The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-08-09


outlined with sufficient clearness against
the black oak of the wainscot. face
stared in upon us. Around the head.
crowned with a black skull-cap, fell
thick growth of white hair that was
saint-lke in length and beauty; the
beard was of the like venerable purity.
In a man Of his apparent age the
cheeks were curiously rosy, while the
hand that held open the door was small
as a woman's and delicate as old ivory.
For a moment l thought that the eyes.
exaggerated by the convex pebbles OF
great gold glasses, turned upon me with
an expression of malicious satisfaction
Yet this was but an impression, for the
gloom hung heavily about him where
he stood, and my sight had not been I'M
affected by nights of study.
will not the gentleman step in?'
Grsden continued, with reproach at
my unhospitality in his voice.
Professor Rudolf Marnac-for II was
he who thus honored us-slid his dimin-
utive figure through the door and ad-
-anced. with a courteous inclination,
ito the lamplight-
my dear young sir" said he, In the
soft musical English with which it was
his custom to address me, II should not
have intruded myself at this late hour
but that am the bearer of painful news
which felt it right to communicate to
you. Your friend, Hermann Won Stock
mar, died this evening of acute inham-
nation of the lungs"
"DiedY cried in bewilderment.
"Why, passed him in the street at mid
day locking well and hearty"
eyes, it is even so, Mr.. Harland. One
moment steady fame Illuminating this
university with its light; the next, a sigh
from the conqueror Death and it is ex-
tinguished. The active brain is still;
the pen, trenchant, incisive. destructive.
is laid aside for ever"
1t was an impressive homily; but from
so open and vindictive foe it seemed
singularly inappropriate.
You seem surprised" he continued.
81 fear that encounters in the cause of
science may have led the public to be-
lieve that poor Won Stockmar and !
cherished personal animosities. If thai
so, trust you will use your influence
, contradict it. My sorrow is already
heavy enough-without that unwarrant-
able suspicion"
The professor seemed deeply affected.
Removing his spectacles, he pulled from
his side pocket large silk pocket-hand-
kerchief. AS he did so, tinkle caught
my ear. A square box of some white
metal had fallen to the floor. 1t rolled
into the lamplight, where the lid flew
open. The professor hastily clapped on
his glasses; but already Graden had re-
trieved the box and was presenting II
to him.
'sThere was nothing in it, SIR" said he
for the professor had stopped and was
examining the carpet infinitely.
II thank you, / thank you"
"Pray do not mention it. Cousin Rob
ert, II you and the professor will excuse
me, I will step across and take last
look at poor little Hermann. Where are
his rooms?
Before l could answer, the professor
was on his feet.
Pray accept me as your guide" said
he, moving towards the door. Grader
bowed his thanks like polite elephant
l followed the pair down the stairs.
| 1t was growing late, and the narrow
streets of the students quarter W r.
well nigh deserted. A moon, like pol
ished shield, hung over the old castle
above US. picking out each turret and
parapet in silver grey against the sleep
ing woods that swept upward to TIT
skyline. Across our path the gablet
house cast broad. fantastic pools o.
shadow. A wind had risen with thu
moon, and sighed and quivered in thu
roofs and archways. Once. from dis
tant tavern, came the faint muttel
of rousing chorus. nut soon it wa
swallowed and carried away by tn,
midnight breezes.
We had not far to walk, and In fv,
minutes the professor was tapping dis
creetly with an ugly devil-face of
knocker on Won Stockmar's door. Pres
emily the bolt was drawn, and Hans, tn,
grey-bearded servant of the dead man
stood in the doorway, lamp held higl
above his head. He blinked upon u
moodily, with eyes dimmed by old ag
and recent tears, till, catching sight o
Graden's huge bulk, he stepped forwar'
with a snort of surprise, flashing tn
light In his face as he did so.
"Ah Goodness but it Is Heinrich de
Grosser' he stammered. Zach. Her
Heinrich, but have you forgotten Han
Of the Schlagers, servant of the honor
able corps of the Saxo Borusen?"
mo, no." said Graden, shaking tn
veteran by the hand. $50 our little Her
mann took you for his servant, as b
promised? This is q sad day for us both
old friend. Tell me, how did it happen?
do not ask me, Herr Heinrich. NJ
mind wanders-I, who served him mig
on twenty years and was as a father an
mother to him.
The worthy fellow put down the lam
In the little hall into which he ha
led US, and mopped his eyes with han
that trembled with emotion.
But Graden persisted in his quiet wa
and soon extracted the details. 1t SCENE
that it was the custom of the dead pro
fessor to take nap after his midda
meal. That afternoon, however, hi
sleep was mduly prolonged, and at fou
Hans, who knew he had an engagemer
about that hour, slipped in to wake hin
His master was lying on the couch in hl
bedroom, where he was won't TO take d
siesta. But he was in curious, hue
/ lied position and breathing stertorous>: