Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-07-11
THE LAST TREASURE.

In the immense gardens Of an old
patrician house stood a small cottage,
in rocco style. Into this little house
Judge Hollmer withdrew, after Ell
trusting his business affairs into the
hands Of his only son, Heinrich.
Here he lived at leisure with his old
servant. He seldom went out, and
only in summer, when the old Count
Won Sayn, cousin of the reigning lord,
moved from the city to the old castle,
for he had been an intimate friend of
the counts since earliest bOyhood. On
these occasions they played chess,
talked of their early experiences over
q bottle of wine, or StrOlled through
the lanes of the castle park in familiar
conversation.
It was a beautiful spring day. The
old judge sat in his high armchair
rear the open window, and gazed
thoughtfully out upon the blossoming
landscape, which stretched far away
In rapturous beauty until it reached
the blue, glistening mountains at the
horizon. He seemed to be weary and
suffering, and as he arose and walked
across the room he could only do SO
with great effort.
Now he stepped to an ebony chest,
artistically carved, opened it and
looked in. A flash of joy seemed to
pass over the tired features of the
old man. How it shone and glistened
within! Carefully he took from the
chest a large, golden wine goblet, set
with costly jewels, and placed it be-
fore him on the table. His eyes feast
ed on the exquisite work Of art, that
had no equal in beauty of design
and delicacy of finish This cup, to-
gether with others of heavy gold, the
judge had brought from Italy. They
were the work of Cellini's master
hands, and worth many thousands. He
had cherished them as something
sacred since the days of fortune, which
now, alas, lay so far behind him. His
heart still chung to these treasures.
Now he took a silken cloth and
carefully wiped every bit of dust from
the cup Then he placed it back into
the chest, with n smile of admiration.
While the old man was doing this
some one came up the steps. Quickly
he closed the chest. The next moment
there was a knock at the door and a
young man entered the room. He
looked pale and dissipated.
Good morning, father" cried the
young man, while he extended his
hand.
Good morning, Heinrich! What do
you want?" asked the judge, coIdIy
and he scarcely touched his sons hand
at the same time every trace of JOY
fled from his cOuntenance. you wish
more money, | suppose"
You have guessed it." answered the
other, laughing. Il admire your gift
of foresight. Money is what l want
father. | need much money l assure
your
The old man stepped back with q
sigh You Know" he said with diff
Guilty, that [ have no more On ac
count of your extravaganza and yOul
false management, an estate, that
amounted to many hundred thousands
has disappeared like soap bubbles in
few years"
The son smiled, quietly lighted q
cigarette and replied: you are mis-
taken father Unfortunate, unlucky
Speculations are to blame That
have argued with you sufficiently"
Il have given all to help you" con,
tinued the father sadly. My collec
lions, my paintings and engravings-
all that is dear to my heart is gone
gone! l have nothing more
Nothing more?' asked Heinrich
lightly. You are joking, father. Wore
you not just now looking at you
golden treasures from Cellini? Sell the
old things! They will bring 4 princely
sum-
The old man Strengthened up anC
with dOmineering movement of his
hand silenced his son.
Never will part from these treas
ures," he cried passionately. 81 coulC
sacrifice all for you, but not thoser'
mot. father? Not?" cried Heinrich
with a strange expression. ''You will
be obliged to do it, or else I am lost
Or would you rather present to thu
world the spectacle of your only sol
led to prison?'
My God! Why?" asked the ole
judge trembling from fright
Heinrich shrugged his shoulders.
'Promissory notes"
THAT is it, false notes?"
THAT is right, it is-alas!'
Cruel man! Were you then mad?"
LAS little as YOU was the answer
1T is my fater'
The old man sank back and burie,
his face in his hands, while Heinrich
blew the rings of smoke from hi
cigarette.
'How much money do you need?'
asked the judge, after a long pause.
oh, father, it is not so much afte
ALL" answered Heinrich. Invent
thousand marks will help me over tn
worst
The old man folded his hands dis
consolately. Twenty thousand mark
where shall | get them?' He stare
before him. Again there was a lon
pause. Leave me now" he c1iG
Come again later"
The ungrateful son left the roor
with a smiling face. When the SCUM
e his steps had ceased, the old judg
stepped before the portrait of his de,i