The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1907-02-28
The Agent Of the
Tagblatt Property

been seen on the face of the globe.
When Tagblatt died, Steiger was ap
pofnted custodian of his property by
the court, and Steiger was then a
yszlng man. The conditions of the
MlIa had excited great deal of COM
xnent at the time Of TagblattS 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
tenant had remained year.
The place was situated near the foot
of the Harz mountains, on the out
skirts Of a village. The village had
grown to be city, and, having envel-
oped the property, old Tagblatt's be-
quest had grown very valuable-that
as, 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
1t. 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
ne first went into the house endeavor-
ing to make it habitable. Steiger came
along while he was at work and with
the usual abuse and oaths threatened
IL he made any changes In the house
ne 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
sweet disposition that she was fitted
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
prOYement, 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 a 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 a back door, and when the old
man stopped to abuse his tenants
Gretchen would meekly submit to the
Iashings of his tongue. Gretchen took
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 a crucifiX off the man
tel, intending to tell him the story Of
the Saviour. What was her surprise
20 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 an
fire at an enemy.
But Gretchen had found an expe-
dient. After that Steiger let them
alone for long while. Indeed, he did
not call again till just before the ex-
piration of the lease, when he made a
fierce onslaught, accusing Gretchen of
having been trying to burn the house.
She covered before him for a moment,
for he looked more terrible than ever
she had seen him; then. taking up the
crucifiX, she was beginning to tell him
Of the example and sacrifice of the
E-ure on the cross when with howl
ne made Off again. just as he had done
before
Having found way to protect them
selves, they decided to renew their
lease, but Steiger 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
property for a yearY' he asked.
Zone year Here is the lease. 1t
expired month ago. To whom shall
we pay rent?'
''Steiger has disappeared. After dis
covering this I looked up the WILL
which is on record. It seems that Tag
blatt had a shrew for a wife, and they
were always quarreling. Mrs. Tag
blatt died first, and when her husband
followed her he left their home to the
devil"
'STo the devilr' exclaimed Chris and
Gretchen, the woman crossing herself.
Eyes, to the devil, with the provision
that If any connie couId no found RI