The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-20
CONTINUED

ed rather urgent necessity for exten-
sive repairs and refurbishing. but
was not dismayed. With blithesome
disregard for expenses l dispatched
Rudolph. the elder of the two sons, to
Linz with instructions to procure arti-
sans who could be depended upon to
undo the ravages of time to certain
extent and who might even suggest a
remedy for leaks.
My friends. abhorring rheumatism
and like complaints, refused to sleep
over night in the drafty, almost pane
less. structure. They came over to see
me on the ensuing day and begged me
to return to Vienna with them. But,
full of the project in hand, would
not be moved. With the house full of
carpenters, blacksmiths. masons, lock-
smiths. tinsmiths, plumbers, plasterers.
glaciers. joiners, scrubwomen and
chimney sweeps, felt that couldn't
go away and leave 1T without a con-
trolling influence.
Just as they were leaving my secre
tary and my valet put in an appear
ance. having been summoned from
Vienna the day before. confess |
was glad to see them. The thought of
spending second night in that limit
less bedchamber, with all manner Of
night birds trying to get in at the win
dows. was rather disturbing, and wei.
coined my retainers with open arms.
MY first night had been spent in
huge old bed. carefully prepared for
occupancy by Herr Schmick's frau. |
knew there was ceiling. for | had
seen its beams during the daylight
hours. but to save my soul | couldn't
imagine anything so far away as it
seemed to be after the candles had
been taken away by the caretaker's
wife, who had tucked me away in the
bed with ample propriety and thor
oughness combined.
Twice during that interminable night
] thought 1 heard baby crying. SO
It is not unreasonable to suppose that
was more than glad to see Poopen-.
dyke. my secretary. clambering up the
path with his typewriter in one hand
and his green baize bag in the other.
followed close behind by Britton. my
valet, and the Gargentuan brothers
bearing trunks, bags, boxes and my
golf clubs. ....
"WhewT said Poopendyke, dropping
wearily upon my doorstep.
My secretary is youngish man with
thin. STOPPING shoulders and habit of
perpetually rubbing his knees together
when he walks.
1T is something of climb. isn't it2"
said / beamingly.
I'm the name of heaven, Mr.. Smart,
what could have induced you to-
He got no farther than this, and to my
certain knowledge this unfinished re.
proof was the nearest he ever came to
openly convicting me of asininity.
Make yourself at home. old fellow"
said In some haste. l felt sorry for
him. I'VE are going to be very cozy
here"
-Cozy" murmured he, blinking.
II haven't explored those upper re.
gions," l explained nervously, divining
his thoughts. I'VE shall do it together
in day or two"
ut looks as ,lough 1t might fall
down If we jostled it carelessly," he
remarked, having recovered his breath.
Il am expecting masons at any min
ute," said I. contemplating the unsta.
BILE stone crest Of the northeast turret
with some uneasiness. My face bright.
ened suddenly. THAT particular sec
ton of the castle is uninhabitable,
am told. 1t really doesn't matter If II
collapses. All. Brittonl Here you are,
see. Good morning."
Britton. a very exacting servant,
looked me over critically.
Your coat and trousers need press.
ing. SIR" said he. "And where am
10 get the hot water for shaving, sir?''
. Frau Schmick will supply anything
you need. Britton," said /, happy on
being able to give the information.
1T is not as needs it, sir" said he.
feeling Of his smoothly shaved chin.
Come in and have look about the
place." said /, with magnificent sweep
of my arm to counteract the feeling of
ntter insignificance l was experiencing
At the moment.
A day or two later the castle. was
swarming with workmen. The bang.
ing of hammers. the rasp of saws, the
spattering of mortar. the crashing of
stone and the fumes of charcoal cruel.
bles extended to the remotest recesses
The tower of Babel was being recon
structed In the language of six or
eight nations.
Poopendyke, In great distress of
mind. notified me on the fourth day of
rehabilitation that the cost of labor
as well as living had gone up appre-
ciably since our installation. In fact
1t had doubled. He paid all Of my
bills. so | suppose he knew what he
was talking about.
"You will be surprised to know. MFR
Smart" he said. consulting his sheets,
that scrubwomen are getting more
here than they do In New York city.
and | am convinced that there are
more scrubwomen Today we had
thirty new ones scrubbing the loggia
on the gun room floor. and they all
seem to have apprentices working
under them. The carpenters and plas-
terers were not so numerous today