," said Dr. Hilbert.
III any one should fetch beer or wine for you?
Fearing to trouble you if l came up the stairs
| took this more uncommon way"
A noise was heard. The lantern slipped out
OF DR.. Hilberts hand and fell through the open
| ing OF the roof down into the room, while the
| apparition itself disappeared.
Dr. Stammers was SO surprised that at first
he could find no word to respond, but now his
anger broke out in full force and found ex-
preston In such language that it was just as
we'll he was left alone to listen to it. Con-
WINGED OF its uselessness he put in another plate
and began his work afresh. The photograph
ing OF the heavens had lost much OF its attrac-
ton. His thoughts were only half with his
work; secretly he was working out Q plan Of
revenge.
DIR. Hilbert was young man Of twenty-seven
years and was the fortunate possessor Of a large
property. Besides that he had happy, cheer
full disposition, mixed with good deal Of fun,
which often brought a raw of light into the
solemn faces of the astronomers. He had found
1t agreeable with his astronomical being to have
a sweetheart. and the beautiful garden that
surrounded the observatory Of itself rea-
son enough for that. For what lovers could
have wished for better meeting place than
garden strictly closed against outside mortals?
1t was toward evening. The wind rustled
softly through the acacias and over the hazel
nut bushes, golden rod and black thorn. Young
spruce and FIR trees gave to the whole some
what serious aspect
rendezvous had been fixed. Dr. Hilbert
went slowly over the gravel-covered walk
toward the little side door where he always
awaited bis beloved She came-a young lively
girl with rogush. large eyes and fair curls.
And they sat on the coy stone seat talking and
making plans for the future
Hortense, the daughter of rich merchant.
was although not yet openly announced, the
future bride Of the astronomer.
Yes, she was his bride. for if we we're to
listen We would hear them talk in happy obi
won OF that future time. The announcement
was going to be made within the next few days
And Hilbert drew the young, blooming girl
long kiss on her rosy lips.
But there was another that enjoyed the kiss
perhaps more than the lovers, who had actually
waited for this kiss. Behind young trees a
Photographic apparatus had been placed un-
noticed by the two.
Inspired by the feelings of revenge and
thinking Of his spoiled heaven photograph, DR..
Stammers crouched beside it.
And they kissed each other and held each
other long and fervently. They kissed each
hastened to take the cover from the objective
OF the apparatus
DR.. Hilbert was missing during the next few
days from the observatory. He had given DR..
Stammers three announcements Of his engage
ment, one for himself and two for the other
two colleagues. ConscientiousIy Dr. stammers
did this-he did more than was asked of him.
Added to the announcement card was the pho
tograph. which created great mirth, both
through the good likeness and the original
way in which the lovers were taken.
Hilbert reappeared happy man at the OBJ
servatory. One fastened to meet him to con-
graduate him and thank him for card and
photograph.
photograph" asked the astonished BRIDE
groom. He began to think that Stsmmers had
perhaps photographed him when he peeped in
on him on the roof, and asked to see the
picture. Terrified he stepped back. That he
had not expected to see And still he well re-
membered the situation. He could not wipe it
away from the picture. There it was. He and
Hortense on the stone seat Of the observatory
garden, just when they kissed each other.
That was your DOING" he called, turning
to DR.. Stammers.
.'Mv work. my work. laughed the latter.
''The revenge for the spoiled heaven photo
you wish anything changed? Moreover, the
plate Is waiting to be made manifold"
"How-what-you would? That must not
be!' stammered poor, terrified Hilbert. "You
must give me plate and photographs so that 1
can DESTROY them"
great sea Of emotion arose in the soul of
the young groom. He thought OF the possible
consequences if the picture were circulated
farther The disgrace-and Hortense! He
dared not think further, he became so terrified.
Gladly" answered the one addressed, but
only with one condition"
And that is?' asked Hilbert
Unable to hold himself longer Stammers
burst into a peal Of laughter.
The penalty which you have to pay is" said
he, that you take upon yourself FOR me the
tiresome job Of Photographing the heavens in
my place. You have spoiled my heaven photo
graph and have photographed your heaven.
Now it is your turn again"
Poor Hilbert had to put on q good face and
do the tiresome work which was going to spoil
the first days Of his happiness, and lie had to
operate the same evening in the cupola and
with many sigh under the green cloth of the
apparatus.
The Game Of TemA