The Palatka news. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1907-02-15
The Agent Of the
Tagblatt Property

[Original.1


[Originall
| Old Steiger, who had charge of the
Tagblatt house and grounds, was prob
ably the worst landlord that has ever
been seen on the face of the globe.
When Tagblatt died, Steiger was ap-
pointed custodian Of his property by
the court, and Steiger was then a
young man. The conditions of the
will had excited IL great deal of com
ment at the time of Tagblatt's death,
but that had been so long ago that no
one living seemed to know anything
about it. Many persons had rented
the property, but no one could be found
who could get on with the landlord or
agent, or whatever he was, and not a
tenant had remained year.
The place was situated near the foot
of the Harz mountains, on the out
skirts of village. The village had
grown to be a city, and, having envel-
oped the property, old Tagblatt's be-
quest had grown very valuable-that
is, the land had, for the house was al
most uninhabitable from age.
If Steiger was the worst landlord in
the world, Chris and Gretchen Rhein-
heart were the best tenants. The rent
al of the Tagblatt property had never
been high, and when Chris and Crotch
en- were married they decided to take
it. This they did with open eyes, for
they knew all about old Steiger and
his ways. Hans was carpenter and
could make repairs himself So the
young couple decided to take the place
at the low rental and not trouble the
landlord to do anything for them. By
this means they hoped to be let alone
and not have any trouble.
Chris spent good deal of time when
he first went into the house endeavor-
ing to make it habitable. Steiyer came
along while he was at work and with
the usual abuse and oaths threatened
IL he made any changes in the house
he would prosecute him under the law.
Chris desisted for the time being, but
when Steiger went away he proceeded
with his repairs.
However, it was plain that there
would be no peace in the house, and
the couple talked over the matter of
leaving it. They finally decided to
stay, Chris for the reason that he was
too determined to be driven out and
Gretchen because she was of such a
ItSnnSitipn oh
to get on with Satan himself. But
Steiger seemed determined to drive
them out. They made it difficult for
him by denying him pretexts. The
rent they invariably paid before it was
due. They never asked for anything to
be done to the property. Indeed, what
ever patching they did was for its i'm
provement, as any court would have
decided. Notwithstanding all this care
Steiger made it so hot for them that
Chris at last gave out and told Crotch
en- that he must either give up their
lease or go into lunatic asylum.
Gretchen's lovable disposition seemed
not Il whit shaken, and they decided
that thereafter Chris should keep out
of Steiger's way and she would receive
the abuse.
Then came tussle between good |
and evil When Steiger was seen com
ing down the street Chris would es-
cape by back door, and when the old |
man stopped to abuse his tenants |
Gretchen would meekly submit to the
nf hi
it into her lovely stupid head that if
Steiger had little piety he would not |
be SO unreasonable, so one day when |
the door opened and he stood glaring |
at her she took crucitiX off the man |
tel, intending to tell him the story of |
the Saviour. What was her surprise |
to see him the moment he saw it turn
away and hurry on down the street, |
sending back volleys Of excavations, |
just as retreating soldiers will turn and
fire at an enemy.
But Gretchen had found an expe-
dent After that Steiger let them |
alone for long while. Indeed, he did |
not call again till just before the ex-
piratlon of the lease, when he made |
fierce onslaught, accusing Gretchen Of
having been trying to burn the house.
She covered before him for moment, |
for he looked more terrible than ever |
she had seen him; then, taking up the
she was beginning to tell him
of the example and sacrifice of the
figure on the cross when with a howl |
he made off again, just as he had done
before.
Having found way to protect them
selves, they decided to renew their
lease, but Stelger did not appear, and
the tenants submitted the matter to
the court of wills,
One day the judge sent for the ten
ants, and they went to him together.
you have accepted the Tagblatt
for a year?' he asked.
zone gear. Here is the lease. 1t
expired a month ago. TIC whom shall
we pay rentT'
"Stelger has disappeared. After dis
covering this looked up the will |
which is on record. 1t seems that Tag
blatt had shrew for WIFE and they |
were always quarreling. Mrs. Tag
blatt died first, and when her husband
followed her he left their home to the
daviIn