 Section 4 of Stories by Foreign Authors, German Authors, Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Colleen McMahon. Stories by Foreign Authors, German Authors, Volume 2. By Various. A Ghetto Violet by Leopold Compert. Part 2. Then, as though moved by a sudden impulse, he quickly produced, from the depths of his overcoat, a heavy pocketbook. There, he cried, well-nigh out of breath, there are a hundred golden for you, Ephraim. With that, you can, at all events, make a start, and then you needn't sell the few things you still have. There, put the money away. Oats haven't fetched any price at all today, too is true. But, for the sake of Gudila's children, I don't mind what I do. Come, put it away, Ephraim, and may God bless you, and make you prosper. Uncle, cried Ephraim, as he raised the farmer's hand to his lips. Is all this to be mine, all this? Yes, my boy, yes, it is a deal of money, isn't it? Said Gudila's brother, accompanying his words with a sounding slap on his massive thigh. I should rather think it is. With that, you can do something at all events. And shall I tell you something? In Bohemia, the oat crop is, unfortunately, very bad this season. But in Moravia, it's splendid, and is two grotes cheaper. So there's your chance, Ephraim, my child, you've got the money, buy. All at once, a dark cloud overspread his smiling face. It's a lot of money, Ephraim, that I'm giving you. Many a merchant can't lay his hands on it, he said, hesitatingly. But if you were to gam, the word remained unfinished. For upon his arm he suddenly felt a sensation, as of a sharp, pricking needle. Uncle Gabriel, cried Viola, for it was she who had gripped his arm, and the child's cheeks were flaming, whilst her lips curled with scorn and her white teeth gleamed, like those of a beast of prey. Uncle Gabriel, she almost shrieked, if you don't trust Ephraim, then take your money back again. It's only because you are our mother's brother that we accept it from you at all. Ephraim shall repay you to the last farthing. Ephraim doesn't gamble, you shan't lose a penny of it. With a shake of his head the farmer regarded the strange child. He felt something like annoyance rise within him. An angry word rose to the lips of the usually good-tempered man. But it remained unsaid. He was unable to remove his eyes from the child's face. As I live, he muttered, she has goodle-less very eyes. And with another thumping slap on his leg, he merrily exclaimed, All right, we'll leave it so, then. If Ephraim doesn't repay me, I'll take you, you wild thing, for you've stood surety for your brother, and then I'll take you away and keep you with me at home. Do you agree, you little spitfire, eh? Yes, Uncle, cried Viola. Then give me a kiss, Viola. The child hesitated for a moment. Then she laid her cheek upon her uncle's face. Ah, now I've got you, you little spitfire, he cried, kissing her again and again. Aren't you ashamed now to have snapped your uncle up like that? Then, after giving Ephraim some further information about the present price of oats and the future prospects of the crops, with a side-shot at the chances of wool, skins, and other merchandise, he took his leave. There was great surprise in the ghetto when a fairly fifteen-year-old lad made his first start in business. Many made merry over the great merchant, but before the year was ended, the sharp-seeing eyes of the ghetto saw that Ephraim had a lucky hand. Whatever he undertook, he followed up with a calmness and tact which often baffled the restless activity of many a big dealer, with all his cuteness and trickery. Whenever Ephraim, with his pale, sad face, made his appearance at a farmstead negotiate for the purchase of wool or some such matter, it seemed as though some invisible messenger had gone before him to soften the hearts of the farmers. No one ever gets things as cheap as you do, he was assured by many a farmer's wife, who had been won by the unconscious eloquence of his dark eyes. No longer did people laugh at the little merchant for nothing so quickly kills ridicule as success. When, two years later, his uncle Gabriel came again to see how the children were getting on, Ephraim was unable to repay in hard cash the money he had lent him. Oh-ho! cried Gouda-less brother with big, staring eyes as he clutched his legs with both hands. How have you managed in so short a time to save so much? Do you know that's a great deal of money? I've had good luck, uncle, said Ephraim modestly. You've been playing, perhaps? The words fell bluntly from the rough countryman, but hardly had they been uttered when Viola sprang from her chair as though an adder had stung her. Uncle, she cried, and a small fist hovered before Gabriel's eyes in such a threatening manner that he involuntarily closed them. But the child, whose features reminded him so strongly of his dead sister, could not make him angry. Ephraim, he exclaimed in a joke-un-tone, warding off Viola with his hands. You take my advice. Take this little spitfire with you into the village one day. They may want a young she-wolf there. Then he pocketed the money. Well, Ephraim said he, may God bless you and grant you further luck. But you won't blame me if I take the money. I can do with it. And in oats, as you know, there's some chance of good business just now. But I am glad to see that you're so prompted paying. Never give too much credit. That's always my motto. Trust means ruin and eats up a man's business as rats devour the contents of a corn barn. There was but one thing that constantly threw its dark shadow across these two budding lives. It was the dark figure in a distant prison. This it was that saddened the souls of the two children with a gloom which no sunshine could dispel. When on Fridays Ephraim returned, fatigued and weary from his work, to the home over which Viola presided with such pathetic house-wifely care, no smile of welcome was on her face, no greeting on his. Ephraim, tis true, told his sister where he had been and what he had done, but in the simplest words there vibrated that tone of unutterable sadness which has its constant dwelling place in such sorely-tried hearts. Meanwhile a great change had come over Viola. Nature continues her processes of growth and development mid the tempest of human grief and often the fiercer the storm, the more beautiful the after-effects. Viola was no longer the pale child, the little spitfire by whom her Uncle Gabriel's arm had been seized in such a violent grip. A womanly gentleness had come over her whole being and already voices were heard in the ghetto praising her grace and beauty which surpassed even the loveliness of her dead mother in her happiest days. Many an admiring eye dwelt upon the beautiful girl. Many a longing glance was cast in the direction of the little house where she dwelt with her brother. But the daughter of a gambler, the child of a man who was undergoing imprisonment for the indulgence of his shameful vice. That was a picture from which many an admirer shrank with horror. One day Ephraim brought home a young canary for his sister. When he handed her the bird in its little guilt cage, her joy knew no bounds and showering kisses by turns upon her brother and on the wire work of the cage her eyes sparkled with animation. You shall see Ephraim how I'll teach the little bird to speak, she cried. The softening influence which had, during the last few months, come over his sister's nature was truly a matter of wonder to Ephraim. Humbly and submissively she accepted the slightest suggestion on his part as though it were a command. He was to her a father and mother and never were parents more implicitly obeyed by a child than this brother by a sister but three years his junior. There was one subject, however, which Ephraim found his sister implacable and firm. Their absent father, the mere mention of whose name made her tremble. Then there returned that haughty curl of the lips and all the other symptoms of a proud inflexible spirit. It was evident that Viola hated the man to whom she owed her existence. Thus had it come about that Ephraim was almost afraid to pronounce his father's name. Neither did he care to allude to their mother for Viola, for the memory of her death was too closely bound up with that dark form behind the distant prison walls. Let us now return to the night on which Ephraim opened the door to his father. How had it come about? A thousand times Ephraim had thought about his father's return and now he durst not even kindle a light to look upon the long estranged face. As silent as when he had come Asher remained during the rest of the night. He had seated himself at the window and his arm was resting upon the very spot where formerly the cage had stood. The bird had obtained its freedom and was no doubt by this time asleep nestling amid the breeze swept foliage of some wooded glen. He too had regained his liberty but no sleep closed his eyes and yet he was in safe shelter in the house of his children. At length the day began to break. The sun was still hiding behind the mountain tops but its earliest rays were already reflected upon the window panes. In the ghetto footsteps became audible. Here and there the grating noise of an opening street door was heard. While from around the corner resounded ever and anon the hammer of the watchman calling the people to morning service for it was a fast day which commenced at sunrise. At that moment Asher raised himself from his chair and quickly turned away from the window. Father, dear father he cried from the inmost depths of his heart as he tried to grasp the hand of the convict. Don't make such a noise," said the latter casting a furtive glance in the direction of the window and speaking in the same mysterious whisper in which he had asked for admittance into the house. What a strange awakening it was to his son when in the grey twilight of the breaking day he looked at Asher more closely. In his imagination Ephraim had pictured a wan, grief-worn figure and now he saw before him a strong, well-built man who certainly did not present the appearance of a person who had just emerged from the dank atmosphere of a prison. On the contrary he seemed stronger and more vigorous than he had appeared in his best days. Has he had such a good time of it? Ephraim felt compelled to ask himself how different our poor mother looked. With the violent effort he repressed the feelings which swelled his bosom. Dear father, he said, with tears in his eyes, make yourself quite comfortable. You haven't closed your eyes the whole night. You must be worn out. You are at home, remember, father? It's all right, said Asher with a deprecating gesture. We fellows know other ways of spending the night. We fellows, the words cut Ephraim to the heart. But you may be taken ill, father, he timidly observed. I take an ill. What do you take me for? Asher laughed, boisterously. I haven't the slightest intention of falling ill. At that moment the watchman was heard hammering at the door of the next house. The reverberating blows seemed to have a strangely disquieting effect upon the strong man. A violent tremor seized him. He cast one of the frightened glances which Ephraim had noticed before in the direction of the window. Then with one bound he was at the door and swiftly turned the knob. Father, what's the matter? Ephraim cried, much alarmed. Does the watchman look into the room when he passes by? Asked Asher, while his eyes almost burst from their sockets with the intentness of their gaze. Never, Ephraim assured him. Let me see. Wait! whispered Asher. The three well-known knocks now resounded upon their own door. Then the shadow of a passing figure was thrown upon the opposite wall. With a sigh of relief the words escaped Asher's bosom. He did not look inside. He muttered to himself. Then he removed his hand from the doorknob, came back into the center of the room and approaching the table rested his hand upon it. Ephraim, he said after a while, in that suppressed tone which seemed to be peculiar to him, aren't you going to synagogue? No, Father, replied Ephraim. I'm not going to-day. But they'll want to know, Asher observed, and at the words an ugly sneer curled the corners of his lip. They'll want to know who your guest is. Why don't you go and tell them? Father, cried Ephraim. Then be good enough to draw down the blinds. What business is it of theirs who your guest is? Let them attend to their own affairs. But they wouldn't be of the chosen race if they didn't want to know what was taking place in the furthermost corner of your brain. You can't be too careful with them. You're never secure against their far-senting noses and their sharp, searching eyes. It was now broad daylight. Ephraim drew down the blinds. The blinds are too white, Asher muttered, and, moving a chair forward, he sat down upon it with his back to the window. Ephraim proceeded to wind the phylacteries round his arm and commenced to say his prayers softly. His devotions over, he heredly took the phylacteries from his head in hand. Asher was still sitting immovable, his back to the window, his eyes fixed upon the door. Why don't you ask me where I've left my luggage? He suddenly cried. I'll fetch it myself if you'll tell me where it is," Ephraim remarked in all simplicity. Upon my word you make me laugh, cried Asher, and a laugh like that of delirium burst from his lips. All I can say, Ephraim, is, the most powerful giant upon earth would break his back beneath the weight of my luggage. Then only did Ephraim grasp his father's meaning. Don't worry yourself, Father, he said lovingly. Would you like to support me, perhaps? Asher shouted, with cutting disdain. Ephraim's heart almost ceased to beat. Then movements were heard in the adjoining room. Have you any one with you? cried Asher, springing up. His sharp ears had instantly caught the sounds, and again the strongman was seized with violent trembling. Father, it's only dear Viola, said Ephraim. A nameless terror seemed to have overpowered Asher, with one hand convulsively clenched upon the arm of the chair and the other pressed to his temple. He sat breathing heavily. Ephraim observed with alarm what a terrible change had come over his father's features during the last few seconds. His face had become ashen-white. His eyes had lost their luster. He seemed to have aged ten years. The door opened, and Viola entered. Viola, cried Ephraim, here is our welcome, said the girl, in a low voice, as she approached a few steps nearer. She extended her hand towards him, but her eyes were cast down. She stood still for a moment, then, with a hurried movement turned away. Kudala, cried Asher, horrors-stricken as he fell back almost senseless in his chair. Was it the glamour of her maiden beauty that had so overpowered this unhappy father? Or was it the extraordinary resemblance she bore to the woman who had so loved him and whose heart he had broken? The utterance of her name, the terror that accompanied the exclamation, denoted the effect which the girl's sudden appearance had produced upon that sadly unhinged mind. Viola Ephraim cried in a sorrow-stricken voice. Why don't you come here? I can't, Ephraim, I can't, she moaned, as with halting steps she walked towards the door. Come, speak to him, do! Ephraim entreated, taking her hand in his. Let me go, she cried, trying to release herself. I'm thinking of mother. Suddenly Asher rose. Where's my stick, he cried? This stick which I brought with me. Where is it, I must go. Father, you won't, cried Ephraim. Then Viola turned round. Father, she said, with twitching lips, you'll want something to eat before you go. Yes, yes, let me have something to eat, he shouted, as he brought his fist down upon the table. Bring me wine, and let it be good. I'm thirsty enough to drink the river dry. Wine and beer and anything else you can find. Bring all here, and then, when I've had my fill, I'll go. Go, Viola, Ephraim whispered in his sister's ear, and bring him all he asks for. When Viola had left the room, Asher appeared to grow calmer. He sat down again, leaning his arms upon the table. Yes, he muttered to himself, I'll taste food with my children before I'll take up my stick and go. They say it's lucky to have the first drink of the day served by one's own child, and luck I will have again at any price. What good children! While I've been anything but a good father to them, they run hither and thither, and take the trouble to get me food and drink, and I've brought home nothing but a wooden stick. But I'll repay them, so help me God, I'll make them rich yet. But I've got nothing but a wooden stick, and I want money, no play without money, and no luck either. Gradually a certain thoughtfulness overspread Asher's agitated features. His lips were tightly compressed, deep furrows lined his forehead, while his eyes were fixed in a stony glare as if upon some distant object. In the meantime Ephraim had remained standing almost motionless, and it was evident that his presence in the room had quite escaped his father's observation. With a chilling shutter running through his frame, his hair on end with horror, he listened to the strange soliloquy. Then he saw his father's eyes traveling slowly in the direction of the old bureau in the corner, and there they remained fixed. Why does he leave the key in the door, I wonder? He heard him mutter between his teeth. Just as Gudela used to do, I must tell him when he comes back, keys shouldn't be left indoors, never, under any circumstances. The entrance of Viola interrupted the old gambler's audible train of thought. Ephraim gave a gasp of relief. Ah, what have you brought me? cried Asher, and his eyes sparkled with animation, as Viola produced some bottles from under her apron, and placed them in some glasses upon the table. Now then, fill up the glass, he shouted, in a commanding voice, and take care that you don't spill any, or you'll spoil my luck. With trembling hand, Viola did as she was bitten, without spilling a single drop. Then he took up the glass, and drained it at one draft. His face flushed a bright crimson. He poured himself out another glass. Aren't you drinking Ephraim? He exclaimed, after he had finished that glass also. I don't drink today, father, Ephraim faltered. It's a fast. I've been fasting too, he continued, with a coarse laugh, twice a week on bread and water, an excellent thing for the stomach. Fancy a fast day in mid-summer, on such a long day when the sun is up at three already, and at eight o'clock at night is still hesitating whether he'll go to bed or not. What have I got to do with your fast day? His face grew redder every moment. He had drunk a third and a fourth glass, and there was nothing but a mere drain left in the bottle. Already his utterance was thick and incoherent, and his eyes were fast assuming that glassy brightness that is usually the forerunner of helpless intoxication. It was a sight Ephraim could not bear to see. Impelled by that natural, almost holy shame which prompted the son of Noah to cover the nakedness of his father, he motioned to his sister to leave. Then he, too, softly walked out of the room. Outside in the corridor, the brother and sister fell into each other's arms. Both wept bitterly. For a long time neither of them could find words in which to express the grief which filled their souls. At length Viola, her head resting upon Ephraim's shoulder, whispered, Ephraim, what do you think of him? He's ill, I think, said Ephraim, in a voice choked with sobs. What, you call that illness, Ephraim? Viola cried. If that's illness, then a wild beast is ill, too. Viola, for heaven's sake, be quiet. He's our own father, after all. Ephraim, said the girl, with a violent burst of emotion as she again threw herself into her brother's arms, just think if mother had lived to see this. Don't, don't, Viola, my sweet, Ephraim exclaimed, sobbing convulsively. Ephraim, the girl cried, shaking her head in wild despair. I don't believe in the seches. When we live to see all this and our hearts do not break, we lose faith in everything. Ephraim, what is to become of us? Hush, dear Viola, hush. You don't know what you're saying, replied Ephraim. I believe in it because mother herself told us. You must believe in it, too. But Viola again shook her head. I don't believe in it any longer, she moaned. I can't. Noiselessly Ephraim walked toward the door of the front room. He placed his ear against the keyhole and listened. Within, all was silent. A fresh terror seized him. Why was no sound to be heard? He opened the door cautiously, lest it should creak. There sat his father asleep in the armchair, his head bent on his bosom, his arms hanging limp by his side. Hush, Viola, he whispered, closing the door as cautiously as he had opened it. He is asleep. I think it will do him good. Be careful that you make no noise. Viola had seated herself upon a block of wood outside the kitchen door and was sobbing silently. In the meantime, Ephraim was able to find a word of solace for his sister, went and stood at the street door so that no unbidden guest should come to disturb his father's slumbers. It was midday. From the church hard-byes streamed the peasants and their wives in their Sunday attire and many bestowed a friendly smile upon the well-known youth. But he could only nod his head in return. His heart was sore oppressed and a smile at such a moment seemed to him nothing short of sin. He went back into the house and opened the door of the room. Silence still reigned unbroken and with noiseless steps he again walked away. He's still sleeping, he whispered to his sister. Just think what would have happened if we had still had that bird. He wouldn't have been able to sleep a wink. Ephraim, why do you remind me of it? cried Viola with a fresh outburst of tears. Where is the little bird now, I wonder. Ephraim sat down beside his sister and took her hand in his. Thus they remained seated for some time, to find a word of comfort for each other. At length movements were heard. Ephraim sprang to his feet and once more approached the door to listen. He's awake! He softly said to Viola and slowly opening the door he entered the room. Asher was walking up and down with heavy tread. Do you feel refreshed after your sleep, father? Ephraim asked timidly. Asher stood still and confronted his son. His face was still very flushed. But his eyes had lost their glassy stare. His glance was clear and steady. Ephraim, my son, he began in a kindly, almost cheerful tone. You've grown into a splendid businessman as good a businessman as one can meet with between this and Vienna, I'm sure of it. But I must give you one bit of advice. It's worth a hundred pounds to one in your position. Never leave a key in the lock of a bureau. Ephraim looked at his father as though stupefied. Was the man mad or delirious to talk in such a strain? At that moment, from the extreme end of the ghetto, there sounded the three knocks, summoning the people to evening prayer. As in the morning, so again, now the sound seemed to stun the vigorous man. His face blanched and assumed an expression of terror. He trembled from head to foot. Then again he cast a frightened glance in the direction of the window. Nothing but knocking, knocking, he muttered. They would like to knock the most hidden thoughts out of one's brain if they only could. What makes them do it, I should like to know? To the clanging of a bell you can at all events shut your ears. You need only place your hands to them. But with that hammer they bang at every confounded door and drive one crazy. Who gives them the right to do it, I should like to know? He stood still, listening. Do you think he will be long before he reaches here? He asked Ephraim in a frightened voice. Who, father? The watch. He has already knocked next door but one. Another minute and the three strokes sounded on the door of the house. Asher heaved a sigh of relief. He rubbed his hand across his forehead. It was wet with perspiration. Thank God he cried as though addressing himself, that's over and won't come again till tomorrow. Ephraim, my son, he cried with a sudden outburst of cheerfulness accompanying the words with a thundering bang upon the table. Ephraim, my son, you shall soon see what sort of a father you have. Continually worrying your brains, walking your feet off, trying to get a skin or praying some fool of a peasant be good enough to sell you a bit of wool. Ephraim, my son, all that shall soon be changed, take my word for it. I'll make you rich and as for Viola I'll get her a husband. Such a husband that all the girls in Bohemia will turn green and yellow with envy. Asher's daughter shall have as rich a dowry as the daughter of a Rothschild. But there's one thing and one thing only you need, and then all will happen as I promise in one night. And what is that, father? asked Ephraim with a slight shudder. Luck! Luck, Ephraim, my son, he shouted. What is a man without luck? Put a man who has no luck in a chest full of gold, cover him with gold from head to foot. When he crawls out of it and you search his pockets, you'll find the gold has turned to copper. And will you have luck, father? asked Ephraim. I'll tell you something. There are persons whose whole powers are devoted to one object. How to win a fortune? In the same way as there are some who study to become doctors and the like. So these study what we call luck, and from them I've learned it. He checked himself in sudden alarm, lest he might have said too much and looked searchingly at his son. A pure soul shown through Ephraim's open countenance and showed his father that his real meaning had not been grasped. Never mind, he shouted loudly, waving his hands in the air. What is to come? No man can stop. Give me something to drink, Ephraim. Father, the latter faltered. Don't you think it will harm you? Don't be a fool, Ephraim, cried Asher. You don't know my constitution. Besides, didn't you say that today was a fast, when it is forbidden to eat anything? And have I asked you for any food? But as for drink that's quite another thing. The birds of the air can't do without it. Ephraim saw that for that evening at all events it would not do to oppose his father. He walked into the kitchen, where Viola was preparing supper, or rather breakfast, for after this fast this was the first meal of the day. Viola, he said, make haste and fetch some fresh wine. For him, cried Viola, pointing her finger almost threateningly in the direction of the sitting-room door. Don't, don't, Viola, Ephraim implored. And you're fasting, she said. Am I not also fasting for him? said Ephraim. With a full bottle in his hand, Ephraim once more entered the room. He placed the wine upon the table, where the glasses from which Asher had drunk in the morning were still standing. Where's Viola? asked Asher, who was again pacing the room with firm steps. She's busy cooking. Tell her she shall have a husband and a dowry that will make half the girls in Bohemia turn green and yellow with envy. Then he approached the table and drank three brimming glasses one after the other. Now then, he said, as with his whole weight he dropped into the old armchair, now I'll have a good night's rest. I need strength and sharp eyes and they are things which only sleep can give. Ephraim, my son, he continued after a while in thick halting accents. Tell the watch, Simonus' name, I think, he can give six knocks instead of three upon the door in the morning. He won't disturb me. I'll find her a husband, handsomer than her eyes have ever beheld, and tell her, on her wedding day she shall wear pearls round her neck like those of a queen. No, no, like those of Goudala, her mother. A few moments later he was sound asleep. It was the dead of night, all round reigned stillness and peace, the peace of night. What a gentle sound those words convey, a sound akin only to the word home, fraught like it with sweetest balm, a fragrant flower from long lost paradise. Thou art at rest, Asher, and in safe shelter the breathing of thy children is so restful, so tranquil. Desist, desist, tis too late, side by side with the peace of night their dwell spirits of evil, the never-resting, vagrant, home-destroying guests who enter unbidden into the human soul. Hark, the rustling of their raven-hued plumage, they take wing, they fly aloft, the shriek of the vulture sweeping down upon the guileless dove. Is there no eye to watch thee? Doth not thine own kin see thy foul deeds? Desist, tis too late. Open is the window, no grating noise has accompanied the unbolting of the shutter. The evil spirits have taken care that the faintest sound shall die away, even the rough iron obeys their voices. It is they who have bidden, be silent, betray him not, he's one of us. Even the key in the door of the old bureau is turned lightly and without noise. Groping fingers are searching for a bulky volume. Have they found it? Is there none there to cry in a voice of thunder? Cursed be the father who stretches forth his desecrating hand towards the things that are his children's. They have found it, the greedy fingers, and now but a spring through the open window and out into the night. At that moment a sudden ray of light shines through a crack in the door of the room. Swiftly the door opens, a girlish figure appears on the threshold, a lighted lamp in her hand. Goudala, he shrieks, horror stricken and falls senseless at her feet. Asher was saved. The terrible blow which had struck him down had not crushed the life from him. He was awakened. But when, after four weeks of gruesome fever and delirium, his mind had somewhat regained its equilibrium, his hair had turned white as snow and his children beheld an old decrepit man. That which Viola had denied her father when he returned to them in all the vigor of his manhood, she now lavished upon him in his suffering and helplessness, with that concentrated power of love, the source of which is not human but divine. In the space of one night of terror, the mirrored bud of yesterday had suddenly blossomed into a flower of rarest beauty. Never did gentler hands cool a fever-heated brow. Never did sweeter voice mingle its melody with the gruesome dreams of delirium. On his sick bed, lovingly tended by Ephraim and Viola, an ennobling influence gradually came over the heart of the old gambler, and so deeply touched it that calm peace crowned his closing days. It was strange that the events of that horrible night and the vicissitudes that had preceded it had left no recollection behind, and his children took good care not to reawaken by the slightest hint his sleeping memory. A carriage drew up one day in front of Asher's house. There has evidently been a splendid crop of oats this year. Uncle Gabriel has come. Uncle Gabriel has only lately assumed the additional character of father-in-law to Ephraim, for he declared that none but Ephraim had daughters husband, and now he has come for the purpose of having a confidential chat with Viola. There he sits, the kind-hearted, simple-minded man, every line of his honest face eloquent with good humor and happiness, still guilty of an occasional violent onslaught upon his thighs. Viola still remains his little spitfire. Now, Viola, my little spitfire, said he, won't you yet allow me to talk to my Nathan about you? The boy the suspense any longer. Uncle, says Viola, and a crimson blush dies her pale cheeks. Uncle, she repeats, in a tone of such deep earnestness that the laughing expression upon Gabriel's face instantly vanishes. Please, don't talk to him at all. My place is with my father. And, to all appearances, Viola will keep her word. Has she taken upon herself a voluntary penance, for having in her heart's bitter despair presumed to abjure her faith in the sachis of her mother? Or was there yet another reason? The heart of woman is a strangely sensitive thing. It loves not to build its happiness upon the hidden ruins of another's life. End of Section 4 Recording by Colleen McMahon For more information, or to volunteer, please visit Libervox.org Recording by Ian Verly Stories by Foreign Authors German Authors Volume 2 By Various Section 5 The Severed Hand By Wilhelm Hoff I was born in Constantinople. My father was a dragoman at the port, and besides carried on a fairly conservative business in sweet-scented perfumes and silk goods. He gave me a good education. He partly instructed me himself, and also had me instructed by one of our priests. He had first intended me to succeed him in business one day. But as I showed greater aptitude than he had expected, he destined me on the advice of his friends to be a doctor. For if a doctor has learned a little more than the ordinary charlatan, he can make his fortune in Constantinople. Many Franks frequented our house, and one of them persuaded my father to allow me to travel to his native land to the city of Paris, where such things could be best acquired and free of charge. He wished, however, to take me with himself gratuitously on his journey home. My father, who had also traveled in his youth, agreed, and the Frank told me to hold myself in readiness three months hence. I was beside myself with joy at the idea of seeing foreign countries and eagerly awaited the moment when we should embark. The Frank had at last concluded his business and prepared himself for the journey. On the evening before our departure my father led me into his little bedroom. There I saw splendid dresses and arms lying on the table. My looks were, however, chiefly attracted to an immense heap of gold, for I had never before seen so much collected together. My father embraced me and said, behold, my son, I have procured for thee clothes for the journey. These weapons are thine and they are the same which thy grandfather hung around me when I went abroad. I know that thou canst use them aright, but only make use of them when thou art attacked. On such occasions, however, defend thyself bravely. My property is not large. Behold, I have divided it into three parts. One part for thee, another for my support and spare money. But the third is to me a sacred and untouched property. It is for thee in the hour of need. Thus spoke my old father, tears standing in his eyes, perhaps from some foreboding, for I never saw him again. The journey passed off very well. We had soon reached the land of the Franks and six days later we arrived in the large city of Paris. There my Frankish friend hired a room for me and advised me to spend wisely my money, which amounted an all to two thousand dollars. I lived three years in this city and learned what is necessary for a skillful doctor to know. I should not, however, be stating the truth if I said that I liked being there, for the customs of this nation displeased me. Besides, I had only a few chosen friends there and these were noble young men. The longing after home at last possessed me mightily. During the whole of that time I had not heard anything from my father and I therefore seized a favorable opportunity of reaching home. An embassy from France left for Turkey. I acted as surgeon to the suite of the ambassador and arrived happily in Stambul. My father's house was locked and the neighbors who were surprised on seeing me told me my father had died two months ago. The priest who had instructed me in my youth brought me the key. Alone and desolate I entered the empty house. Stambul was still in the same position as my father had left it. Only the gold which I was to inherit was gone. I questioned the priest about it and he bowing said your father died a saint for he has bequeathed his gold to the church. This was and remained inexplicable to me. However what could I do? I had no witness against the priest and had to be glad that he had not considered the house and the goods of my father as a bequest. The first misfortune that I encountered. Henceforth nothing but ill luck attended me. My reputation as doctor would not spread at all because I was ashamed to act a charlatan and I felt everywhere the want of the recommendation of my father who would have introduced me to the richest and most distinguished but who now no longer thought of the poor's Holocaust. The goods of my father also had no sale. For his customers I deserted him after his death and new ones are only to be got slowly. Thus when I was one day meditating sadly over my position it occurred to me that I had often seen in France men of my nation travelling through the country exhibiting their goods in the markets of the towns. I remembered that the people liked to buy of them because they came from abroad and that such a business would be most lucrative. Immediately I resolved what to do. I disposed of my father's house gave part of the money to a trusty friend to keep for me and with the rest of my life in France. Charles, silk goods, ointments and oils took a birth on board a ship and thus entered upon my second journey to the land of the Franks. It seemed as if fortune had favoured me again as soon as I had turned my back upon the castles of the Dardanelles. Our journey was short and successful. I travelled through the large and small towns of the Franks and found everywhere willing buyers of my goods. My friend in Stambul always sent me fresh stores and my wealth increased day by day. When I had saved at last so much that I thought I might venture on a greater undertaking, I travelled with my goods to Italy. I must however confess to something which brought me not a little money. I also employed my knowledge of physics. On reaching a town I had it published that a Greek physician had arrived who had already healed many and in fact my balsam and medicine gained me many a sequin. Thus I had at length reached the city of Florence in Italy. And for some time, partly because I liked it so well, partly also because I wished to recruit myself from the exertions of my travels. I hired a vaulted shop in that part of the town called Stocroce and not far from this a couple of nice rooms at an inn leading out upon a balcony. I immediately had my bills circulated which announced me to be both physician and merchant. Scarcely had I opened my shop when I was besieged by buyers and in spite of my high prices I sold more than else because I was obliging and friendly towards my customers. Thus I had already lived four days happily in Florence when one evening as I was about to close my vaulted room and on examining once more the contents of my ointment boxes as I was in the habit of doing I found in one of the small boxes a piece of paper which I did not remember to have put into it. I unfolded the paper and found in it an invitation to be on the bridge which is called Ponto Vecchio that night exactly at midnight. I was thinking for a long time as to who it might be who had invited me there and not knowing a single soul in Florence I thought perhaps I should be secretly conducted to a patient, a thing which has already often occurred. Therefore I determined to proceed thither but took care to gird on the sword which my father had once presented to me. When it was close upon midnight I set out on my journey and soon reached the Ponto Vecchio. I found the bridge deserted and determined to await the appearance of him who called me. It was a cold night, the moon shone brightly and I looked down upon the waves of the Arno which sparkled far away in the moonlight. It was now striking 12 o'clock from all the churches of the city when I looked up and saw a tall man standing before me completely covered in a scarlet cloak one end of which hit his face. At first I was somewhat frightened because he had made his appearance so suddenly but was however myself again shortly afterwards and said, if it is you who have ordered me here say what you want. The man dressed in scarlet turned round and said in an undertone follow. At this however I felt a little timid to go alone with the stranger. I stood still and said not so sir kindly first tell me where you might also let me see your countenance a little in order to convince me that you wish me no harm. The red one however did not seem to pay any attention to this. If thou art unwilling Zellacos. Remained he replied and continued his way. I grew angry. Do you think? I exclaimed. A man like myself allows himself to be made a fool of and to have awaited on this cold night for nothing. In three bounds I had reached him seized him by his cloak and cried still louder whilst laying hold of my saber with my other hand. His cloak however remained in my hand and the stranger had disappeared round the nearest corner. I became calmer by degrees. I had the cloak at any rate and it was this which would give me the key to this remarkable adventure. I put it on and continued my way home. When I was at a distance of about a hundred paces from it someone brushed very closely by me and whispered in the language of the Franks take care count nothing can be done tonight. Before I had time however to turn round this somebody had passed and I merely saw a shadow hovering along the houses. I perceived that these words did not concern me but rather the cloak yet he gave me no explanation concerning the affair. On the following morning I considered what was to be done. At first I had intended to have the cloak cried in the streets as if I had found it but then the stranger might send for it by a third person and thus no light would be thrown upon the matter. It was made of thick Genoese velvet scarlet in color edged with a strontion fur and richly embroidered with gold. The magnificent appearance of the cloak put a thought into my mind which I resolved to carry out. I carried it into my shop and exposed it for sale but placed such a high price upon it that I was sure nobody would buy it. My object in this was to scrutinize everybody sharply who might ask for the fur cloak for the figure of the stranger which I had seen but superficially though with some certainty after the loss of the cloak I should recognize amongst the thousand. There are many would-be purchasers for the cloak the extraordinary beauty of which attracted everybody but none resembled the stranger in the slightest degree and nobody was willing to pay such a high price as 200 sequins for it. What astonished me was that on asking somebody or other if there was not such a cloak in Florence they all answered no and assured me they had never seen so precious and tasteful a piece of work. Evening was drawing near when at last a young man appeared who had already been to my place and who had also offered me a great deal for the cloak he threw a purse with sequins upon the table and exclaimed of a truth, Zalachos I must have thy cloak should I turn into a beggar over it he immediately began to count his pieces of gold I was in a dangerous position I had only exposed the cloak in order merely to attract the attention of my stranger and now a young fool came to pay an immense price for it however what could I do I yielded for on the other hand I was delighted at the idea of being so handsomely recompensed for my nocturnal adventure the young man put the cloak around him and went away but I'm reaching the threshold he returned whilst unfastening a piece of paper which had been tied to the cloak and throwing it towards me he exclaimed here Zalachos hangs something which I dare say does not belong to the cloak I picked up the piece of paper carelessly but behold on it these words were written bring the cloak at the appointed hour tonight to the Pont Visio 400 sequins are thine I stood thunderstruck thus I had lost my fortune and completely missed my aim yet I did not think long I picked up the 200 sequins jumped after the one who had brought the cloak and said dear friend take back your sequins and give me the cloak I cannot possibly part with it he first regarded the matter as a joke but when he saw that I was an earnest he became angry at my demand and finally it came to blows however I was fortunate enough to wrench the cloak from him in the scuffle and was about to run away with it when the young man called the police to his assistance and we both appeared before the judge the latter was much surprised at the accusation and adjudicated the cloak in favor of my adversary I offered the young man 20, 50, 80 even a hundred sequins in addition to his 200 if he would part with the cloak what my entreaties could not do my goal did he accepted it I however went away with the cloak triumphantly and had to appear to the whole town of Florence as a mad man I did not care however about the opinion of the people I knew better than they that I had profited after all by the bargain impatiently I awaited the night at the same hour as before I went with the cloak under my arm towards the Pont Vicio with the last stroke of 12 the figure appeared out of the darkness and came towards me the man whom I had seen yesterday asked out the cloak he asked me yes sir I replied but it cost me a hundred sequins ready money I know it replied the other look here here are 400 he went with me toward the wide ball of straight of the bridge and counted out the money there were 400 they sparkled magnificently in the moonlight their glitter rejoiced my heart I did not anticipate that this would be its last joy I put the money into my pocket and was desirous of thoroughly looking at my kind and unknown stranger but he wore a mask through which dark eyes stared at me frightfully I thank you sir for your kindness I said to him what else do you require of me I tell you beforehand it must be an honorable transaction there is no occasion for alarm he replied whilst winding the cloak around his shoulders I require your assistance as surgeon not for one alive but dead what do you mean I exclaimed full of surprise I arrived with my sister from abroad he said and beckoned me at the same time to follow him I lived here with her at the house of a friend my sister died yesterday of the disease my relatives wish to bury her tomorrow according to an old custom of our family all are to be buried in the tomb of our ancestors many notwithstanding who died in foreign countries are buried there and embalmed I do not grudge my relatives her body but for my father I want at least the head of his daughter in order that he may see her once more this custom of severing the heads of beloved relatives appeared to me somewhat awful yet I did not dare to object to it lest I should offend the stranger I told him that I was acquainted with the embalming of the dead and begged him to conduct me to the deceased yet I could not help asking him why all this must be done so mysteriously and at night he answered me that his relatives who considered his intention horrible objected to it by daylight if only the head were severed then they could say no more about it although he might have brought me the head he had a natural feeling and prevented him from severing it himself in the meantime we had reached a large splendid house my companion pointed it out to me as the end of our nocturnal walk we passed the principal entrance of the house entered a little door which the stranger carefully locked behind him and now ascended in the dark a narrow spiral staircase it led towards a dimly lighted passage out of which we entered a room lighted by a lamp fastened to the ceiling in this room was a bed on which the corpse lay the stranger turned aside his face evidently endeavouring to hide his tears he pointed towards the bed telling me to do my business well and quickly I took my instruments which I as surgeon always carried about with me and approached the bed only the head of the corpse was visible and it was so beautiful that I experienced involuntarily the deepest sympathy dark hair hung down and long plates the features were pale the eyes closed at first I made an incision into the skin after the manner of surgeons when amputating a limb I then took my sharpest knife and with one stroke cut the throat but oh horror the dead opened her eyes but immediately closed them again and with a deep sigh she now seemed to breathe her last at the same moment a stream of hot blood shot toward me from the wound I was convinced that the poor creature had been killed by me that she was dead there was no doubt for there was no recovery from this wound I stood for some minutes in painful anguish at what had happened had the red cloak deceived me or had his sister perhaps merely been apparently dead the latter seemed to me more likely but I dare not tell the brother of the deceased that perhaps a little less deliberate a cut might have awakened her without killing her therefore I wished to sever the head completely but once more the dying woman groaned stretching herself out in painful movements and died fright overpowered me and shuddering I hastened out of the room but outside in the passage it was dark for the light was out no trace of my companion was to be seen and I was obliged haphazard to feel my way in the dark along the wall in order to reach the staircase I discovered it at last and descended partly falling and partly gliding but there was not a soul downstairs I merely found the door ajar and breathed freer on reaching the street for I had felt very strange inside the house urged on by terror I rushed towards my dwelling place and buried myself in the cushions of my bed in order to forget the terrible thing I had done but sleep deserted me and only the morning had monished me again to take courage it seemed to me probable that the man who had induced me to commit this infarious deed as it now appeared to me might not denounce me I immediately resolved to set to work in my vaulted room and if possible to assume an indifferent look but alas an additional circumstance which I only now noticed increased my anxiety still more my cap and my girdle as well as my instruments were wanting and I was uncertain as to whether I had left them in the room of the murdered girl or whether I had lost them in my flight the former seemed indeed the more likely thus I could easily be discovered as the murderer at the accustomed hour I opened my vaulted room my neighbor came in as was his want every morning for he was a talkative man well, he said what do you say after the terrible affair which has occurred during the night I pretended not to know anything what, do you not know what is known all over the town? are you not aware that the loveliest flower in Florence, Bianca the governor's daughter was murdered last night I saw her only yesterday driving through the streets in so cheerful a manner with her intended one for today the marriage was to have taken place I felt deeply wounded at each word of my neighbor many a time my torment was renewed for every one of my customers told me of the affair each one more ghastly than the other and yet nobody could relate anything more terrible than that which I had seen myself about midday a police officer entered my shop and requested me to send the people away Sr. Salakos he said, producing the things which I had missed do these things belong to you? I was thinking as to whether I should not entirely repudiate them but on seeing through the door which stood ajar my landlord and several acquaintances I determined not to aggravate the affair by telling a lie and acknowledged myself as the owner of the things the police officer asked me to follow him and led me towards a large building which I soon recognized as the prison there, he showed me into a room meanwhile my situation was terrible as I thought of it in my solitude I thought of it in my solitude I thought of it in my solitude the idea of having committed a murder unintentionally constantly presented itself to my mind I also could not conceal from myself that the glitter of the gold had captivated my feelings otherwise I should not have fallen blindly into the trap two hours after my arrest I was let out of my cell I descended several steps until at last I reached a great hall around a long table draped in black were seated twelve men mostly old men along the sides of the hall filled with the most distinguished of Florence the galleries which were above were thickly crowded with spectators when I had stepped towards the table with black cloth a man with a gloomy and sad countenance rose it was the governor he said to the assembly that he as the father in this affair could not sentence and that he resigned his place on this occasion to the eldest of the senators the eldest of the senators was an old man at least 90 years of age he stood in a bent attitude and his temples were covered with thin white hair but his eyes were as yet very fiery and his voice powerful and weighty he commenced by asking me whether I confessed to the murder I requested him to allow me to speak and related undauntedly and with a clear voice what I had done and what I knew I noticed that the governor during my recital at one time turned pale and at another time red when I had finished he rose angrily what wretch? he exclaimed does thou even dare to impute a crime which thou hast committed from greediness to another? the senator reprimanded him for his interruption since he had voluntarily renounced his right besides it was not clear that I did the deed from greediness for according to his own statement nothing had been stolen from the victim he even went further he told the governor that he must give an account of the early life of his daughter for then only it would be possible to decide whether I had spoken the truth or not at the same time he adjourned the court for the day in order as he said to consult the papers of the deceased which the governor would give him I was again taken back to my prison where I spent a wretched day always fervently wishing that a link between the deceased and the red cloak might be discovered full of hope I entered the court of justice the next day several letters were lying upon the table the old senator asked me whether they were in my handwriting I looked at them and noticed that they must have been written by the same hand as the other two papers which I had received I communicated this to the senators but no attention was paid to it and they told me that I might have written both for the signature of the letters was undoubtedly as said the first letter of my name the letters however contained threats against the deceased and warnings against the marriage which he was about to contract the governor seemed to have given extraordinary information concerning me for I was treated with more suspicion and rigor on this day I referred to justify myself to my papers which must be in my room but was told that they had been looked for without success thus at the conclusion of the sitting all hope vanished and on being brought into the court the third day judgment was pronounced on me I was convicted of willful murder and condemned to death things had come to such a pass deserted by all that was precious to me upon earth far away from home I was to die innocently in the bloom of my life on the evening of this terrible day which had decided my fate I was sitting in my lonely cell my hopes were gone my thoughts steadfastly fixed upon death when the door of my prison opened and in came a man who for a long time looked at me silently is it thus I find you again Zalacos he said I had not recognized him by the dim light of my lamp but the sound of his voice roused in me old remembrances it was Valeti one of those few friends who was acquaintance that I made in the city of Paris when I was studying there he had said he had come to Florence accidentally where his father who was a distinguished man lived he had heard about my affair and had come to see me once more and to hear from my own lips how I could have committed such a crime I related to him the whole affair he seemed much surprised at it and adjured me as my only friend to tell him all in order not to leave the world with a lie behind me I confirmed my assertions with an oath that I had spoken the truth and that I was not guilty of anything except that the glitter of the gold had dazzled me and that I had not perceived the improbability of the story of the stranger did you not know Bianca he asked me I assured him that I had never seen her Valeti now related to me that a profound mystery rested on the affair that the governor had very much accelerated my condemnation and now a report was spread that I had known Bianca for a long time and that I had never seen her out of revenge for her marriage with someone else I told him that all this coincided exactly with the red cloak but that I was unable to prove his participation in the affair Valeti embraced me weeping and promised me to do all at least to save my life I had little hope though I knew that Valeti a clever man well versed in the law that he would do all in his power to save my life for two long days I was scared I bring consolation though painful you will live and be free with the loss of one hand affected I thanked my friend for saving my life he told me that the governor had been inexorable in having the affair investigated a second time but that he at last in order not to appear unjust had agreed that of a similar case could be found in the law books of the history of Florence my punishment should be the same as the one recorded in those books he and his father had searched in the old books day and night and at last found a case quite similar to mine the sentence was that his left hand be cut off his property confiscated and he himself banished forever this was my punishment also and he asked me to prepare for the painful hour which awaited me I will not describe to you that terrible hour when I laid my hand upon the block in the public marketplace and my own blood shot over me in broad streams Valeti took me to his house until I had recovered he then most generously supplied me with money for traveling for all I had acquired with so much difficulty had fallen a prey to the law I left Florence for Sicily and embarked on the first ship that I found for Constantinople my hope was fixed upon the sum which I had entrusted to my friend I also requested to be allowed to live with him but how great was my astonishment on being asked why I did not wish to live in my own house he told me that some unknown man had bought a house in the Greek quarter in my name and this very man had also told the neighbors of my early arrival I immediately proceeded thither accompanied by my friend and was received by all my old acquaintances joyfully an old merchant gave me the letter which the man who had bought the house from me had left behind I read as follows two hands are prepared to work incessantly in order that you may not feel the loss of one of yours which you see and all its contents are yours and every year you will receive enough to be counted amongst the rich of your people forgive him who is unhappier than yourself I could guess who had written it and in answer to my question the merchant told me it had been a man whom he took for a frank and who had worn a scarlet cloak I knew enough to understand that the stranger was after all not entirely devoid of noble intentions in my new house I found everything arranged in the best style also a vaulted room stored with goods more splendid than I had ever had ten years of past since I still continue my commercial travels more from old custom than necessity yet I have never again seen that country where I became so unfortunate every year since I have received a thousand gold pieces and although I rejoice to know that unfortunate man to be noble yet he cannot relieve me of the sorrow of my soul for the terrible picture of the murdered Bianca is continually on my mind End of Section 5 Recording by Ian Verly Section 6 of Stories by Foreign Authors German Authors Volume 2 This is the LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by William Jones Vanitas Brings Florida Stories by Foreign Authors German Authors Volume 2 By Various Section 6 Chapter 1 Peter Schlemiel by Adelbert von Camiso Chapter 1 After a prosperous but to me very last into port immediately on landing I got together my few effects and squeezing myself through the crowd went to the nearest and humblest inn which first met my gaze. On asking for a room the waiter looked at me from head to foot and conducted me to one. I asked for some cold water and for the correct address of Mr. Thomas John which was described as being by the North Gate the first country house to the right a large new house of red and white marble with many pillars. This was enough. As the day was not yet far advanced I untied my bundle and took out my newly turned black coat dressed myself in my best clothes and with my letter of recommendation set out for the man who was to assist me in the attainment of my moderate wishes. After proceeding up the North Street I reached the gate and saw the marble columns glittering through the trees. Having wiped the dust from my shoes with my pocket handkerchief and readjusted my crevat I rang the bell offering up at the same time a silent prayer. The door flew open and the porter sent in my name. I went into the park where Mr. John was walking with a few friends. I recognized him at once by his corpulency and self complacent air. He received me very well just as a rich man receives a poor devil and turning to me took my letter. Oh from my brother it is a long time since I heard from him is he well? Yonder turning to the company and pointing to a distant hill Yonder is a sight of the new building. He broke the seal without discontinuing the conversation which turned upon riches. The man he said who does not possess at least a million is a poor rich. Oh how true I exclaimed in the fullness of my heart. He seemed to be pleased at this and replied with a smile. Stop here my dear friend afterwards I shall perhaps have time to tell you what I think of this pointing to the letter which he then put in his pocket and turned round to the company offering his arm to a young lady. His example was followed by the other gentleman each politely escorting the lady and the whole party proceeded towards a little hill thickly planted with blooming roses. I followed without troubling anyone for no one took the least further notice of me. The party was in high spirits lounging about and jesting speaking sometimes of trifling matters very seriously and of serious matters as triflingly and exercising their wit in particular to great advantage on their absent friends and their affairs. I was too ignorant of what they were talking about to understand much of it and too anxious and absorbed in my own reflections to occupy myself with a solution of such enigmas as their conversation presented. By this time we had reached the thicket of roses. The lovely Fanny who seemed to be the queen of the day was obstinately bent on plucking a rose branch for herself and in the attempt pricked her finger with a thorn. The crimson stream as a flowing from the dark tinted rose tinged her fair hand with the purple currant. The circumstance set the whole company in commotion and court plaster was called for. A quiet elderly man tall and a meager looking who was one of the company but whom I had not before observed immediately put his hand into the tight breast pocket of his old fashioned coat of gray scarcenet pulled out a small letter case opened it and with a most respectful bow presented the young lady with the wished for article. She received it without noticing the giver or thanking him. The wound was bound up and the party proceeded along the hill toward the back part from which they enjoyed an extensive view across the green labyrinth of the park to the widespread ocean. The view was truly a magnificent one. A slight speck was observed on the horizon between the dark flood and the azure sky. A telescope called up Mr. John but before any of the servants could answer the summons the gray man with a maddest bow drew his hand from his pocket and presented a beautiful Dolan's telescope to Mr. John who on looking through it informed the company that the speck in that distance was the ship which had sailed yesterday and which was detained within sight of the haven by contrary winds. The telescope passed from hand to hand but was not returned to the owner who might gazed at with astonishment and could not conceive how so large an instrument could have proceeded from small a pocket. This however seemed to excite surprise in no one and the gray man appeared to create as little interest as myself. Refreshments were now brought forward consisting of the rarest fruits from all parts of the world served up in the most costly dishes. Mr. John did the honors with unaffected grace and addressed me for the second saying, you had better eat, you did not get such things at sea. I acknowledged his politeness with a bow, which however he did not perceive having turned ground to speak with someone else. The party would willingly have stopped some time here on the declivity of the hill to enjoy the extensive prospect before them had they not been apprehensive of the dampness of the grass. It would be, exclaimed someone, if we had a turkey carpet to lay down here. The wish was scarcely expressed when the man in the gray coat put his hand in his pocket and with a modest and even humble air pulled out a rich turkey carpet embroidered in gold. The servant received it as a matter of course and spread it out on the desired spot and without any ceremony the company seated themselves on it. Confounded by what I saw I gazed again at the man his pocket and the carpet which is more than twenty feet in length and ten in breadth and rubbed my eyes not knowing what to think particularly as no one saw anything extraordinary in the matter. I would gladly have made some inquiries respecting the man and asked who he was but knew not to whom I should address myself for I felt almost more afraid of the servants than of their master. At length I took courage and stepping up to a young man who seemed of less consequence than the others and who was more frequently standing by himself I begged him in a low tone to tell me who the obliging gentleman was in the gray that man who looks like a piece of thread just escaped from a tailor's needle yes he who is standing alone yonder. I do not know was the reply and to avoid as it seemed any further conversation with me he turned away and spoke of some common place matters with a neighbor the sun's rays now being stronger the ladies complained of feeling oppressed by the heat and the lovely fanny turning carelessly to the gray man to whom I had not yet observed that anyone had addressed the most trifling question asked him if perhaps he had not a tent about him he replied with a low bow as if some unmerited honor had been conferred upon him and putting his hand in his pocket drew from it canvas poles, cord, iron in short everything belonging to the most splendid tent for a party of pleasure. The young gentleman assisted pitching it and it covered the whole carpet but no one seemed to think that there was anything extraordinary in it. I had long secretly felt uneasy indeed almost horrified but how was this feeling increased at the next wish expressed? I saw him take from his pocket three horses yes Adelbert three large beautiful steeds with saddles and bridles out of the very pocket whence had already issued a lettercase a telescope, a carpet 20 feet broad and 10 in length and a pavilion of the same extent with all its pertinences. Did I not assure thee that my own eyes had seen all this thou would certainly disbelieve it? This man, although he appeared so humble and embarrassed in his air and manners and past so unheeded had inspired me with such a feeling of horror by the unearthly paleness of his countenance from which I could not avert my eyes that I was unable longer to endure it. I determined therefore to steal away from the company which appeared no difficult matter from the undistinguished part I acted in it. I resolved to return to the town and pay another visit to Mr. John the following morning and at the same time make some inquiries of him relative to the extraordinary man in the gray provided I could command sufficient courage, would to heaven that such good fortune had awaited me. I had stolen away safely down the hill through the thicket of roses and now found myself on an open plain. But fearing lest I should be met out of the proper path crossing the grass I cast an inquisitive glance around and started to tell the man in the gray cloak advancing toward me. He took off his hat and made me a lower bow than mortal had ever favored me with. It was evident that he wished to address me and I could not avoid encountering him without seeming rude. I returned his salutation therefore and stood bareheaded in the sunshine as if rooted to the ground. I gazed at him with horror and felt like a bird fascinated by a serpent. He affected himself to have an air of embarrassment. With his eyes on the ground he bowed several times, drew nearer and at last without looking up addressed me in a low hesitating voice almost in the tone of a supplement. Will you, sir, excuse my importunity in venturing on you in so unusual a manner? I have a request to make. Would you most graciously be pleased to allow me? Hold for heaven's sakes, I exclaimed. What can I do for a man who I stopped in some confusion which he seemed to share. After a moment's pause he resumed, During the short time I have had the pleasure to be in your company, I have be held with unspeakable admiration your most beautiful shadow and remarked the air of noble indifference with which you at the same time turn from the glorious picture at your feet as if disdaining to vouchsafe a glance at it. Excuse the boldness of my proposal but perhaps you would have no objection to sell me your shadow. He stopped. I had turned round like a mill-wheel. What was I to think of so extraordinarily a proposal to sell my shadow? He must be mad, thought I, and assuming a tone more in character with the submissiveness of his own I replied, My good friend, are you not content with your own shadow? This would be a bargain of a strange nature indeed. I have in my pocket he said many things which may possess some value in your eyes. For that inestimable shadow I should deem the highest price too little. A cold shuddering came over me as I recollected the pocket and I could not conceive what it induced to me to style him good friend which I took care not to repeat endeavoring to make up for it by studied politeness. I now resume the conversation but sir excuse your humble servant I am and a loss to comprehend your meaning my shadow? How can I? Permissed me, he exclaimed interrupted me, together up the noble image as it lies on the ground and take it into my possession As to the manner of accomplishing it leave that to me In return and as evidence of my gratitude I shall leave you to choose among all the treasures I have in my pocket among which are a variety of enchanting articles not exactly adapted for you who I am sure would like better to have the wishing cap of Fortunatus all made new and sound again and a lucky purse which also belonged to him. Fortunatus's perch cried I and great was my mental anguish with that one word he had penetrated the deepest recesses of my soul a feeling of giddiness came over me and double duck a splitter before my eyes be pleased gracious sir to examine this purse and make a trial of its contents he put his hand in his pocket and drew forth a large strongly stitched bag of stout cordovan leather with a couple of strings to match and presented it to me I seized it took out ten gold pieces then ten more and this I repeated again and again instantly I held up my hand to him done said I the bargain is made my shadow for the purse agreed he answered and immediately kneeling down I beheld him with extraordinary dexterity gently losing my shadow from the grass lifted up folded together and at last put it in his pocket he then rose bowed once more to me and directed his steps toward the rose bushes I fancied I heard him quietly laughing to himself however I held the purse fast by the two strings the earth was basking beneath the brightness of the sun but I presently lost all consciousness on recovering my senses I haste to quit a place where I hoped there was nothing further to detain me I first filled my pockets with gold then fastened the strings of the purse around my neck and concealed it in my bosom at last unnoticed out of the park gained the high road and took the way to town as I was thoughtfully approaching the gate I heard someone behind me exclaiming young man young man you have lost your shadow I turned and perceived an old woman calling after me thank you my good woman said I and throwing her a piece of gold for her well intended information I stepped under the trees at the gate again it was my fate to hear the century inquiring where the gentleman had left his shadow and immediately I heard a couple of women exclaiming the poor man has no shadow all this began to depress me and I carefully avoided walking in the sun but this could not everywhere be the case for the next broad street I had to cross and unfortunately for me at the very hour in which the boys were coming out of school a humpbacked loud of a fellow I see him yet soon made the discovery that I was without a shadow and communicated the news with loud outcries to a knot of young urgence the swarm proceeded immediately to reconnoiter me and to pelt me with mud people they cried generally accustomed to take their shadows with them when they walk in the sunshine in order to drive them away I threw gold by handfuls among them and sprang into a hackney coach which some compassionate spectators sent to my rescue as soon as I found myself alone in the rolling vehicle I began to weep bitterly I had by this time a misgiving that in the same degree in which gold in this world prevails over merit and virtue by so much one shadow excels gold and now that I had sacrificed my conscience for riches and given my shadow in exchange for mere gold what on earth would become of me as the coach stopped at the door of my late inn I felt much perplexed and I was told to enter so wretched and abode I called for my things and received them with an air of contempt threw down a few gold pieces and desired to be conducted to a first rate hotel this house had a northern aspect so that I had nothing to fear from the sun I dismissed the coachman with gold asked to be conducted to the best apartment and locked myself up in it as much as possible imagine my friend what I then set about oh my dear coming soul even to thee I blushed to mention what follows I drew the ill-fated purse from my bosom and in a sort of frenzy that raged like a self-fed fire within me I took out gold gold more and more till I strewn it on the floor, trampled upon it and feasted in on its very sound and brilliancy added coins to coins rolling and reveling on the gorgeous bed until I sank exhausted thus passed away that day and evening and as my door remained locked night found me still lying on the gold quit at last sleep overpowered me then I dreamed of thee and fancied I stood behind the glass door of thy little room and saw thee seated at thy table between a skeleton and a bunch of dried plants before thee lay open the works of Howler, Humboldt, and Linnaeus on thy sofa a volume of guerta and the enchanted ring I stood a long time contemplating thee and everything in the apartment and again turning my gaze upon thee I perceived that thou wast motionless thou didst not breathe thou was dead I awoke it seemed very early my watch had stopped I felt thirsty faint and worn out for since the preceding morning I had not tasted food I now cast from me with loathing and disgust the very gold with which but a short time before I had satiated my foolish heart now I knew not where to put it I dare not leave a line there I examined my purse to see if it would hold it impossible neither of my windows opened on the sea I had no other resources but with toil and great fatigue to drag it to a huge chest which stood in a closet in my room where I placed it all with the exception of a handful or two and I threw myself exhausted into an armchair till the people of the house should be up and stirring as soon as possible I sent for some refreshment a desire to see the landlord I entered into some conversation with this man respecting the arrangement of my future establishment he recommended for my personal attendant one Bindel whose honest and intelligent countenance immediately prepossessed me in his favor it is this individual whose persevering attachment has consoled me in all the miseries of my life and enabled me to bear up under my wretched lot I was occupied the whole day in my room with servants in one of a situation and tradesmen of every description I decided on my future plans and purchased various articles of virtu and splendid jewels in order to get rid of some of my gold but nothing seemed to diminish the inexhaustible heap I now reflected on my situation with the utmost uneasiness I dare not take a single step beyond my own door and in the evening I had 40 wax tapers lighted before I ventured to leave the shade I reflected with horror on the frightful encounter with the school boys yet I resolved if I could command sufficient courage to put the public opinion to a second trial the nights were now moonlight late in the evening I wrapped myself in a large cloak pulled my head over my eyes and trembling like a criminal stole out of the house I did not venture to leave the friendly shadow of the houses until I had reached a distant part of the town and then I emerged into the broad moonlight fully prepared to hear my fate from the lips of the passersby spare me my beloved friend the painful recital of all that I was doomed to endure the women often expressed the deepest sympathy for me the sympathy not less piercing to my soul than the scoffs of the young people the contempt of the men particularly of the more corpulent who threw an ample shadow before them a fair and beauteous maiden apparently accompanied by her parents who gravely kept looking straight before them chance to cast a beaming glance on me that was evidently startled I perceived that I was without a shadow and hiding her lovely face in her veil and holding down her head passed silently on this was past all endurance tears streamed from my eyes and with a heart pierced through and through I once more took refuge in the shade I leaned on the houses for support and reached home at a late hour worn out with fatigue I passed a sleepless night my first care the following morning was to devise some means covering the man in the gray cloak perhaps I may succeed in finding him and how fortunate were if he should be as ill-satisfied with his bargain as I am with mine I desired Brindel to be sent for who seemed to possess some tact and ability I minutely described to him the individual who possessed a treasure without which life itself entered a burden to me I mentioned the time and place at which I had seen him named all the persons who were present and concluded with the following directions he was to inquire for a Dolan's telescope a turkey carpet interwoven with gold a marquee and finally for some black steeds the history without entering into particulars of all these being singularly connected with the mysterious character who seemed to pass unnoticed by everyone but whose appearance had destroyed the peace and happiness of my life as I spoke I produced as much gold as I could hold in my two hands and added jewels and precious stones of still greater value Brindel said I this smooths many a path and renders that easy which seems almost impossible be not sparing of it for I am not so but go and rejoice thy master with intelligence on which depend all his hopes he departed and returned late in melancholy none of Mr. John's servants none of his guests and Brindel had spoken to them all had the slightest recollection of a man in a gray cloak the new telescope was still there but no one knew how it had come and the tent and turkey carpet were still stretched out on the hill the servants boasted of their master's wealth but no one seemed to know by what means he had become possessed of these newly acquired luxuries he was gratified it gave him no concern to be ignorant how they had come to him the horses which had been mounted on that day were in the stables of the young gentlemen of the party who admire them as a unificent present of Mr. John such was the information I gained from Brindel's detailed account but in spite of this unsatisfactory result his zeal and prudence deserved and received my commendation in a gloomy mood I made him a sign to withdraw I have sir he continued laid before you all the information in my power relative to the subject of the most importance to you I now have a message to deliver which I received early this morning from a person at the gate as I was proceeding to execute the commission in which I have so unfortunately failed the man's words were precisely these tell your master Peter Schlemiel he will not see me here again I am going to cross the sea a favorable wind now calls all the passengers on board but in a year and a day I shall have the honor of paying him a visit when in all probability I shall have a proposal to make to him of a very agreeable nature commend me to him most respectfully with many thanks I inquired his name but he said you would remember him what sort of a person was he cried I in great emotion and Bendell described him as the man in the gray coat featured by feature word for word in short the very individual in search of whom he had been sent how unfortunate cried I bitterly self scales as it were fell from Bendell's eyes yes it was he undoubtedly it was he and full mad man that I was I did not recognize him I did not and I have betrayed my master he then broke out into a torrent of self reproach and his distress really excited my compassion I endeavor to console him repeatedly assuring him that I entertain no doubt of his fidelity and dispatched him immediately to the warf to discover if possible some trace of the extraordinary being but on that very morning many vessels which had been detained and poured by contrary wins had set sail all bound to different parts of the globe and the gray man had disappeared like a shadow in the section 6 chapter 1 Peter Schlemiel by Adelbert von Camiso