The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-04

increased watchfulness of Bendel. Peters terrible secret remained un- discovered, as he thought. by all. But Bendel warned him that Rascal had of late been acting in very suspicious manner. and was, moreover. making himself rich at the expense of his
 master.
 With the greatest impatience Peter now awaited the coming of the date when the mysterious gray man had
 phomised to appear again to him. He would have back his shadow at any cost. and sure of Minna's love would
 marry her and live happily with her ever after.
 Many times he was on the point of confessng to her his horrible. shadow less condition. but the hope of the re-
 turn of the gray man made him pause such confession might not. after all. be necessary When he had his shadow back he might tel her and they
 would laugh together over his adven- ture.
 As the time for the return of the gray
 man came nearer Peter made his pro posal in form to Minna's parents. who
 received it with humility and joy. He also gave the ranger a large sum of
 money with which to pure hase a castle and estate in Minna's name. and as he sat one night with the fair young creature in an arbor In the garden he told her of his wish to make her his wife
 But. Mlnna." he said. "the last day of next month will decide my fate. If it is not changed for the better I will release you from your promise. would die sooner than render you
 miserable"
 She laid her head upon his sholder as she replied: Should your fate bc changed I only wish to know that you are happy. If your coalition is an un-
 happy one. I will share 1t with you
 "Minna. Minna." he exclaimed re call those rash words. Did you but
 know the misery and the curse! Oh. there Is secret in my breast which you cannot penetrate"
 Minna sank sobbing at Peters feet and renewed her vows and entreatfes. Just then the moon began to appear above the horizon. and Schlemihl dared
 not finger longer. Next evening Peter went again to the foresters garden.
 He had wrapped himself closely in his cloak, slouched his hat over his eyes and advanced toward Minra As she raised her head and looked at him she started involuntariy. That dreadful night when he had been seen by Fanny without his shadow came
 back to him. and in the startled Minna
  The girl was silent and thoughtful and Peter felt load at his heart. Minna laid her head on his shoulder and burst into tears. He arose and
 went away
 From that time on he found Minna in tears frequently. and surmised that
 she at least guessed his secret. But | the dear givl was still true to him. and with him awaited the fast approach 1 Ing day when his fate was to be de- ' cided,
 The day came. The day passed . | Though Peter waited from midnight to
 midnight every passing minute going | through his heart like a dagger, the | twelfth hour struck and the gray man | had not appeared. He sank weeping 2 1 in agony upon his bed and not before l dawn did sleep close his eyes Early the next morning Rascal
 forced his way into his masters pres
 ence and said abruptly: Count Peter,
 would you be so good as to favor me with A view of your shadow" | Peter was like one struck by a thun- | derbolt. but exclaimed at last: How | dare you speak in this manner"