Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-10
CHAPTER XII.
The Socialists.

Hermann Breunner lived in the granite
the royal gardens. He was widower
and shared the ample lodge with the
undergraduates and their families. He
lived with them but signally apart They
gave him as much respect as if he had
been the duke himself. He was a lonely
taciturn man. deeply concerned with his
work. and botanical student of no mean
order. No comrade helped him pass
away an evening in the chimney corner.
pipe in hand and good cheer in the mug.
This isolation was not accidental, it was
Hermann's own selection. He was a man
Of brooding moods, and there was no
laughter in his withered heart, though
the false sound of it crossed his lips at
infrequent intervals.
He adjusted his heavy spectacles and
held the note slantingly toward the can
die. A note or a letter was a singular
event In Hermann's life. Not that he
looked forward with eagerness to receive
who cared enough about him to write.
This note left by the porter of the Grand
Hotel moved him with surprise. 1t re-
quested that he present himself at
O'Clock at the office Of the hotel and ask
to be directed to the room of Hans Grum-
bach.
Now who is Hans Grumbacho l
never knew or heard Of a man of that
name.
Nevertheless he decided to go. Ger
tainly this man Grumbach did not urge
him without some definite purpose. He
laid down his pipe. reached for his hat
and coat-for in the lodge he generally
went about in his shirt sleeves-and Went
over to the hotel The concierge. who
knew Hermann. conducted him TO room
Ten on the entreSoie. Hermann knocked
A voice babe him enter. An, ii was the
German-American. whose papers had
puzzled his excellency.
You wished to see me. Herr Grum-
ba cl?''
Yes" said Grumbach, Offering a chair.
Hermann accepted the courtesy with
dignity. His host drew up another chair
to the opposite side of the reading table.
semishadow.
You are Hermann Breunner." began
Grumbach.
Yes"
You once had a brother named Hans"
Hermann grew rigid in his chair. L
have no brother" he replied. his voice
dull and empty.
Perhaps not now continued Grum-
zach, but you did have.
Hermann's head dropped. My God
yes. | did have a brother. but he was a
scoundrel'
Grumbach lighted a cigar He did not
OFFER one To Hermann, who would have
perhaps he was a scoundrel. He is
dead" softly.
Gods will be done But Hermanns
face turned lighter
LAS a boy he loved you
And did I not love him." said Her
mann. fierceIy. Did I not worship that
boy. who was to me more like son than
brother? Had not all the brothers and
sisters >.ted but he? But you-who are
YOU TO recall these things?
Il knew your brother: l knew him we'll.
He was not a scoundrel; only weak. He
went to America and became successful
in business. He fought with the north
in the war. He was not a coward: he did
his ..ghting bravely and honorably.'
"Oh. no; Hans could never have been
coward: even his villainy required cour-
age. But go on"
words were Of you. He begged your for
giveness; he implored that YOU forget
that black moment. He was young ne
said. and they offered him a thousand
crowns. In moment of despair he fell"
Despair? Did he confess to you the
crime he committed?"
Yes
Did he tell you to whom he sold his
honor
That he never knew A gypsy from the
hills came to him, so he said.
From Jugendheit?
Il say that he knew nothing. lie be-
lieVed that the gypsy wanted her hlgnness
TO hold for ransom. Hans spoke of girl
called Tekla.'
''Tekla? ALI. yes: Hans was in love
with that doll-face.
''Doll-face or not Hans evidently loved
her. She Tilted him and he did not care
then what happened. His one desire was
to leave Dreiberg. And this gypsy
brought the means and the opportunity.
Not Jugendheit?"
Who knows? Hans followed the band
of gypsies into the mountains The real
horror of his act did not come home to
him till then. All. the remorse. But it
was too late. They dressed the little one
in rags. But when l away from
them took her little shoes and cloak and
locket.
Hermann was on his feet.
Grumbach relighted his cigar, which