Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-02-18
From the Ar<oSy

| six thousand forms more make one hundred
thousand. said the old man.
| That is right, keblar, answered he who was
seated, looking at his list
Other kinds of coin came in their order
packet after packet was laid in the trunk until
| 1t was nearly full.
This will be very heavy" said Keblar after
| Counting and packing for some time.
1T Will indeed replied the young man, who
was named Fernsld; but ten thousand foreign
pistoles must still go in
keblar continued his work in silence. When
1t was finished he raised one end of the trunk to
| test the weight
Can it go?' asked Fernald. anxiously.
les, suppose SO; but il comments are
made about it, you had better say you are carry
ing specimens of hardware"
That is a capital idea. Now give me the
key"
Keblar took out Of his pocket a steel ring,
from which hung keys of all sizes and shapes,
| and, selecting one handed it to Fernald, who,
after locking the trunk, pocketed it carefully
with his list
~ must now receive the baron's final orders
and take my leave of him." said Fernald.
| send the trunk TO my lodgings. Keblar, and
with II the letters l am to take to Vienna"
Il will attend to it, SIR said the old man.
All three then left the strong, heavily fastened
room, and keblar closed the iron door securely
after him.
Fernald was from an old burgher family of
Frankfort he was an employe in the great
Rothschild banking business, and had q depart
ment which proved that the head OF the estab-
hshment placed implici. confidence in his in
tegrity. The baron now intrusted him with q
commission to his brother in Vienna, where he
was to take the immense sum of nearly half q
million of money.
He went directly from the vault to Baron
Rothschild's counting room. where his final
instructions were given him. As the great
man dismissed him, he inquired: do you
take a servant with you?"
Yes, baron. my old Conrad"
"Is he an old MANI"
"Old. but trusty.'
well. you know him better than l. but nv
dear fellow, trust no one further than YOU can
see him, for we have many people in the
business that this journey is no secret. If
there should be a traitor among us our gold
and your throat run great risk. Here" he
added, lis a document from the Austrian en-
bassy to the head of the police department, so
that In case Of need force can be Immediately
placed under your direction. Now. farewell,
my young friend. and may God protect you ~
Have no anxiety baron. shall doubtless
be unmolested As soon al l reach Vienna l
will announce the fact to you,'' SAID Fernald,
taking his credentials.
do SO, and once more farewell"
Fernald intended to start the following morn
ing at o'clock and to travel in the baron 8
caleche, with post horses, for at the date Of our
narrative railroads were unknown in the coun-
try. 1t Was in the year 1888, shortly after the
so-called Frankfort riot, that bold outbreak
Of rash students upon the city police which led
to so many stringent and annoying rules and
regulations.
After Fernald had completed his preparations
for the morrow. finding he had the evening
before him. he resolved to spend it with small
reunion which he knew would be assembled at
the house of the secretary Of legation.
FerDald had made the acquaintance Of this
gentleman by transscting business with him at
the bank and having once accepted an invita-
ton to his house he frequently directed his
steps to its hospitable threshold, for he found
there a powerful magnet, and was now q regu-
lar guest on the evenings when Mr.. Won Frid-
burg received his friends. .------...----+ ,e---
This being one of these occasions. Fernald
soon found himself in the midst Of gay and
fashionable company. After paving bis respects
to the lady of the house and chatting Familiarity
with one or two acquaintance he turned to-
ward n lady, the center OF group OF gentle
men, who all paid marked attention to her
brilliant and animated conversation. She was
about si1-and-twenty years old, had large
sparkling black eyes. great profusion OF dark
hair, clear. pale complexion and an exquisitely
shaped head, and although the first bloom of
youth was passed this young widow was SO culti-
yated. piquant and witty that she was ALWAYS
surrounded by admirers She had lately come
to Frankfort having always lived upon the
lower Rhine. but being quite independent since
the death of her husband had taken up her
abode in what she declared to be her fsvorite
city. She had become acquainted with Nine.
Won Fridbnrg by occupying the next box at the
opera for a whole season. and had been re-
ceived, through her, into a few families. The
ladies considered her too coquettish, but the
gentlemen seemed to think she had no faults,
and Fernald was especially attentive.
80 you are going to Vienna, she said as
Fernald took a vacant chair near her, and the
other gentlemen, one by one. withdrew
Eyes, Nine. Bernardo tomorrow very early"
answered the Young man. IF can do any,
thing for you there it will give me the greatest
pleasure"
.'Oh, thank youi Ihave not any commissions
for VIENNA indeed. l know no one in all the
city. Do you remain long?"
81 go on business that will only detain me a
few days. but even that is too long, for my
heart will be here"
Nine. Bernard threw her head back with a
very animated gesture. and half turning to him,
said mockingly:
And do you expect me to believe that2 Any
young man must be rejoiced to travel in this
lovely spring weather. especially to so gay and
fascinating place as Vienna"
ut grieves me that my assurance is met with
| such total unbelef." said Fernald. 81 feel
inclined to quote the old German proverb
Women will believe anything but the truth.
well. that is quite NATURAL" replied Nine.
! Won Bernard. laughing. 1T is very hard to
believe what is dlsagreeable, and truth almost
always is So"
care the feelings and emotions which your
sex inspire in the hearts of men so disagreeable
| and iucredible2"
She blushed slightly, but shrugged her
| shoulders and was about to make some saucy
reply when a servant. approaching, said few
words in an undertone and handed her a small
| folded paper.
1.-The young man is below and awaits an an
| swer." Fernald heard him say.
Mime. Won Bernard changed color visibly; she
tore open the note, read it hastily, and, turning
| to the servant, said:
"Tell him yes. All is right
The servant withdrew Fernald, who felt
himself overpowered by jealousy at this little
| scene. whispered sarcastically:
$50 you have a secret correspondence"
went into the ante room, where she seemed to
wish to be alone. In this however, she was moi
gratihed, for several young men approached
and tried to draw her into conversation.
| Fernald, who had followed at little distance,
could not but observe how shortly and laconic-
! ally she answered them; il seemed almost rs il
| her eye sought him; and lo!he was not mistaken
she bowed somewhat naughty dismissal to
the surrounding group, and went directly
across to Fernald.
Listen to me, Mr.. Fernald," she said, draw
| ing him aside. You are going early tomorrow
| morning to Vienna-what would you say II
proposed your taking charge Of lady thither?''
4 l.