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THE
BLACK CROO K,
A MOST
wosº.ºrgs, ºrogº.
Hºſºy BEING PERFORMED WITH IMMENSE SUCCESS IN ALL THE PRINCIPAL.
THEATRES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
/ >
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2 PHILADELPHIA:
BARCLAY & CO, 602 ARCH STREET.
ſ & \ºn 3 J
win C


THE
B L A C K
CROOK,
-
i
A
Most won DERFUL HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
Count PALF1, And his soupore.
“Loap, sir, you could scarcely believe it, but
the whole world seems to have been ransacked
to furnish that room; you saw porcelain from
the East Indies, vases from Italy, chairs from
France, pictures from Spain, and monsters
from all parts of the world, and besides, every
clime had yielded her flowers. —Spendthrift.
Twelve o'clock had just rung out in fair
Vienna, and the sun partially gilded one of
the most exquisite apartments in the old im-
perial city.
This was the private boudoir, of the Count
Palfi, one of the magnates of Hungary, who
drawing immense revenues from his paternal
estates, seldom if ever quitted Vienna, except
on a brief visit to Paris, where he was cele-
brated for his princely munificence, and lavish
expenditure. Report also whispered that the
Count was as well known in the worst parts of
the French metropolis, as in the aristocratic
saloons of the Faubourg St. Germain, and the
Chaussee d’Autin, in Vienna; he was uni-
versally admired by the young ladies, who re-
served their choicest smiles for the handsome
profligate; the virtuous dowagers shuddered,
averted their heads and returned the Count’s
bows with the most chilling courtesy. The men
secretly envied him, circulated the most sca-
thing sarcasms against him, but always in his
absence. His board was daily crowded, and
the wits and philosophers of the day, did not
refuse-tasting his rich Hungarian wines, and
listening to the music, of the most famous
composers. One person alone either avoided
him, or when thrown in his company, treated
him with a cold politeness which was extreme-
ly galling, and which yet did not allow him to
oomplain; this was an obscure German artist,
Rudolph Kleinfeldt, who was fast rising into
notice, and whose studio was the resort of all
Vienna, as he excelled in portraits, and did not
neglect other branches of the art.
The room in question, was in the west wing
of the old palace of the Palfi family, in what
was then the most aristocratic part of Vienna.
The ceiling was lofty and carved in fantastic
shapes, by an artist of no mean skill. A su-
perb Italian marble mantle represented the
grotto of Calypso, and her attendant nymphs ;
the halls were painted a pale peach color and
thickly hung with specimens of the Italian
school, mingled with some master-pieces, from
the pencils of Velasquez and Murillo. Pale
curtains of rose-colored damask, veiled the
windows. Huge Fauteuils, in the French taste
then prevalent, stood here and there; orange
trees in full blossom loaded with fruit, in rich
gold and white ehina tubs, diffused an almost
oppressive fragrance. Jars of the rarest Nan-
kin porcelain, were on each side of the mantle.
Misshapen monsters, (then imported by the
Dutch from Japan) frowned hideously; a red
and yellow macaw uttered the most discordant
screams, and a tiny lap dog of the purest
Pomeranian breed reposing lazily on a cushion
from time to time glanced at the door, the ta-
bles of lapis lazuli and ebony, were laden with
a variety of costly trifles, a plumed hat with a
diamond buckle, a snuffbox and sword, on a
small stand, showed that the master was not
far distant.
A light footstep aroused the sagacious little
animal, the door opened, and a young man
entered, “framed in the very prodigality of
nature.” Count Palfi was now about twenty.
| eight, and had already been cursed with
levery granted oraver, his face was faultless;
20


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
31
“My Lord: I know not what to think of the .
note I had the honor of receiving from you,
accompanied by a group of lascivious statuary,
with a request that I would transfer it to can-
vas. You have mistaken my vocation. I am
a painter, it is true, and dependant upon my
talents for my daily bread, but at the same
time I am free to bestow those poor gifts,
where and when I please.
“The province of art is to instruct, revive
the taste, and improve the morals, not pander
to the vilest appetites, which we have in com-
mon with the brutes.
“I therefore decline, with all due submission
to your better judgment, the task you have
assigned me, and refuse to prostitute my tal-
ents (if, indeed, I possess any,) to so vile a
purpose.
- “Very sincerely,
“Your obd’t servant,
“RODOLPH KLEINFELDT.”
“I cannot say but that he has answered
you civilly, Count Palfi, but what did you ask
him to do?”
“I saw a very fine group at the Venetian
Embassy, in the Secretary's chamber, and sent
it to this paiuter, with a request to copy it,
and name his own price. He refused, im-
pertinent beast, as if such creatures did not
exist by our bounty, and are not bound to
execute all our commands, without any hesi-
tation.”
“Your lordship forgets one thing,” said
Mardhoff, secretly enjoying Palfi's discom-
fiture, “that we cannot create talent.”
“No, but we can pay for it.”
“True, but not create it. You may, per-
haps, remember what the impetuous Henry
the Eighth of England said to some of his cour-
tiers who complained of the insolence of
Hans Holbein, ‘of seven ploughmen I can
make sev 2 lords, but not one Hans Holbein.”
He is one of nature's noblemen, and you can-
not buy him.”
“Well, be it so ; you will do me the honor
of driving with me.”
The necessary orders were issued, and a
heavy lumbering coach, painted with some
taste, and drawn by four Flanders' mares,
speedily received the two noblemen. A drive
round the public square, a chat with some of
their acquaintances, and a supper attended
by all the wits of Vienna, consumed the time
till midnight. When Palfi was at last alone,
the artist's refusal stung him to the quick. He
of all “Vienna, Prague, and Pest, refused
him homage, and yet he reasoned he is but a
painter, who earns his gold by his pencil,
while I have scores of acres and thousands in
bright gold, and yet he denies me the use of
his talents, quietly sets me at naught, and as
quietly returns my cold bows, with an equally
frigid salutation; the devil take such fellows;
and the Count addressed himself to his slum-
bers.
CHAPTER II.
AN ARTIST'S STUDIO.
“My friend insisted on taking me to see an
artist, who, he said, was a particular friend
and l had 'no choice; so we sat out, climbed
three steep stair-cases, and at last got in.
The room was large, and perfectly crammed
with busts, hands and feet; here were crayon
drawings, there a half finished picture on an
easel; heaps of armour, old costumes, dag-
gers, and Turkish slippers, with a variety of
other articles, as the auctioneer would say,
too tedious to mention, were oiled up, in a
not unpleasing confusion, in one corner of
the room.”—Tour in Italy.
The studio of Rodolph Kleinfeldt, was fre-
quented by all in Vienna, who were, or who
wished to be, thought patrons of art; situated
in rather a retired part of the old ºity, the
rooms were at least light and ventilated.
Sketches from some of the most famous Italian
palaces and galleries, hung on the walls; a
table was covered with casts of hands and feet;
a Venus modeled after the famous statue of
Crete, stood in one corner. Arms, daggers,
and an embroidered cafton, were heaped in a
kind of picturesque disorder; in another, old
chairs richly carved, were arranged for the ac-
commodation of visitors; a half-finished pic-
ture was on the easel, and the artist stood at
some distance, earnestly contemplating his
work.
Rodolph Kleinfeldt had reached his thirtieth
year; he could not boast of high descent, or
noble blood, but nature had endowed him with
rare talents ; his father was an obscure me-
chanic in Wienna, and strictly attached to his
religion he frequently took Rodolph to church,
and the boy by gazing on the pictures, and
other works of ar", gradually imbibed a love
of painting, and one day astonished his father
with a rude copy of an old virgin and child,
which had long been the sole ornament of his
modest home; a nobleman hearing of this
prodigy in humble life, extended a helping
hand, and was not disappointed in his protege.
A year in the great metropolis of the world
completed his studies, and trusting to his
genius, the artist boldly returned to his native


32
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
eity, with a stout heart, and a firm resolution
to carve out his way to fortune.
He had not forgotten his beneficent friend,
and presented him with a small but exquisitely
finished copy of an old picture he had seen at
Rome, which particularly struck his fancy.
This did not escape notice; his generous
benefactor hung the work of his young friend
in a prominent position, and did not fail to
descant upon its merits. His benevolent de-
sign succeeded : commissions flowed in, and
at the end of five years Rodolph Kleinfeldt
was reputed the most talented artist in the city.
His appearance was exceedingly attractive;
every movement betokened vivacity and intel-
lect; devoted to his art, his whole world was
comprised in his studio: the picture slowly
progressed, but each day added to its beauties.
While thus occupied, an aged nobleman en-
tered the studio and cautiously inquired if he
had the pleasure of addressing the celebrated
artist Rudolph Kleinfeldt.
“My name is Kleinfeldt,” is the reply, “but
I cannot say that I am a celebrated artist.”
“You are too modest; fame has assigned
you a high place in your profession. I lately
purchased a picture of a Spanish gentleman,
whose necessities compelled him to part with
it, but only on the condition that I would have
a copy made, which should be his.”
Kleinfeldt bowed; and the picture, repre-
senting a man about forty-five, in a semi-mili-
tary costume, was brought in the studio. The
face was rather interesting, and had an inde-
scribable expression. The painter looked at-
tentively at the canvas and seemed at a loss.
“What is the matter?” asked his com-
panion.
“I am confused,” was the reply. “This
seems to be a man's picture, and yet the ex-
pression is exceedingly feminine.”
“You are both right and wrong, the picture
is of a woman, who played a man's part. If
you have no objection, I shall tell ner story
in a few words. It is the portrait of Dona
Catalina de Erauso, the nun ensign, who,
quitted her convent to go in the army, sailed
for the Americas, landed safely, encountered
a variety of adventures, crossed the Great
Desert, entered a convent, returned to Spain,
and obtained a pension.”
“What became of her at last.”
“Her end is not known, but I trust that
you will not disappoint me, and exert your
utmost abilities. The picture is rare, and if well
doney will enhance your reputation.”
“A person wishes to see you sir, said an
elderly woman, who officiated as janitress.”
“Show him up.”
The woman hesitated.
“What is it Marguerite.”
“Well, sir, if you will take the advice of an
old woman, who has seen more of the world
than you, and who wishes you well, do not
See that man, or rather that demon.”
“What do you mean **
“Tell that man.”
“I say old woman, are you going to keep
me here all day. I can tell you that I am not
accustomed to be kept all day in the cold,' '
croaked out a harsh voice.
“There he is, I must go; but oh master,
dear, if you mind what I say, do not let that
man come up.”
“Nonsense, Marguerite I fear nothing ox
earth or,
Again the voice exclaimed, “Am I to come
up or not ?”
The terrified janitress ran rapidly down
stairs, the sound of a crutch or stick was
heard, the door thrown open, and an individu-
al entered.
Kleinfeldt and his visitor involuntarily gazed
upon the new arrival.
This was a man who had evidently passed
his sixtieth year, and presented a striking
contrast to the former inmates of the room.
Kleinfeldt was still in the bloom of youth, the
nobleman, though youth had long since flown,
retained a very pleasant expression, and was
attired with the most scrupulous neatness;
the new arrival, in addition to his years, had
a spiteful and malignant countenance, his thin
lips when opened, disclosed toothless gums.
He was exceedingly bent, and a large hump
had the effect of detracting from his height.
Time had not dimmed the lustre of his eyes,
which shone with a serpentine brilliancy.
His hands resembled withered bird’s claws; a
suit of shabby black velvet, well worn, a felt
hat, and a pair of boots of Spanish leather, so
patched, that it was hard to discover the
original material, completed his attire; leaning
on a black stick, with a head in the shape of
a crook, he thus addressed the astonished
painter :
“Well, I had great work to get up ! I ad-
vise you to tell your housekeeper to be more
civil to those who call; people who have their
living to get should be more polite to visitors.”
“I was only aware that you had called, and
gave orders that you should be admitted as
speedily as possible.”
“Well, it may be so,” rejoined he of the
Black Crook, with an evil glare.
“May I ask,” replied Kleinfeldt, blandly,
“how I can serve you?”
“I should not have come if I had not needed
your services. I never visit persons for mare
|civility—1 want a picture.”


THE BLACK OROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 35
“On what subject—original or a copy?”
“This will be an original.”
“What kind of a picture do you want?”
“I shall want a Venus coming from the
sea. I have a particular use for it. What
will be your price?”
"I cannot do the work for less than five
hundred ducats.”
“Well, I cannot give the half of that. I
will give two hundred and fifty.”
“I am not accustomed to abate my price.
I cannot do the work for less. Ah, Prince
Pal r, I hone that I have the pleasure of seeing
you in perfect health.”
“I am as well as usual,” was the haughty
reply, with a manner calculated to prevent
any further conversation.
“I remember well when I first had the
honor of meeting you.” -
“I will not trouble you to detail any further
recollections,” was the chilling answer.
“Well, people change so.”
The prince, making a low bow to the artist,
said, “another time I will do myself the honor
of calling on you, till then, au revoir,” and he
departed without noticing the Black Crook.
“Pride must have a fall,” was the bitter
rejoinder, rather to himself than to Kleinfeldt,
casting a bitterglance after the departing figure.
“Now, sir artist, shall we resume our agree-
ment? Could you not do that picture for me,
for say, three hundred ducats?”
“I have already told you that I never higgle,
and that I shall not abate my price. I must
have five hundred ducats—I will not touch
that picture unless I receive that price.”
“Well, I suppose that I must give what you
ask,” replied Black Crook, with a baleful gaze,
“but I think that it will be the worse for you.”
“You are at liberty to do as you please, and
I claim the same freedom, perhaps, remember
hat, perhaps you will refuse; but in order to
prevent that, I shall pay you at once one
hundred golden ducats.”
As he spoke, the old man putting his hands
in his pocket, drew out a heavily laden purse,
from which he extracted a mass of coin, and
•ounting down one hundred ducats said, “I
have bound the bargain. You cannot now re-
fuse me. In three weeks I shall come and see
what progress you have made. Now I shall
0.
g The words were scarcely out of his month,
ere he trotted nimbly down stairs, banged the
door after him and vanished.
Kleinfeldt standing by the table, mechani-
cally handled the gold, and was reckoning
it, when old Marguerite burst into the room,
trembling in every limb, and fear painted in
every lineament.
“Oh, master dear, has that devil’s imp
gone?”
“Do you mean the man with the black
crook? If it will give you any satisfaction,
he has gone.” He did not add, “to my great
satisfaction,” though he felt immensely re-
lieved, when he was once more alone, he did
..] not wish Margueritte to see that he was afraid.
The gold on the table caught the old gour-
mante's eyes, who at once exclaimed:
“What a heap of money I Did that old
villian bring it here f*
“Marguerite, you must not talk so of ...y
visitors, but since you are so inquisitive, I win
satisfy you. He did give it me.”
“Oh, master dear, I beg and conjure you,
not to touch that devil’s trash.”
“Devil’s trash!”
“Yes, that man is an imp of Satan, as sure
as can be. You know him, don’t you?”
“I cannot say that I do.”
“He is a magician.”
“A magician l’”
“Yes, I know a woman, who lives near him,
and no matter at what hour of the night she
rises, there’s that old fiend at his work; the
windows are never open; day or night, it is
all the same. And then what volumes of
smoke pour out from his chimney.”
“Pooh, Marguerite, only a little cooking.”
“A little cooking ! No master, yellow sul-
phurous smoke in vast volumes, with an awful
smell, and then he has such dreadful women
coming to see him, such old hags. And when
they are there, the door is shut, and no one
then is admitted.”
“Who takes care of his house?” “A half
starved man, and a deformed dumb negro,
who like his master, is hump-backed; and
then country women go to him for elixir and
perfumes. Oh master, take my advice, and
send back that gold, it will never do you any
good.”
“I shall keep it and run the risk.”
“Good bye, master; but if you take my
advice you'll not keep that gold.”
The old woman’s conversation was not with:
out its effect; the artist remembered also, that
the prince, though polite to the Black Crook,
as he mentally termed his visitor, still avoided
looking at him, and ended the interviews as
soon as politeness to him would permit,
slightly tinctured with the superstition of the
age, which still believed in witchcraft, spells,
and incantations, he made the sign of the
cross, and involuntarily looking at a head of
Christ, modeled after Michael Angelo, mut-
tered a fervent prayer, and addressed himself
again to his task; but he had lost his spirits,
and could not work with his accustomied


.36 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
power, the brush fell from his hand, and his
eyes refused any longer to recognize colors.
Can it be, he exclaimed, that Marguerite is
is right, and that the old man has cast a
spell upon me, the wisest say, that such
things are possible, if he have, I shall never
prosper again.
night drew rapidly on, and the artist, lock-
ing his chamber, took a solitary stroll through-
out the city; the weather was charming, and
the moon bathed St. Stephen's in a flood of
silvery light. Kleinfeldt directed his steps to
the cathedral, hallowed by the consecration of
so many sovereigns of the house of Haps-
burg; the whole city was wrapped in repose,
and Kleinfeldt climbing one of the butresses,
cast a glance at the interior of that conse-
rated fane. A solitary light was burning at
a side altar, and the wind murmered softly at a
little distance through the trees; soothed by
the tranquillity of the scene, Kleinfeldt saun-
tered slowly away, and regained his chamber,
where he sat by the casement, musing on the
events of the day; and morning broke, ere he
sought his couch, where he was soon wrapped
in a profound slumber.
Ten o'clock found the artist at his task, re-
freshed by his repose; a modest tap at the
door, was answered by an invitation to enter,
and a little girl about ten years of age, with a
flower basket stood before him; who modestly
tendering a bouquet, said, “wont you have
3ome roses and violets f"
“With all pleasure, my little maid, but
what shall I give you?”
“Oh sir, I cannot take anything from you.”
“But why should you bestow your flowers
1st me?”
My name is Theresa von Hummel, perhaps
you know my father.”
Kleinfeldt recollected that some five or six
months before, he had rendered some trifling
service to the organist of the cathedral, and
stailingly said, “well Theresa, if you will
have it so, I will accept what you have so kindly
offered; but you must allow me to do some-
thing in return for you.”
The flower girl gazed timidly around, and
her eye rested on a small engraving of Ra-
phael's Madonna and Child, on the table—and
at last hesitatingly said: “that is very pretty.”
“Well it is yours.”
Theresa courtesied gratefully, and with-
drew.
This little incident diverted the artist. He
seemed to breathe more freely, and the brush
was taken up with fresh vigor, the colors
seemed brighter than usual, and he remarked
to himself, “I feel as well as if I were in
Italy wandering through 8t. Peter's, and
contemplating the frescoes of Michael An-
gelo,” he had lost for the moment, all
thoughts of the Black Crook, and was once
more jolly and light hearted.
CHAPTER III.
BLACK CROOK. And HI8 drºn. -
I TELL your grace, that yon fellow is
dangerous. -
Duchess. What do you mean?
Isabella. That he is not to be trusted. That
he is a brigand, fortune-teller and alchemist
all in one.
Duchess, Have you ever been to visit him #
Isabella. Once. I went with the old Baro-
ness Krusenstein.
Duchess. Well, what did you see ?
Isabella. I cold not tell your grace, one
half of the horrors that met my eyes. Skulls
grinned at me fearfully. Arms without hands,
and hands without arms, skulls, and all sorts
of magical apparatus. I thought I was not
safe till I got out into the fresh air, and
prayed that I might never be inveigled into
such a place again.—Aldermit.
Wolfgang Hertzog, or as he was better known
as Black Crook, resided in what had once
been the most fashionable quarter of Wi
enna, in a large and spacious mansion which,
some three or four centuries before, had
been the abode of Matthias Corwintos, a
famous empiric, in the service of Andrew
of Hungary, and, tradition averred, that
he was in the habit of casting sundry weird
spells there; and the populace of that century
seldom named the house without making the
sign of the cross and muttering a Pater Nos-
ter; and untold gold could hardly have in-
duced any one to have crossed the threshhold
after nightfall. This reputation clung to the
property, which passed into the possession of
Prince Paul Esterhazy, and for nearly fifty
years the steward of his estate, though he
offered the mansion at a most reasonable rate,
could not find a tenant. One evening, about
midnight, after the household of Esterhazy
had retired, it was aroused by a furious knock
at the front door, and, protruding his head
from the window, the valet asked who the
visitor was and what he wanted at such an
unseasonable hour.
“Who I am it is of no consequence for you
to know, my business is with your master,
not you; I never deal with underlings—admit
me.”
“The prince is not in the palace, he has
gone to a masquerade and his return is unces
|


THE CLAUK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 37
tain—you must call in the morning;” with
these words the window was closed, and the
stranger compelled to depart.
The next morning, as early as politeness
would permit, the night visitor presented him-
self and was ushered into the prince's pre-
sence, who at once asked him his business.
“I understand that your highness has an
empty house to rent, and, if you have no ob-
jection, I should like to be your tenant.”
“You are right; I have an unemployed
house, but may I ask—”
“You said,” replied the stranger, “that
the house was vacant, I want it; what is the
price?”
The prince was startled; here was an offer
for a house which had been unoccupied for
twenty years, and yet he did not like the
appearance or manner of his interlocutor.
The stranger was richly, though gravely clad,
his features were handsome, his manner be-
spoke acquaintance with the highest rank, his
deportment, though courteous, checked all
curiosity, and the pair sat in silence for a few
momentS.
“Well, may I ask if your highness has yet
come to any determination ?”
“It is usual,” replied the prince, coldly,
“when persons come to give their names,
residence, fortune, and former occupation,
but such is not my custom. I can pay, and
that, I think, will waive the necessity of an-
swering any further questions. Once more, I
ask your highness can I have the house?”
The prince was surprised, and after a mo-
ment's consideration replied:
“Perhaps you will permit me to consult my
steward; I hear him in the next room; or per-
chance you will admit him to our conference?”
“By no means, as I have already informed
the valet I rarely deal with inferiors; but
since your highness wishes to speak with him
I will await your leisure.”
Esterhazy, who was glad of an opportunity
to leave his visitor, and who did not wish to
lose the chance of renting the house, retired,
and, after a short interval, returned. The
steward and his lord had agreed that, should
the stranger consent to the terms demanded,
the property should be his.
~ “I have come to the conclusion, sir,” said
the prince, returning to the apartment, and
making a slight inclination of the head, “that
the property shall be yours at the rent of a
thousand ducats, yearly.”
“I accept your terms; and, to avoid any
further trouble, shall pay the sum at once,”
and, drawing out a heavy pocket book, the
stranger deposited notes on the Bank of Wi-
enna, to the full amount, on the table.
“It is not necessary,” said the incognito,
“that you should know who I am, here is
your cash; may I trouble you with a receipt,
which will close our interview º'
The prince was startled, and mechanically
complied with the incognito's request, whe,
haughtily bowing, withdrew.
The citizens in the vicinity of the Old Man.
sion, or, as it was commonly called, the Ma.
gician's Den, were astonished to see the win-
dows open, and preparations made, as if '4
were about to be occupied by a family. Some
more adventurous than their neighbors ven-
tured to enter the dusty halls and sombre
chambers, which had not been opened for
more than twenty years, and dame Trudchen,
the most inveterate gossip in the neighborhood,
meeting the old man in charge of the house,
inquired:
“So you have come to take the old house?”
“You might have judged as much, when
you see what I am doing.”
“Yes, yes, that is very plain; and I hope
that you and I shall be good neighbors.”
“We shall see that hereafter.”
“How long, do you think, that you will
remain º’’
“Well, dame, all things are uncertain.”
“So my good man was accustomed to say.
He expected to make a fortui.e., and that I
should ride in my carriage as fine as any lady
in the land, but, Lord bless you, sir, his anti-
cipations all came to nothing ; one night the
good man went out to drink a little wine with
one of his friends, his foot slipped, and he left
me a poor lone widow. Are you a German,
Sir 8”
“Do I not speak the same language as
yourself?”
“From what part of Germany do you
come P''
“I have lived in all parts.”
“What is your master's name?”
“Why do you wish to know?”
“You know that it is but natural when
folks move in a house, that we like to know
who they are.”
Somewhatabashed by the servant's manner,
Trudchen affected to be attentively examin-
ing the carving of the mantlepiece, but again
shortly resumed her questions.
“Do you reside in Vienna?”
“I think I told you just now that I have
lived in all parts of Germany.”
“So you did, and I was very stupid not to
recollect, but my head is so full of other mat-
ters that sometimes I forget.”
“Yes, of your neighbors' business,” said
the steward, sotto voce.
“What were you pleased to say, sir?”


40 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
“Young or old 7"
The little finger of the right hand was held
up to signify that she was young and beau-
tiful.
“Show her in.”
Another low salaam and the dwarf vanished,
but soon returned, accompanied by a female
figure clad in black, whose face was masked.
The negro, having accomplished his mission,
passed into the vestibule.
“I believe,” said the visitress, “you are
the celebrated Dr. Hertzog º'
“My name is Wolfgang Hertzog, but
whether I am known to fame or not is not for
me to say; but what would you with me?”
“Report says that you are skilled in the
secret sciences.”
“I have made some researches in the learn-
ing of the East, and passed a long life in the
prosecution of science. Nature when duly in
terrogated will surrender many secrets to her
patient inquirers.”
“Can you control the affections of the ab-
sent º'
“Science overcomes all obstacles.”
“I am rich, I can pay heavily.”
“Lady, you love one who does not recip-
rocate your passion?”
“Even so, and I would fain procure some
charmor philter to win back his truant love.”
“That is possible, Arabia and the spicy
coast pour out their treasures.”
“I pray of you let me have one. I will give
you gold and gems, nay more; win me back
he heart that I fear is lost, and you may name
your own price, and, as an earnest, here are
seventy ducats in gold, and, if you are success-
ful, I will treble the amount.”
The adept's eyes glittered with avarice.
Gold was the idol of his soul, not for use or
enjoyment, but simply the consciousness of
possession, and as he carefully counted the
eoins he replied: -
“My poor services are at your command.
I will compound a rare and precious elixir
which I will stake my existence will make
him faithful to you, and only you, but it is
necessary that I should cast your horoscope,
and know when the conjunction of planets
will be favorable. Lady, you must unmask.”
“Perhaps it will not be necessary for me to
** my features.”
“I tell you that it is absolutely necessary,
or I should not have made the demand.”
“I suppose, then, that I must yield,” and
without further delay, she rose, and, detaching
her mask and throwing off her cloak, showed
a form of the most classic grace and exquisitely
chiselled features. There was one peculiarity
uty rarely seen in these Northern
climes: her skin was of a marble whiteness and
her hair dark as the raven's wing. Long did
the adept gaze and look, as if old memories
rushed across his brain. At last he de-
manded in a voice broken with emotion:
“You are not an Austrian by birth”
“No, I have a Northern father, but my
mother—”
“Was a Spaniard?”
“No, a Greek.”
“Strange,” muttered the Black Crook, more
to himself than his companion, “the resem-
blance is so strong—eyes, hair, voice. Were
you ever in Spain, lady ?”
“Never.”
“I am, then, mistaken. Let us proceed;
give me the day and hour of your birth.”
Both were named.
“Now have the kindness to seat yourself,
and betray no astonishment at any thing that
you may see or hear, it is a method familiar.
ized to me, and from which you have nothing
to fear.”
The lady bowed assent, and the empiric,
throwing back the doors of a closet, disclosed
a skeleton mounted in the best style then
known. Hastily casting aside the cap and
wrapper, he quickly put on a species of purple
caftan of the richest Genoa velvet profusely
embroidered with the signs of the zodiac; a
massive silver staff, with a golden head, was
firmly grasped, a curious mitre-shaped cap
was placed on his brow, and his wrists were
clasped with bracelets of gems imitating ser-
pents, a solitary diamond of the purest water
and of great value glittered on his forefinger.
Summoning the black, he issued some order
in a foreign tongue, and busied himself in the
erection of an altar of the most hideous and
grotesque description. The base was formed
of human skulls, and the table of arms and
legs alternately. The black now reappeared,
bending under the weight of immense silver
candlesticks, representing the three Fates, each
holding a taper of black wax. The skeleton
was then placed behind the altar and the fear-
ful rites commenced. Leaning on his staff,
the magician slowly repeated a dirge :
“Spirits of earth and air,
Thy aid we do invite;
Come do my will.”
Casting his eye rapidly over the altar, he
seemed as if in search of something, and at
last examined the chalice. “Where is it?”
He soon found it, and mixing some wine and
water poured it over the altar, saying in a loud
clear tone, “This do I offer to the spirits of
evil.” Drawing two packets of drugs from
his bosom, he took small quantities of each,


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST wonDERFUL HISTORY.
43
and placing them on a silver plate ignited the daughter presided over his household, where,
mass, and the apartment was soon filled with
elouds of the most fragrant vapor. As it gradu-
ally cleared away, he exclaimed the charm
works. “The spirits are propitious; I will
now cast your nativity.”
Still clad in his official costume, the magi-
elan approached the table, and drawing forth
a sheet of parchment, soon covered it with
mystic characters; thought for a moment, and
then said: “Lady, the stars are favorable, the
Fates smile; whatever you undertake will sue-
ceed. I will prepare the elixir at another
time. Farewell.”
** When shall I return ?”
“Let me see, seven is a mystic number;
return in a fortnight. Twice seven, see the
tapers burn brightly. Once more, farewell.”
Donning her mask, the incognito was es-
eorted to the door with all the ceremonious
courtesy of the old school by the Black Crook
in person, who, at parting, made her a stately
and ceremonious bow, which would not have
disgraced the splendid Louis of France, so
noted for his devotion to the other sex.
He then returned to his study, reassumed
his old wrapper and headgear, and vainly en-
deavored to bury himself in his studies; but
the recollections of the past were too powerful.
“Where have I seen that face? can the grave
surrender its dead? Yes, is it you, or your
very image and likeness? Who is it? who
ean it be? The hands, eyes, and complexion
are so similar. Let me roll back forty years.
No, it is impossible, I was then young, gay,
bright, now old, withered, and decrepid, a jest
and mockery. As if these limbs could ever
have been straight, as if I once had a heart, as
if I once thought there was faith in man, and
honor in woman. These are dreams of the
past, let but success attend my efforts, and
possessed of that, which all men secretly wor-
ship, I yet can rule at least a portion of man-
kind.”
CHAPTER IV.
THE RECEPTION ROOM OF A LADY OF HIGH
RANK IN vieRNA, Two CENTURIES Ago.
“These women are showy and capricious
creatures. Sometimes they love a man to
distraction, who does not care a whit for
them; and dispise the one who fondles on
theyn like a lapdog.”—Ben Jonson. -
Carriage after carriage had driven up to
the palace of Prince Lobkowitz, who stood
high in the confidence of his sovereign. For
many years he had been a widower, and his
every Thursday, she received the elite of the
Vienna nobility; for be it known, gentle
reader, that the possession of a title is not, of
itself, a sufficient passport to the highest Aus-
trian circles. No man is haughtier than the
Austrian who can count his sixteen quarter-
ings. Unlike his English brethren, he is nºt
wise enough to purify his blood and regild lis
coronet by a marriage with a plebian heiress,
no, he must marry his equal, or be a forced
celibate.
The very cream of the ancient eapital of thm
modern Caesars was assembled in the saloons
of the palace, and none shone more conspicu
ously than the young princess, whose acquain
tance we have already made at the mansion
of the Black Crook. Clad in pink satin and
glittering with diamonds, she was beyond all
comparison the handsomest person in the
room, and yet a keen observer might have
discovered bitter and vindictive hate, if that
passion was aroused, the direst jealousy, and
utter and unscrupulous disregard of the rights
of others, so that she could compass her own
ends, but all these were hidden with smiles;
if there were an abyss, it was covered with
flowers.
The usual nothings passed, the customary
bon mots were uttered, persons were en-
chanted to behold their friends and were ºx-
ceedingly grieved to part with them, and all
the usual polite fictions which pass for truth
(with this exception that no one is deceived,)
were exchanged. The princess glanced un-
easily around the circle, the one whom she
most desired to see had not yet arrived.
Prince Paler, bowing gently, made his way
through the room, and accosted his hostess:
“I had not the pleasure of seeing you on
the Stephen Platz to-day, and yet you are:
one of the ornaments there.”
“No, I was otherwise engaged, And you,
prince, I suppose that if I am an ornament,
you are one of the pillars of the state.”
“You are pleased to flatter. No, I was at
the studio of Rodolph Kleinfeldt, the young
artist, as I wish him to make a copy of a pic-
ture I have just purchased, and anticipated a
pleasant conversation about art and artists,
when I was disagreeably interrupted by the
appearance of one of Satan’s emissaries.” "
“Who do you mean?” said the princess.
coloring evidently, and striking over a vase
of flowers.
“Wolfgang Hertzog, or, as he prefers being
called, Doctor Hertzog.”
“Who is this Dr. Hertzog º"
“I knew him well when I was Minister te
the Court of Spain.”


44
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL IIISTORY.
“What was his reputation there?”
“Of a man of great science, but as consum-
mate a villain as ever went unhung; had Î
been the Grand Inquisitor I should have con-
demned him to fire and faggot, solely for his
villainous countenance, but I had more solid
grounds of dislike. He resided in the Jew's
quarter of Madrid, though not a Hebrew him-
self, and passed his time in study and practice
of măgic, assisted in his diabolical incantations
by an old Moor, an aged Mexican, and a
young Jewess; this last was the mostl earned
of the four. She spoke and wrote fluently all
the languages of the East, had passed some
time at Damascus, Jerusalem, and Grand
Cairo, and from her Hertzog obtained the
most famous of his receipts. She was exceed-
ingly skillful.”
“Do you know what was her most famous
preparation t” *
“A subtle and powerful essence, a com-
pound of many rare, and costly drugs, pre-
pared with incantations, and sundry fearful
rites.: human skulls, and other fearful and un-
hallowed celemonies.”
“But the effect of this was true; ” said the
princess, with an impatience she could scarcely
check, “and I will relate you one instance:
there was a wealthy and beautiful heiress, the
youthful duchess of Alcauaux, who passion-
ately, loved a young captain of the guards,
who, was silly enough not to return her pas-
sion; but preferred another, without a ducat
in her purse, a drop of good blood in her
veins, or a tithe of the beauty of her glorious
rival. The duchess got the elixir, and at once
administered it, in a glass of wine, to the cap-
tain, who from that moment quitted his first
love, and eventually married the fascinating
heiress, who had estates in every province,
both at Castile and Leon, and an immense sum
at the Jewish bankers.”
“And the duchess got this preparation,
which wrought such wonderful things, from
Hertzog.”
“Yes, the Jewess on her deathbed be-
queathed this infernal quack, all her books,
implements and materials.”
“Are you certain of it?”
“Yes, from one circumstance; a grandee.
º g
was taken, seriously ill, and all the most fa-
an ous leeches of the capital vainly prescribed,
and after repeated trials, declared that art
could 'o, no more, and that the Marquis de
Osorio, caust die. Catching like a drowning
manat. A straw ; the patient desired that Hert-
sog sheuld be summoned, who was speedily in-
troduced into his chamber.”
“And the effect f"
“I will tell you, but you are exceedingly
curious about matters, which might interest
tan Italian savant, but scarcely a German lady
of rank and fashion, but I will tell you what
I know: Hertzog at once said, ‘your ladyship
has been poisoned, and I know the proper rena-
edy; follow my directions, and I can save
you.' Sundry fomentations were applied, ex-
ternally. A gentle perspiration ensued. Some
medicines, which Hertzog alone would admin-
ister, in the utmost privacy, were swallowed,
and in less, than a month, the patient was in
the enjoyment of his usual health ; exultation
was painted on the princess' countenance,
which was still further increased by the en-
trance of her rival.
This was the young countess, Helena, Lin
gotski, the sole remaining scion of an ancient
and wealthy Bohemian house; unlike the
princess Lobkowitz, she was a brunette, the
upper part of her face, was good, but the lips
were full and sensual, and there was a latent
fire in the dark lustrous eye, that would soon
kindle into flame. Her dress was calculated to
set off her Oriental style of beauty. A plain
cusage ending in a point, revealed her exquisite
bust; the skirt was of ruby velvet, with a
long train; a robe of pearls, with diamond tas-
sels, was tied round her waist; a necklace of
the same costly gems encircled her superbly
moulded throat? bracelets of cameo, each head
representing a sovereign, which had doubtless
before graced a beauty of Pharaoh's court,
clapsed her round, plump and well-proportion-
ed arms; her glossy black hair, with a purple
tint, was, confined by a pearl boudeau, and a
white catcherntie worth a prince's, ransom,
was carelessly thrown over her shoulders.
I trust that I see the Princess Lobkowitzin
her customary health. I need not ask if she
is in her ordinary spirits, as I see by the de-
lighted countenance of Prince Paler, that she
has been as usual the charm of the circle.
“Your Ladyship is as always therwit of the
company.”
“I am not a man to be so flattered. By the
way, princess, talking of these lords of crea-
tion, as they proudly style themselves, I do
not see so many of the butterflies as common
here.”
“I cannot tell the reason; yet let me see,
there's Amblein, an empty headed fop, who
prates of his success at Paris and Florence,
but who I really believe, was merely suffered;
report adds, that he is only too willing to con.
vert M'lle. Ahaharos into Madame La Baronne
de Amblein, “from les beaux yeuz de La Cas-
sette.’”
“You are severe, but pray continue your
list.”
“Then look at Tranton Arsdorff; if that fel.


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL IIISTORY.
51
ſittle animal, in two hours he was dead; but
I shall tell you how I was m prison. I was a
miller's daughter, and lived till I was nearly
twelve years old happily; but it chanced one
day that the lord of the neighboring castle
came to the meadow, accompanied by his
daughter, who took a fancy to me, and in-
sisted that I should go to Prague with her;
my father consented, and I was soon half
companion and half servant; I took lessons in
French, music and drawing. My young lady
had a beau, the Baron Harrach. One day he
saw Ine, and paid me some compliments; I then
was virtuous, and knew no harm, though I
might have had sense enough to have known
that he meant nothing good, but my young
lady was very jealous; she covered me
with abuse, and struck me, as if the remem-
brance of the indignity, still kindled the most
inextinguishable anger; her eyes blazed, and
an expression of diabolical hatred was painted
in every feature.” After some seconds had
ealpsed, Ursula continued: “that blow I never
forgave, my mistress said that she had gone too
far, loaded me with presents, and earnestly
courted a reconciliation. I accepted the gifts,
was more submissive than ever, and avoided the
Baron; shortly after the lovers were united, and
I accompanied the bride to her new residence;
time wore on, and the Baroness presented her
lord with an heir, and he was as fine a child as I
ever saw ; but one day he suddenly sickened
and died : no one could tell how, or why; I saw
the Baroness weep, tear her hair, and rock her-
self to and fro in her agony, and master, I en-
joyed it all; every tear was a gem to me,
every sigh a source of the purest delight, I
tasted them all with the keenest relish ; no
miser ever reckoned his ducats with greater
pleasure, than I, the woes of my mistress,
and yet, the poor wretch thought that I was
her most devoted friend, and would frequently
say, “how should I bear this, but for you; ”
another blossom was giveu to the house of
Harrach, and I was appointed chief nurse,
with an elegant room, private table and hand-
some compensation; six months passed, and
he too died; again my lady raved, and again,
though wearing a mask of sorrow, I banqueted
on her grief, and feasted on her tortures ; it
was grand to see that these aristocrats felt like
the working people ; that they in turn, are
compelled to wear sack cloth.”
Grepo pale and agonized, stammered out.
“All have their troubles.”
“Yes, but the rich think that the poor have
no hearts or souls; feed a dog, and he will
love you, attack your enemy, and if necessary
die for you, but toil and slave for the rich and
well born, and they think that a ducat, a
half-worn dress, a jewel which has loºt its
novelty, or a smile a sufficient compensation.
Boy, you de not know these titled hounds,
and as she spoke Ursula drew herself up, and
extended her arm, with a species of rude tragic
dignity. But I have not come to the end yet.
The Baron was suddenly taken ill, day and
night I watched him, he languished, and soon.
breathed his last. Nobles are mortal as well
as peasants, and my lord was borne to his fl-
mal resting place, with all the honors due tº
his rank. The torches were extingnished, s,
prince of the blood paid the last honors, and a
herald proclaimed the titles of one who was
now a heap of dust. Again my lady Baroness
was in the depths of affliction, and I a third
time consoled her ; but her uncle came, ex-
amined the papers of the late Baron, ascer-
tained that some important documents were
missing, and declared that if they were not
found, the castle would be gone, and the Baro-
ness would be limited to a very small income.”
“Suspicion fell upon all the servants. We
were apprehended, the others set at liberty,
beeause nothing could be alleged against them;
whereas I was so unfortunate as to have in my
possession a few grains of a subtle Indian
drug, which produces a very singular effect,
when suddenly administered, the patient loses
his appetite, pines and eventually dies, appa-
rently there is nothing the matter with him;
after some months, and many efforts to make
me confess, I was finally set at liberty; now
you have my story. Come let us drink suc-
cess to doctor Wolfgang Hertzog.”
Bumpers were drunk to the health of the
Black Crook, and the lad rose to depart,
when Ursula asked “what he thought of the
pretty little ornament on the table.”
“Ornament 1 I cannot see that it is partic-
ularly handsome; it is only a wax figure, with
pins stuck all over, particularly in the vicinity
ef the head.”
“That is the beauty of it, but since you are:
so unsophisticated, I will tell you more; that
figure represents my bitterest foe, and I daily
stick a pin in the most sensitive part of the body,
and then the person whom it represents snfºne
accordingly.” |
“Yes shortly.” replied Grepo. #
“Now, said Barbara, one more glass 1
we part to the powers of evil.”
“No, by heavens,” exclaimed Grepo,
pen what may, I will not drink that to , ,
And flying down stairs he walked rapidly honº,
told Black Crook, that his associates would
wait on him at the time appointed, and felt
thankful that he had even such a refuge where
he was at least safe frºm such infernal com-
panionship, and where though badly fed, and


52 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
worse clad, he had some instants he could call
his own.
CHAPTRR WI.
ºCon D. INTERV13 W of THE PRINCESS Lobkowitz
with The BLACK CROOK.
“Believe me, my lord, you may search hea-
en and earth, and you will find no being
•more vindictive than a jealous woman; crime
loses all its horrors, if she can only accomplish
her ends.”—Spanish Friar.
Ten days after her last interview with the
Countess Lingotski, the Princess Lobkowitz
bad thought of nothing else ; one object alone
presented itself to her mind, her rival cher-
ished by the man she would have died to
serve ; imagination pictured the young officer
in the solitude of his chamber, gazing at the
picture of her rival, while she the daughter of
a lordly house was spurned. The idea was
insupportable, and then she well remembered
the smile of haughty triumph, with which the
countess made her parting courtesy: true, she
had met the Lingotski, they had conversed.
She was too much a woman of the world to
allow her mortification to be seen, but her
grief and indignation, were not the less poig-
nant in this emergency, she resolved to consult
the Black Crook again, and after deliberating
for some moments, desired her page to sum-
mon Bertha, her confidential attendant, whom
she thus addressed :
“Bertha I shail require your services this
evening at eight e'clock.”
“Shall I tell Michael to have the carriage
ready then f"
“No, be silent about it; you may retire now;
but stay I shall need apeasant's dress ; bring
it me in my dressing room at seven. Should
"he prince ask if I am going cut with himn, say
hat I am confined to my room by a severe in-
disposition; and have given the most positive
orders not to be disturbed.”
Once more alone, she took up her book, but
soon laid it aside; he image of her hated rival
was ever present ; a musical instrument was
next tried, but with no better success; a walk
in the garden to view some choice plants, that
had just arrived, succeeded no better than the
other occupations; the one idea was permanent,
and one hated image presented itself.
Dinner was ari: ºn ed with a profound bow
by the majordomo, and the princess, passing
thrºugh a line of liveried lackeys, was duly
pºst, ted to some foreign celebrities, who then
Whº?: led to be in Viºnna, and attracted the
nºGº on of a ci ..." beau, who at the age
ºf ... y cherished the idea that his huge seven.
paddings, and false ringlets, gave him the
aspect of five and twenty! This superannuated
ooxcomb, imagined himself irresistible.
“Was your highness on the Platz this
morning.”
“I have not left the palace to-day I have
been and still am indisposed. I walked in the
garden before dinner, in the expectatio... that
air and exercise would relieve me, but they
did not produce the desired effect. I suppose
that your lordship as usual was mounted on
your fine cream colored Arabian.
“Yes, I never fail to ride.”
“Who did you see worthy of note f"
“Two or three dowagers, with their lap
dogs, were taking their morning airings;
there was only one woman worth seeing.”
“And pray, if I may be so bold; who was the
lady, you honor so highly.”
“One who disputes with you the admira-
tion of the court, camp, and city, and I will,
if you will pardon me, mention the peerless
countess Lingotski.”
“You are right said the princess, with the
most unshaken composure, ‘‘the countess
bears the palm from all her competitors; few
excell her in beauty, none in wit.”
“You over estimate her talents and personal
charms,”
“No, I am only just.
alone f"
“No, she was driving in the landau of the
Princess Lubomirski.”
“The Princess Lubomirski, I do not know
her.”
“A noble Polish lady, who possesses im-
mense estates in lower Poland, the aunt of the
young Prince Auersperg, who has just arrived
in Vienna, after an absence of nearly twenty
years; she was a particular friend of your
late mother.”
“I shall do myself the honor of calling on
her; but I thought the young prince was with
his regiment in Bohemia?”
“Be was, but the emperor heard lately, that
he had rescued an old woman from a burning
hut, and summoned him to the capital, to
thank him in person.”
“Has he been presented?”
“Yesterday he was admitted to a private au-
dience. His imperial majesty heard the whole
story from his own lips, and at its conclusion,
drawing a costly diamond from his finger, re-
quested that Auersperg would wear it for his
sake.”
The Princess made a sign, the stirrup cup
was handed to the guests, and in a few mo-
ments all had quitted the palace. It was only
four o'clock, and she could not go out till
The hours seemed to move on leaden
Was the countess
|


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
wings, and she might have exclaimed with and was informed that one of her old
the love-stricken Juliet,
“Gallop apace ye fiery footed steeds.”
To relieve her ennui, she repaired to the
library, then reckoned the finest in that part
of Austria, and endeavored to lose herself in
the vast twelve tomed romances, then so much
in vogue in Europe; but unsuccessfully. The
despairding lovers, who made speeches, a dozen
pages long; and their mistresses, who re-
plied in fourteen, had lost their charms; and
after idly turning over a few pages, she re-
placed the volume; in so doing, a small parch-
ment covered book fell at her feet, she stooped
to pick it up, and involuntarily cpened it. It
was a rare MSS. of the tenth century, writton
in golden characters, in the Hungarian dialect,
on purple wellum ; it possessed a particular
charm, and had been purchased at an immense
price, by one of the founders of the Jagellons,
from whom the princess traced her descent,
through her mother; and had been part of her
movable possessions. Struck with the whole
appearance of the MSS., the princess determined
to submit it to the Black Crook; the family
chronicle was next consulted, to see if she could
glean any information concerning this mysteri
ous volume; and to her great surprise found
he following entry, which we lay before our
readers'
“A rare MSS. of the tenth century, on vio-
let parchment, bought by the right honorable
and most noble, the Princess Dolgoroski, when
she married the prince Lobkowitz; purchased
by one of the ancestors of the said noble lady,
from a learned Jew at Jerusalem, when the
gallant knight was fighting the battle of the
• Holy Cross;' this is supposed to treat of
magic and the occult sciences.”
The princess glanced at the pendule, it was
only five o'clock, two hours more must elapse,
ere she could go; how should she pass the time;
“I will send for old Josepha, she shall tell me
one of her weird tales; I never knew her yet
to fail.” Touching the bell, her maid stood be.
fore her, whom she desired to bring her gold
thread, and tell Josepha that she was needed
in the library.
Josepha was the oldest member of the prince's
household, and was born and had been brought
up in a remote part of Bohemia; she always
wore her national costume, the high turban,
short petticoat, and striped stockings of her na-
tive land; a rosary of ebony and gold hung by
her side, and a large ruby ring on her middle
finger, was the gift of the late princess. She
had seen the roses of more than seventy Junes,
and was still aetive and vigorous. Entering
the library, she dropped a courtesy, and asked
what her young mistress was pleased to want;
X
would be exceedingly acceptable
“A gleam of pleasure stole across her wrin-
kled but cheerful face, and her dark eyes
sparkled with pleasure.”
“What would it please the young princess
to hear.”
“Any thing you choose Josepha. Your
store is inexhaustible.”
“I will do my bast,” said the old woman,
taking out her knitting, and seating herself.
After a few moments recollection. She
commenced with a tale of kightly chivalry.
One of the early cavaliers of the family of
Lobkowitz, had accompanied the saintly king
of France, Louis the Ninth, to the holy land,
and registered a vow, that he would neither
shave nor marry till that sacred soil was
rescued from the infidel, and till the cross
should supplant the crescent; he had ac-
quainted his confessor, a saintly monk, who
had accompanied the expedition, with his
vow, but the holy man replied that the
flesh was weak, and that men should be care-
ful how they so bound themselves, that he,
for one, was not partial to such contracts.
Sternly forbade the knight to keep it, and
that he must consider himself a free man for
one year, adding by way of penance, that
he should be particularly charitable to the
poor and wounded soldier; the cavalier bowed
low, and strictly obeyed the behests of his
ghostly father. The name of the gallart
'Lobkowitz was held in gratitude and veneration
throughout the camp. Many a wounded com-
rade had been solaced in the last fatal hour
by his tender and gentle attention; he had
wiped many a fevered, brow, ard held many a
refreshing draught to the lips of the sick.
Yet his heart was untcuched, all his brothers
in arms, wore the device and colors of some
lady love; shivered lances in her honor, and
chanted her praises in stanzas of rude poetry,
but Lobkowitz did neither; day after dav was
he rallied by his companions, and ºd
—“Selim (his horse,) is my best friend At
the siege of Acre, he fought with th 3 rºost
determined bravery, was wounded, tº ame
unconscious, and when he recovered his “à33,
found himself in a rich tent, with a gººd
woman, who put a cooling potion to h º,
at the same time motioning him to be silent.
Two days thus passed; on the third having
recovered measurably the use of his faculties,
he asked his nurse in the lirguia franca, them
spoken in the East, where he was.
“In, the tent of Emir Saadi Hamet, “who
stands high in the favor of his royal master
the Sultau.”
“But who brought me here?”


2.
some life left.”
*
54
“Cºur gracious master, whom may Allah
protect, found your knightship on the ground,
apparently dead from loss of blood. He felt
your pulse, and found that there was still
A small jewelled hand lifted
the curtain. The knight raising himself on his
elbows could just see the tip of a fairy
slipper. -
2.7 mistress has just signified to me,”
gºid tºe attendant, “that you must be silent
for tº present, and further requests that you
will & ain this cup; it will be useless fºr you
to ta' , as I shall not answer any more ques-
thorº.”
The knight was thus compelled to be
sileat, sunk into a deep slumber, and did cot
wake till late on the following day, when lie
was perfectly recovered.
His old nurse came into the tent, expressed
ner pleasure at seeing him so greatly im-
proved, and clapping her hands, a negro
entered with his arms and jewels, and he
heard outside the neighing of his generous
and faithful Selim. “This is indeed noble.
Where is the emir, that I can thank him for
his courtesy and chivalrous hospitality.”
“His highness is not here.”
“Can I then see his daughter?”
“The customs of our land do not permit
the Turkish jamsels to hold converse with in-
fidels.”
“Be pleased, then, to take these few gold
pieces as a small guerdon cf what I owe you,
and beg your mistress’. acceptance of this
trifle,” handing, as he spoke, an emerald of
great purity and beauty.
“I shall not fail to represent the matter
properly. Farewell cavalier; may the god
who watches over Turks and Pagans alike,
defend and protect you.”
Time passed, Lobkowitz left Jerusalem, and
on his way home, when in Cairo, saw a tall
negro, who showed him the emerald he had
given to the Princess Faterna, with these
words, “follow me.” He there saw the idol
of his heart, who was baptized by the old
..chapi, in who united them in marriage.
“From this pair you are descended. Pearl
3f my thoughts, my tale is ended, may you be
&L li: py as they.”
*A as 1” said the princess with a sigh,
“Fºxterna was so fortunate, as to have her
love returned.” The recital had so far
charmed the princess, that she forgot all her
own sorrows till the conclusion of the tale.
Seven o’clock at length arrived, and the
princess dismissing Josepha with a liberal gra-
taity, at once summoned Bertha, and hastily
clothing herself in the peasants dress, put
some gold in her bosoni, threw a veil over her
-
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
head, and motioned to her attendant to pre-
ceed her. They quitted the palace by a small
postern gate, of which the princess alone had
the key, and soon found themselves in the
Street.
“What way shall we take, madam?”
“That you will soon see,” said the princes,
going into a side street. Alleys, lanes and
streets were passed, and yet they had net
reached their destination; the Princess evi.
dently was not inclined to converse, and
Bertha had too much tact to intrude on her
mistress' reverie. At last the princess paused
before the front door of the Black Crook's
mansion.
“Surely, your highness, is not coming
hore.”
“Peace, silly girl this is precisely my desti-
Ilation.”
“What I To enter the abode of that infa-
imous quack, sorcerer and magician, we shall
scarcely return home alive.”
“I say again peace; nay, more I am accus-
tomed to give commands to such as you not
receive them; you shall not go, and if I find
that you betray that I have been here, a dagger
and an unknown grave shall be your portion.
You shall not cumber the earth long, but if
you are silent, I will give you a rich dowry
when you marry, and as an earnest of my in-
tention, my pearl necklace shall be yours.”
Awed by the imperious manner of the prin.
cess, and influenced by her generosity, Bertha
signified that she would maintain the most
inviolable secrecy.
2atisfied on this head, the princess rapped
gently at the door of the mansion, the little
negro extending his hand gently, pushed her
back to signify that she could not enter, not
discouraged by this rebuff, the princess held
a gold piece before the dwarf. The manikin's
eyes glittered at the sight of the precious metal,
and eagerly clutching the coin, he threw open
the door, silenced a huge mastiff who eyed the
visitors as if questioning their right to enter,
pointed to an antique oak settee, which ran tha
full length of the hall, and signified that they
should seat themselves and wait, while he went
in search of his master, at the same time light
ing a silver lamp, fed with aromatic oil, which
diffused a very grateful odor; in ten minuta,
he returned followed by his master.
“You are doubtless surprised to see me herº
docter?” was the salutation of the princess.
“You are welcome at all times to such aid,
as my poor abilities can offer you ; how can so
wretched an individual as myself serve you?”
“The resources of your art, will be of ims
mense value, my life; nay, more than my lit
is at stake.”


60 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
nished by a rich and copious language.
“Where is the raven? call for him now,
and see if he can keep you, send for the black
cat; see if she cannot help you.”
Auresperg flew to the old man's assistance,
repelled some of his adversaries. and when he
saw them at a distance, asked where he should
take him.
“I fear, sir,” said the 31ack Crook, “that I
am taxing your courtesy too much, with many
hanks for your gracious assistance. I can
now find my way home.” The count thus
dismissed, bowed with an air of ceremonious
civility, which was ºnly returned.
This action of Auersperg was noticed by a
body of his fellow officers, who joined him and
ºportively observed:
“What will you do next? First you save
an old woman, and then you are the defender
of an old man, who can tell what will happen
to-morrow I should not be surprised if the
Black Crook would leave you some of his
ducats,” said a witty lieutenant.
“Let him keep them for some one who
wants them more than I. But is that the fa-
mous Black Crook?”
** No other.”
“You have assisted one cf the most faithful
emissaries of his Satanic majesty. Perhaps
he will work a spell in your favor. You are
now master to do as you please, as you have
ºl; the spirits both good and bad on your side.”
“Well, gentlemen, rally me as much as you
please. And now, if you have no better en-
gagement, let us mount our horses and away
to the St. Stephen's Platz.”
The Wiennese of that period, then as now,
were amateurs of horses, and the animals bred
by the officers in question were generally of
the purest breed and exquisitely formed. The
Platz was soon reached, and a number of car-
rages were already in the ring.
A heavy lumbering coach was the centre of
attraction, and every cavalicr who passed
was sure to raise his heavily plumed hat.
“Who is in that carriage?” asked Auers-
perg of his companion.
“The fair and rich Princess Lobkowitz,”
was the reply.
The prince's curiosity was excited, and ap-
proaching as near as politeness would permit,
saw one of the ladies mentioned an hour before
chaperoned by a female relative, who gener-
ally appeared with her in public. -
“She is extremely beautiful,” was the
prince's chservation after a long survey, “and
is much improved since I saw her last.”
The princess, who was on the look out for
Auersperg, saw him as he reined up his steed
and gazed at the carriage. “He shall be
mine, cost what it may. He is a conquest
worth having, and my triumph will be doubly
great if I can succeed in snatching him from
that odious Lingotski.” Still not a muscle
moved, nothing betrayed the tempest that was
raging within, and she replied to the common-
place observations of her companion about the
weather and the crowd frequenting the Platz
when it was clear, with an air of cool indif-
ference.
A few paces further on, a vehicle holding
two, drove rapidly past, and all the gentlemen
eagerly saluted the inmate who was there with
a female friend. These civilities were graci-
ously retnrned, but the prince was particularly
noticed.
“I am in luck. The prettiest woman in
Vienna deigns to court me.”
“Now, prince, you have seen both the belles
of Vienna; which do you admire the most.”
“It is so long since I was in a saloon with
either that I cannot judge.”
The crowds passed and repassed in the Platz
and the creme de la creme, graduully fatigued
of the monotony, sought other amusements.”
The countess, in her usual spirits, returned
to her palace.
“He is mine,” she thought. “Flatter a
man's vanity, and you can move him to any
purpose that you choose. I shall yet be the Prin-
cess of Auersperg That haughty Lobkowitz
shall never carry off the handsomest and
bravest officer in the imperial army tº
The Princess Lobkowitz drove to a restaurant
near the old church of the Capuchins to take
some light refreshments, which were duly set
before her. While discussing the ices, and
trifling with some fruit, a little boy approached
with a basket containing some toys in carved
wood, and besought her to purchase. The
princess languidly turned over the articles, and
selecting a box ornamented with a wreath of
forget-me-nots, asked the price.
“I am sorry to refuse you, but that box is
reserved for another. Won't you take this?"
showing a small but exquisitely carved vase.
“I will take this. What isthe price f"
“Five florins; ” the money was paid; the
princess drove away, and when in the privacy
of her apartment, looked at her new aquisi-
tion; and examining it closely, saw a piece of
folded paper, which she opened, and read the
following words:
“You were seen last night, accompanied by
your maid, crossing the bridge; and you after-
wards went to the residence ot the Black
Crook. Beware of meddling with him; the
man or woman, who dabbles in magic, will be
surely lost beyond all redemption.
A friend, who is deeply interested in your


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 6)
welfare, has ventured to send you these few
lines.”
While the princess was pondering over
this billet, the door was suddenly thrown
open, and the same woman, she had seen at
the Black Crook's, rushed in, and throwing
herself at the princess' feet, earnestly begged
that she might be taken into her service.
“My compliment of women is full, and I
aust refer you to the housekeeper; I rarely
i Interfere in domestic matters.”
“But lady, give me a place, no matter hew
aumble in your palace.”
“I have just told you, that it is impossi-
ble.”
“Oh, no, that cannot be, to the rich all things
are possible ; let me have but the humblest
corner in your palace, and I will do your bid-
ding ; give me but the meanest place, in this
immense establishment, and grant me but the
pleasure of looking at you, waiting on you,
and I will be satisfied with a look, or an oc-
casional smile ; lady let me stay, and I will be
your guardian genius.”
The princess still hesitated, and at last said:
“I yield to your request; go to old Josepha,
and she will tell you what to do.” A look
was exchanged, which said, “do not tell where
you have seen me; ” which was answered
by another, which as plainly said: “I will be
silent—you need not be anxious.”
CHAPTER VIII.
A MASQUERADE AT THE BARONESS TELEKI's.
“Are you going to the masquerade, my
dear?” -
“Why would yon have me so much ont of
fashion, all the ton is to be there.”
“Well I shall go as Venus.”
“Venus, (aside,) why the woman is as old
as the hills.”—La vida es un sueno.
When the prince arrived at his palace, he
found that the count had been mindful of his
promise; that an invitation had arrived from
the Baroness Teleki, and that the costumes
were “de rigueur.”
“I certainly shall go,” and summoning his
valet, declared that he must procure him a
suitable equipment.
“What would you propose f"
“I think that a Turkish turban, vest, jew-
efied dagger, and pointed slippers, would suit
your highness' style.”
“You are right, go to the shop of Baba Mus- |
tapha, and ask him in my name, if he can
hire me what I want, and be speedy, for 1
have not much time to lose.”
The Turk who was a sincere though hum-
ble friend of the prince, cheerfully furnished
the necessary articles. And the prince when
duly attired, might readily have been mista-
ken for a dashing cavalier of Constantinople;
and steppinginto his carriage, was soon driven
to the scene of the festivities.
The Baroness Teleki, whose husband had
falien in one of the wars against the Prus.
sians, had worn mourning forty years for
her gallant lord. Her residence, in rather
a retired part of the city, was rather substanti-
ally than elegantly built. Two silent Hun
garian soldiers, acting as a guard of honor,
narrowly scrutinized all who entered.
The interior was furnished with the sombre
magnificence of the middle ages; marble stair-
cases, with heavy railings, in the form of
twisted serpents, led to the upper apartments;
pieces of grim statuary stood at intervals on
the landings; boys in the costumes of Chinese
Mandarins, escorted the male guests to the
dressing rooms in the upper part of the pal
ace, where two aged and faithful servitors
presided over the apartment assigned to the
sterner part of creation; and two bloomir y
peasant girls, lately from Carinthia, were it
assidious attendance upon the female guests.
Below, the baroness in person, unmasked,
stood near one of the principal entrances.
Though advanced in years, the lady still re-
tained traces of former beauty. The apart-
ments on the first floor corresponded with the
faded magnificence of the rest of the mansion.
Heavy clawfooted chairs and long couches of
ebony and blue velvet, pictures of the heads of
the Teleki family—cardinals, generals, bishops,
and courtiers—and tarnished Wenetian mirrors
in heavy frames ornamented the saloons.
The ceiling was painted in fresco, representing
the loves of Cupid and Psyche, and the whole
was rendered nearly as light as day by count.
less numbers of wax candles.
A motley crowd filled the saloons and halls,
and presented the oddest costumes. A Savoy-
ard with his brushes, chanting a Swiss ditty,
was the attendant of a Circassian princess;
an Eastern sultana was in earnest conversa-
tion with a Roman bandit; an Egyptian devisa
was whispering soft nothings in the ear of an
Italian peasant. The world seemed reversed.
A woman in the costume of a Spanish duch.
ess of the court of Ferdinand and Isabella,
clad in black velvet, with a coronet of dia-
monds, attracted the attention of the company.
“Who is she º’’ “Whence does she come?”
“It is the English ambassadress 2" were circu.


62 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
a
lated round the room. Complimentary speeches
were made in all the languages of continental
Europe, but the incognita deigned no reply,
nor would she accept of any civilities, no matter
by whom offered.
Another mask, equally striking, made her
appearance. Clad as a Tartar peasant, she
also shunned the observation of any of the
guests, but seemed as if hunting for some one.
Auersperg, masked, endeavored to fathom
the mystery surrounding the Spaniard, and
tendered the usual courtesies of the time.
“Would madame take a glass of Tokay, or
an ice f*
A slight though courteous negative was the
sole reply.
“Would madame have a glass of water?”
A hand was extended to take it. A flower
fell at the prince's feet, but he could not tell
whence it came. A mask, dressed as a Tyro-
lean burgher's wife, addressed him:
“Gentle knight, do you love?”
“I may safely say that I hate no one.”
“That is not the question. Are you seri-
ously in love? I pray you answer me.”
** I am not.”
“Will you pledge me to that effectin a glass
of Tokay?”
Not one word of this conversation was lost
by the Spanish duchess (for so we shall call
the incognita).
“What can she mean?” was the mental
comment. “Pledge her in a glass of Tokay?
I shall watch her motions narrowly.”
The Countess Lingotski, for it was indeed
she, drew still nearer the prince and the Tyro-
lean. There was some mystery which she
was determined to solve. The wine was
brought by a page on a large salver, and the
lady presented the cavalier with a glass.
This was not unnoticed by the duchess, who ap-
parently missed her footing, stumbled against
he Turk, and contrived to overturn the
glass, upon which she immediately set her
foot and ground it to atoms. The Tartar pea-
sant suddenly stepped up, and the duchess, as
if fearing a collision, as suddenly retired.
A conjuror, with a tray before him, called
to all who wished to have their fortunes told,
or their destinies assigned.
The duchess, the Tyrolean, and the Tartar
peasant all gathered around the pretended
seer, who was clad like a harlequin, a hideous
mask, an immense hump, and a large mantle
completed his disguise.
“Lady,” said he, suddenly addressing the
duchess, “will you permit me to foretell your
future destiny, either by cards or the stars?”
No reply.
“Nay, lady, take a jest.”
Still no answer.
“Who Can it be º’’
“No matter,” said a voice at bis elbow,
whose owner was clad as a Laplander, “we
Phall soon see, when supper is announced.
You know that it is a rule in Vienna, that
when that meal is served all the guests shall
unmask.”
“Lady,” resumed the wizard, “do let me
cast a horoscope for you and see what can be
done 7”
A sudden shake of the head, intimated that
the speaker's proposition was negatived.
“Not for the sake of a little amusement.”
The same motion of the head was re-
peated.
The Tartar whispered in the ear of the
Tyrolean.
“Do not despond. I have another philter
prepared, as the Black Crook did yours the
other night, and by himself; here it is, if you
will put your hand behind you, I can slip it
unperceived.”
The instructions were followed, and the
princess was again possessed of her treasure.
“Now,” thought she, “how shall I ad-
minister the charm a second time.”
The Princess (for our readers must have
already guessed that it was she, under the
garb of a Tyrolean) whispered her thanks to
the Tartar, who briefly replied, “I shall al-
ways watch over you, and retired to a little
distance, but still near enough to the princess,
to watch all her motions: a mask dressed as
the Grand Lama, had joined the duchess, or
rather countess, and for a time endeavored,
but vainly, to engage her in conversation; at
last a word and a name, seemed to attract
her; she accepted his arm, and they walked
away at a little distance.
The Tartar came up, and asked in a feigned
tone. *
“Do you want any thing?”
“Yes, two glasses of wine.”
“Courteous Pagan,” said the princess,
again accosting the prince.
“We have been unlucky in our first pledge.
Will you do me the favor of drinking with
me, to the health of our aged and illustrious
hostess?”
“Cheerfully. But may I ask, with whom
I am drinking f"
“That you will know soon enough; but in
the meantime, you will drink with me; here
Lenah,” added she, turning to a page, “bring
me two glasses of Tokay.”
The page speedily returned with two gob-
lets full to the brim, on a silver salver, and the
princess dropping her handkerchief, her escori
stooped to pick it up, which gave her an up-


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
63
portunity of mixing the philter with the wine,
and the glasses were duly emptied.
The page, when going to the beauffet to re-
place the goblets, met the countess, who asked
him, “to whom he bad given the wine?”
“The Tyrolean lady and the Turk.”
“When f" *
“Just now.”
*Did he drink all the wine º’’
“To the last drop.”
“I think,” said the countess to herself,
“that the Tyrolean is the Princess Lobkowitz,
and yet, I am not certain, but whoever she
may be, she loves the prince, and I feel sure
was attempting to administer a love potion.
I am still free, and if I can, will certainly win
Auersperg; one thing is plain to me, who-
ever she may be, Auersperg is more than
smitten, and she evidently delights in his at-
tentions.”
“Countess Lingotski, do you remember the
duke of Medina Sidonia.”
“The duke of Medina Sidonia,” repeated the
countess, mechanically, in a tone of terror,
and had she been unmasked, the spectator
would have seen that fear had robbed her
lips and cheeks of color, trembling from head to
foot, she turned towards the speaker, who
wore the armor of a knight of the day of
Charlemagne.
“Do I remember the duke of Medina
Sidcnia,” said the duchess, to her unknown
monitor. “I shall never forget him, but I
beg—”
“Hear me. I am a man of honor, and ex-
ert but one simple request, as the price of my
silence ; name it.”
“That you will not molest the Tyrolean
and the Turk, nor seek to penetrate their
disguises. Should you transgress my posi-
tive commands, all Vienna will ring with the
fact that.”
“Stay,” interrupted, the countess, in a voice
of agony; “Speak it ; do not I conjure you by
all that you hold sacred, mention no more;
an indiscreet listener, might hear and betray
all.” -
* “As I have said before, the secret is safe
o long as you obey my instructions, but one
word or a single look. Enough, I need say no
more. You understand me. Farewell, Coun-
tess Lingotski.”
The countess bowed, and the knight plung-
1ng into the crowd was soon lost, in the
mases of a mazourka.
“Who can this be? Whoever he is, he is
the only man in Vienna, who knows my
secret?”
The Princess and Auersperg, were soon
whirling round in the national dance. Con-
jurers told fortunes and cracked jokes. Some
played at cards, and others challenged their
neighbors to drink. The Tartar was silent,
and answered all who addressed her in mono-
syllables. She kept her eyes fixed on the
princess, was always in speaking distance,
and refused all refreshment.
Some men, in the costumes of Indian Prin-
ces blazing with jewels, entered the apart-
ment bearing a palanquin, which they put on
the floor, and around which they executed
sundry dances, and performed many comio
tricks.
Baroness Teleki, who was the only one in
the rooms in propria personiae, came up to
the palanquin, and asked the occupant to
emerge from his concealment, and join the
dancers.
“With all pleasure,” was the reply in a
hoarse voice. “If your ladyship will take a
round with me on the floor.”
“Willingly. But do not delay too long;
as supper will soon be served.”
“I am at your ladyship's orders,” and the
curtains of the palanquin being drawn aside,
a complete imitation of the Black Crook
stood on the floor.”
Not an item had been forgotten, even the
cough of the adept, as he leaned on his staff
with its curious head, was imitated to the
life.
“Baroness, I claim your promise.”
“A born Batthiani, and I am a true daugh-
ter of that noble house, never forgets her
promise.”
“Here is my hand 7”
“All gathered around this singular pair,
the counterfeit Black Crook, paused, panted,
and when his adversaries lavished upon him
jests and taints, replied by shaking his stick,
and apparently trembling with anger.”
“Doctor,” said one lady, “when shall I
marry?”
“When the men have taken leave of their
senses.”
“You do not flatter.”
“You asked me a question, and I was com-
pelled to answer it.”
“Well, doctor,” said another, habited as
Night, in a robe of black velvet, sprinkled with
stars, her fair blonde hair confined with a dia-
mond comb, and covered with a rare and
costly veil of Brussels lace, “tell me one thing,
when shall I marry?”
“That you have not been wooed and won
before is not the fault of the opposite sex, as
all Wienna well knows that the Princess Win-
disclgratz has refused more good offers than
any woman in the city, and not even the
darkness of night can conceal her, nor yet


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
67
The black, grinned knowingly, and pointed
to the coin.
“Yes, I understand you ; you mean to say,
that you have what you like.”
The dwarf smiled again, showing a range of
unbroken ivories, that a duchess might have
envied.
“Tell your master we are here,” said Bar-
bara, in a short imperious tone. She was never
known to jest or speak to the dwarf, unless
when absolute necessity required.
The Black Crook now came in, and invited
his guests, , after the usual salutations had
passed, to enter the room, where a bright fire
was blazing; the raven at the sight of the
strangers, uttered a dolorous croak, which was
immediately followed by an oath.
“Bravo! old boy you have been well taught
and don’t disgrace the master I serve; well
Hertzog what is to be done to-night ! Any
money f' said Barbara.
“A little !”
“Hear him 1 A little ! I will take an oath,
that he has piles of uncounted ducats.”
“You are wrong.”
“Well, if you say that you have not, let us
look at your strong case.”
“It is not necessary.”
“How much then, will you give us to-
aight?”
“Not much. I am very peer.”
“Poor 1 with that diamond on his finger;
and living in a house like this. I say how
much will you give us *
“One hundred ducats, between the three.”
“One hundred ducats! I shall not stay.
Come Ursula.”
“Well, I will give one hundred and twenty-
five ducats.”
“That is too little, but it will do better.
Now what are we to do f"
“We had better go into the laboratery,”
said the Black Crook.
“Lead" the way;” replied Barbara, haugh-
tily.
This woman, though old and withered, ex-
ercised a powerful influence over the Black
Crook, who rarely ventured to contradict her.
A large outhouse had been fitted up by the
adept; shortly after, he took possession of the
mansion as a laboratory; of which he kept the
key; this was, except when in actual use,
invariably closed, and no one in Vienna, not
even Grepo had seen its interior. Issuing the
-necessary orders to the negro, that he was not
to be disturbed, and giving similar commands
to Grepo, the Black Crook led the way to the
laboratory, and throwing open the door, invi-
ted the three witches to enter.
This was a large wide room, paved with
squares of alternate white and black marble,
with five windows, specially contrived to ad-
mit the light, but which were now carefully
barred; the ceiling was lofty; a huge furnace
ran the whole length of the apartment; a
stuffed owl, with glass eyes, on a perch, pre-
sented a sepulchral appearance; a set of large
shelves, was loaded with retorts and chemical
vessels; an immense caldron on four legs wa
standing in the centre of the apartment;
book case, carved in a thousand fantastis:
forms, filled with books and manuscripts, occu
pied a remote corner; three singular Flemish
pictures, representing the discovery of the
philosopher’s stone ; the transmutation of
metals, and the genius of alchemy, orna-
mented the walls. Some curious arm-chairs,
marked with the crest of the elector of Saxony,
completed the furniture.
Carefully locking the door, the Black
Crook struck a light and kindled a fire, then
turning to his companions said, “Now, we
shall commence. I have on hand a variety of
matters; a young spendthrift, whose uncle is
long in dying, and who constantly refuses
him cash, wishes the rite of the statue per-
formed. We shall begin, come sisters.”
The quartette then joined hands, and exe-
cuted a grotesque dance to the accompani-
ment of the rolling thunder, and the pelting
rain; this finished a wax figure was laid on
the table, the size of a doll, moulded perfectly,
representing a decrepit old man, who in spite
of his numerous infirmities, still retained a
strong hold on life; the youngest witch slowly
advanced, and laying her hand on the head,
exclaimed in a slow and deliberately mea-
sured tone, “Great Lucifer, we invoke thy
power, all ye dread deities, who subserve the
evil purposes of human nature assist us;
murderers, groaning in the abysses of the in-
fernal regions, help us; spirits of evil, whether
in the remotest caves of the earth, the bound.
less air, or under the waves of the green sea,
which has submerged so mary vessels, and
broken so many hearts, assist us now ; deities
of the pale frozen north, gods of the sunny
south, Juggernaut and Mexitli, be with us.”
Again was the solemn dance performed, and a
hymn chanted to the spirits of the air.
“Bring forth the animals, and let us try
that before we commence with the dagger,”
said Barbara; the adept opened a closet, and
took out a rabbit, a cock, and f cat, all snow
white. Ursula carefully examined the beasts
and the bird, to see that they were faultless.
Her scrutiny ended, Black Crook clothed
himself with a long purple mantle, and the
witches put on white cloaks, with heavy
crimson fringes. Barbara grasped the eat


- 1
- - - - - - -


‘70 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
“Shut the door.
Crook.”
* The Black Crook?”
a 4 Yes. ->
“Do you have the honor of numbering him
among your patrons?”
“Yes, but shut the door. I do not wish to
see him. I began a picture for him which is
not yet finished, and every time he comes
there he chides me; when I meet him in the
stree" he looks at me reproachfully. There is
something withering in his glance. I hear
his knock; do not open the door, I beg of
you.”
The Black Crook rapped, was unable to ob-
tain admission, and went away venting curses
on the laziness of the artist.
Partly from fear of meeting the adept, and
partly influenced by his friend, Kleinfeldt
yielded to his solicitations, and, staff in hand,
the artists commenced a pedestrian tour.
The scenery was enchanting; the land was
arrayed in the tendergreen of May, the plants
were opening their buds, and the groves were
vocal with the songs of the birds.
A modest country hostelry invited the tra-
vellers to repose. The best parlor was thrown
open, and the hostess pressed them to enter.
Footsore and tired, the weary travellers
gladly consented, and ere long were seated at
an appetizing repast of chickens stewed with
cream, fresh grapes, a huge goat’s milk cheese,
and some tall bottles of mellowed wine.”
“Well,” said Kleinfeldt, “this is better
than Vienna. Always the same sights, the
same eternal round of pleasures, no variety
eitner to please the eye or ear, but everything
here breathes rest and repose; nothing to mo-
lest or annoy. Let us sketch to-morrow.”
“Landlord **
Mine host made his appearance; but he de-
serves at least a full paragraph to himself.
Though the Viennese and Austrian nobility
are exceedingly haughty; the middle classes
are as famed for their simple courtesy, and
Franz Lichten, or, as he was commonly called,
Uncle Franz by all the boys and girls in the
neighborhood, for whom he generally had his
pockets full of nuts and apples. He was now
in the very prime of life—golden thirty-five-
had served in some frontier war,been wounded,
received a small pension, and wore the medal
of honor. He was always dressed in the cos-
tume of the class to which he belonged, but
invariably used the finest materials. He had
now ruled the Blue Hedgehog for eight years,
and justly prided himself on the excellence of
his rustic cuisine. He saw at a glance the
frank and kindly disposition of our artists,
It must be the Black
and was ready to extend them every facility
in his power.
The following day, the friends, after a sound
sleep between lavender prepared sheets, de
parted on their sketching expedition, and,
afterwalking about a mile and a half, reached
a spot on which Nature had almost exhausted
herself.
A ruined mill, overgrown with ivy and rich
scarlet creepers and clematis mixed, occupied
the background; four limetrees in full bloom
perfumed the air, and swayed gently in the
breeze; the ground was carpeted with grass
of the richest green, varied with forget-me-
nots, anemones, and double larkspur. On the
right stood a small brownstone house, built in
the taste of a century before, whose front wa
entirely concealed by red and white roses; a
green meadow at the back of the house sloped
gently down to a silver stream, cows and
sheep feeding quietly completed the charm of
the sylvan scene; a small garden filled with
the choicest flowers for the accommodation of
some bees was attached to the house; “an
the air a solemn stillness held,” and nothing
disturbed the rural quiet which is so fascinat-
ing to the denizens of a crowded city. Ro-
dolph and his associate worked for a time in
quiet, when the latter exclaimed:
“The place is so quiet that I could wish
some one would come for a few moments.”
“Don’t be so sure, that we shall remain un-
disturbed master of the field. While you
were sketching, I was idle, as I was not near
enough to see either the animals or the flow-
ers.”
“Let me see, however, what you have
done.”
“No. It is scarcely worth your scrutiny.”
Rodolph insisted, and his friend showed
him at length, an exquisitely finished sketch
of the rustic flowers at their feet.
“If I could go to the house, or near it, I
should see some beautiful things there, that
I would like to transfer to canvas.”
“Don’t be so bashful, man, but take up a lit.
tle courage, and you will be sure to succeed
you certainly are not afraid of any spell;’
and he added with a roguish leer: “we have
no Black Crook here.”
The artist thus adjured, proceeded to the
garden, stationed himself outside of the fence,
and was soon so engrossed in his task, that he
did not heed a footfall, and trembled, when a
hand was laid on his shoulder; glancing up he
aw a good natured looking old man, who said:
“An artist, I presume?”
“Such is my profession. I hope that I am
not intruding on your ground 7"
r


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
71
“By no means, I am rather fond of stran-
gers; will not you and your friend yonder, do
me the honor of entering my home, and take
a glass of such wine as I can offer? You can-
not expect the tokay of the capital.”
The young man called his friend, and the
two soon entered the little domain, which
called the old man master.”
“Welcome, gentlemen, to the Heart's Re-
Pose.”
“The Hearts Repose, don’t you like the name.
One of my ancestors who fought in the war,
on the side of the king of Spain, turned his
dricats into this little spot, and as he had led
ratler a rambling life, when he was onee firm-
ly settled, and had taken a spouse to himself,
called the little spot Heart's Repose.”
“It certainly ” replied Rodolph, “does in-
vite to rest.”
“And then my daughter is so fond of flow
ers, that whenever she can find a spot, she is
sure to plant something green; but at what
are you gazing so earnestly f'
“At this bed of French lilies.”
“They are well enough.”
“You speak coldly, they present to me, the
most magnificent sight that I have ever seen.”
In truth the flowers were worthy of the
admiration with which the artist regarded
them; much care had been expended on the
culture of those flowers, mentioned in holy
writ; the tall snowy blosssoms raised their
proud heads, and exhaling a grateful perfume,
seemed to look protectingly down, on the
smaller variety, whose snowy bells nestled
down to the ground. The sketch books were
taken out, and some of the choicest copied.
“Well gentlemen come in, and see what
cheer we can offer you. Sophia, Sophial'' a
little wrinkled woman came briskly forward.
“What were you pleased to want sir?”
“What have you got in the house that is
good to eat. Come, be quiek.”
“Well I’ll see what I can do;” and the old
dame trotted off with an alacrity which greatly
belied her years; and Sophia bawled her mas-
ter, when she had almost got out of hearing-
“Set the table under the lime trees.”
The old woman turned back and said, “No
master, I shall not set the table there.”
“You must, and please Madam Sophia,
have the goodness to tell us why you wont.”
“Because the last time that the table was set
there, some one was stung by the bees, which
are for ever in the trees; you know that well
enough.”
“Faith 1” muttered the old man, “she is
right; do as you please, Sophia ; and you,
gentlemen, be pleased to enter.”
The lower part of the house, consisted of a
*
small hall, with a parti-colored floor; rustic
ehairs and sofas, invited the fatigued to rest.
The wall was hung with arms of various kinds;
among which was a magnificent Turkish scim-
itar, whose handle was richly set with jewels,
and whose blade was stained with blood.
“I see,” said their host “that you are
looking cariously at that weapon; it was cap-
tured by my great-grandfather, Albert Ander-
nach; after whom I am called, from a Turkish
officer in a heavy fight, and has descended to
me his unworthy grandson, the receiver and
bailiff of the most gracious princess dewager
Schwartzenberg, who owns most of the land
about here, with the exception of this cottage,
and that ruined mill; and I would not ex-
change them for all the gold, in his imperial
majesty's treasury. But here is Sophia coming
to tell us that the little refreshment I can offer
you is ready.”
The door of an apartment opening into the hall
was thrown open, and the bailiff made his guests
enter without further ceremony; like the hall,
the floor of this room was also composed of
small pieces of parti-colored wood; heavy
chairs of Spanish wood; with gay cushions
stood in different parts of the room; two
silver animals, evidently brought from Mexico
or Peru, decorated the mantle-piece; and two
Flemish pictures on the walls, completed the
decorations. A table stood in the centre, set
out with more taste than could have been ex-
pected from the old woman's appearance.
Some red apples were piled on a large silver
plate, a raised game pie, with an ornamented
cover, was the main piece de resistance; a bottle
of Spanish olives, and a glass dish of exquisitely
clear amber-colored honey, with sundry bottles
of wine, would have satisfied the most fas-
tidious.
“Well, dame,” said Rodolph, addressing
Sophia, with a good natured smile ; “you
have given us food sufficient to tempt an an-
chorite to break his vows of abstinence ; we
never see such fruit in Vienna; they tell of
the sunbeams, and the long and bright sum
mer days; and then such wine and honey !”
“But,” said the master, after looking
around; “where is my daughter?”
“Master dear, how should I know 7 you
know as well as I, that M'lle is here one mo
ment, and away the next ; she is like a bird
flitting from flower to flower. She don’t stay
long in one place; may be she went to see
Father Vincent, she promised to carry him
some honey, for his own table; you know that
his reverence has a sweet tooth.” -
“Yes, I know,” answered Andernach, im-
patiently, “but where is my daughter? where
is Bettina 7'' -


72
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
“Well, perhaps she went to the convent;
you know that the abbess, and the nuns are
all fond of her, and then they had some em-
broidery to do, and you know, that she is so
skillful with her needle.”
“Yes, yes, I know, but do see where Bettina
is ; I do not like her to be away from home so
long; well, gentlemen, it cannot be helped; if
we have no hostess; come take what suits
you best. But I had forgotten; it is always
- my custom, when I have guests, to empty two
glasses standing; the first to the health of his
illustrious imperial majesty, the emperor;
God bless him. And the other to the temporal
prosperity, and eternal welfare of my respec-
ted and esteemed mistress, who is called
mother, by all her servants.”
“Mother ?” interrogated
“Yes, mother, she is the purest and best
of women. I know of no one, who is so be-
loved as the old princess, if sickness or trouble
come upon any in the hamlet, she is sure to
be there; she is the best of friends and land-
ladies.”
“I, willingly,” answered Kleinfeldt, “drink
to the health of so good a woman; particu-
larly at the instance of one who appreciates
her so highly.”
The toasts were drunk, and the party in the
midst of their enjoyment, when a large wolf-
hound bounded into the room, and leaping on
Andermach, overwhelmed him with caresses.
“Ah,” said he, “Bettina cannot be far
away, here is her guard; these two, gen-
tlemen, are rarely separated, if Bettina goes to
the convent, Leo, will be wretched till he finds
out where she is, and if he be separated from
her for more than an hour, at a time, he is the
most unhappy creature imaginable.”
“Leo, where is your mistress?”
The sagacious creature, who was a wolf-
*ound of the purest breed, and coal black,
tood in the door, looked down the road and
barked.
“You mean that she is coming 2"
“Another Lark.”
“And that you were with her ?”
A second bark, and wag of the tail.
“Suppose that you go and tell her, that she
is wanted here.”
The dog ran rapidly down the road and
soon returned with his young mistress. Bet-
tina was just sweet seventeen, and had never
been more than ten miles from home, and in
her innocent simplicity, never suspected that
there could be a wiser man than Father Win-
cent, the village pastor, who spoke French, as
well as German, and whom report added,
even understood Greek, or that any one could.
he more skilled in all that perta'ned to house-
keeping than old Sophia. She made the best
bread, the lightest conserves, and the finest
game pies, for twenty miles round. Nay,
did not even the gracious princess herself,
when she was going to Vienna, ask the old
woman to make her a pie, and said that it
was the best she ever tasted. As for the boys
of the village, they were well enough, but
what were they to her ?
Bettina was tall, straight and well made :
her complexion was of the purest white, tinged
with a faint red; her hair of a pale golden
brown, hung in ringlets on her well propor-
tioned neck, and shoulders, except when in a
spirit of coquetry, she would confine it with
a small gold comb, set with pearls, which ex-
cited considerable envy among the rustic
belles, as it was the gift of the princess, and
was exceedingly beautiful ; her hand might
have served an artist as a model, it was so
small, white, fat, and beautifully dimpled; the
nails were almond shaped, with a faint reddish
tinge ; her short red petticoat, black velvet
boddice laced with gold, striped stockings,
and a white handkerchief tied round her head,
enhanced her charms, and when she advanced
to her father, and said she had been detained
at the convent, longer than common, Klein-
feldt gazed, as if he never could take his
fill.
“Well, my flower,” said her father, caress-
ingly; “How can you bear to be away from
me so long f’’
“So long, papa 7”
“Yes, so long. I have not seen you since
light this morning.”
“I was at the convent, and sister Martha
wanted to teach me a certain stitch. So you
see I could not get away.”
“Why, child, cannot old Sophia teach you
all that you need ?”
“She is so old-fashioned.”
“And what have you to do with the fash-
ions ; but in the meantime, we are forgetting
the rules of politeness. Permit me to intro-
duce you to two artists, from Vienna, who
have kindly consented to partake of our poor
hospitality.”
“And who,” said Kleinfeldt, smiling, have
forgotten to tell you their names. Allow mue
to inform you, that I am Rodolph Kleinfeldt,
and my companion, one of the most promis-
ing artists in the imperial capital, is Ernest
Lederer.”
“Gentlemen, you are both welcome.”
“Perhaps,” said Kleinfeldt, timidly, “Mam-
selle, would accept a sketch of you, sir; it would
be an agreeable recollection of my visit.
“Who? what? I sit for my portrait. I never
did such a thing in my life, it is only for


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
75
kings, emperors, and nobles, to have their day, and generally passed their evenings at the
faces taken off, not for such as—
“But, still, papa pleaded Bettina, if the
gentleman is willing. I should like to have
it.”
“Well, you saucy baggage, as you govern
the whole village, and sometimes the princess
too, I suppose, that I must consent, and a
merry smile twinkled in his eye as he spoke,
and drawing a chair up to the window, said:
“Here, now take me.”
“Kleinfeldt was not slow in profiting by the
permission, and a life-like sketch was soon
made. While his friend was thus engrossed
with his sitter, Lederer had not been idle.
Stationed at the other casement, he surveyed
the milky mothers of the herd, brought up to
yield their treasures; the busy importance of
dame Sophia, and the watchful eye of Leo, who
seemed endowed with ubiquity, his pencil was
equally busy with that of his companion, and
he soon produced a spirited representation of
the scene, which he handed to his young
hostess.”
“And is this too for me 7"
“And why not; it is but the work of a few
moments.”
“I can hardly express my thanks, you have
all my friends here. Leo, the two cows, dame
Sophia, not that I mean any disrespect by
naming her after cows and dogs. But it
seems so odd to take a dog's picture.”
“Oh how rich I am ; two pictures, and
both in one day. You are both very kind,
and I cannot thank you enough.”
“You have thanked us both sufficiently,”
said Lederer.
“And now, farewell, I thank you both,
for your hospitality.”
“Remsmber now,” said Andermach, “that
you have found the way here, and that the
door will always be open to you.” At the same
time gazing kindly on the young men, as
they stood before him, who were both so
handsome, and yet so different.
“Well, good night,” dame Sophia bustled.
“Oh, now, be good lads, and see that you don’t
take cold. I know that your mother’s are
wet here, and I have got you a woollen apiece.
Fou can send them back, by the boy at the
Blue Hedgehog; or give them to uncle Franz,
and he will take care of them for me.' He and
I are old acquaintances, and if you are sick,
be sure that you let old Sophia know, and
now, good night. Again, don’t forget to say
your night prayers; Sophia dismissed the
artists, and stood looking after them, till
they were no longer visible.”
“Ten days were thus passed in the most
fascinating manner. The artists sketched by
brown stone cottage, where they once met Fa-
ther Vincent, the village priest, who combined
a vast amount of scholastic lore, with the
most childish simplicity, and utter want of
worldly knowledge. At last the painting
came, Bettina said little, but looked sad,
her father shook both by the hand, and
affirmed, that when he next visited Vienna.”
“When you will bring Bettina with you.”
“Why, she has never been ten miles from
home beford."'
“The greater reason why she should come
now.”
“Well,” said Andernach, “we shall see.”
“And now, lads,” said Sophia, with her
eyes full of tears.
“Are you going to walk to Vienna º'
“We came that way, and we shall beyond
all doubt return in the same manner.”
“Where do you take your meals?”
“At the different houses of entertainment
on the road.”
“I thought of that, and put you up a few
trifles in a basket.” The viands of which
dame Sophia spoke thus slightingly, consisted
of a large ham, a game pie, with a represen-
tation of two chickens fighting on the cover,
a cake, a store of biscuits, and a little wine.
“So, good bye, and don’t forget your night
prayers.”
Morning broke, and a loud voice was heard
inquiring for the two artists. Lederer, who
was dressed, presented himself, and recognized
Peter, a sort of lad of all work at the cottage,
who regarded the two friends at a respectful
distance with the most unbounded admiration
“Mistress Sophia sent me,” said he, with a
rustic bow, “to drive you some thirty miles
on your road; she thought that perhaps you
would be tired.”
“She is very kind, and you also for com-
ing.” -
Kleinfeldt joined his friend, and they set off
in the highest spirits. At parting, both ten-
dered Peter a liberal recompense, which, to
their great surprise, was refused.
“Why, Peter,” said Lederer, “we cannet
allow you to come all this way for nothing.”
Peter stammered, and at last, with consi-
derable hesitation, said:
“Paint me a little picture.”
“Of Whom 2''
“Of Leo and the old cow. But, then, we
shall never see you again.”
“Wait till next summer, or perhaps even
before. But where shall we send the pic-
ture ?”
“To my cousin, a saddler, who lives in a
small street near the cathedral,” replied the


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
77
the public square, clad in all the elegance that
a fashionable modiste of two centuries ago,
could produce.
All the young men of the imperial city,
who belonged to the creme, de la creme, crowd-
ed round the carriage, and the countess ap-
parently was never in a better humor, or a
gayer mood; but she completely verified the
old proverb, that appearances are often de-
ceitful; the countess was miserable; she
eagerly desircd to see Prince Charles Auers-
perg; attract him to her side, by some artifice,
and then exhibit her captive, to the Princess;
but both those parties were absent, and she
was compelled to listen, with an aching heart,
to the vapid flatteries, and insipid nothings of
a half a dozen coxcombs, who fluttered around
her, and scarcely left her a moment's repose.
Wearied by what was passing, the countess
directed her coachman to drive home.
On her arrival at the palace, the countess
at once commanded the porter to admit no
visitors, and repairing to her chamber, said
to her maid who was executing some fancy
work.
“Any one been here, Lizette f"
“No, my lady, I have been alone. I looked
out of the window, and saw the Black Crook.”
“The Black Crook?”
“Who do you mean?”
“Well, my lady, this is a great doctor and
magician, who can interpret the future.”
“What nonsense,” said the countess, in a
tone, which plainly encouraged the maid to
proceed.
“He lives in that old House, belonging to
Prince Esterhazy, which was so long empty.
With a hideous, tongueless negro dwarf, and
a half starved boy who does the work of the
house.”
“And what can this quack do.”
“Every thing in the world, my lady, if he
chooses. He can turn love to hate, or hate to
love. He can do whatever he will.”
“Do you know any one, that has consulted
him f"
“I have heard of several.
say that I know any one.”
“You may go now. I shall not require
your services any more to-day.”
“The countess pondered well what her
servant had said. The free inquiry which
was to culminate in the French and American
revolutions, which was entirely to change
the political status of every nation, had just
begun. The newspaper, the great vehicle of
the civilized world, which has wrought such
wonderous changes, had scarcely commenced.
A belief in witchcraft, though discouraged, still
existed, and some of the keenest intellects
But I cannot
were accustomed to rely on the dicta of
witches and fortune tellers; true the law in
all parts of civilized Europe, was exceedil-gly
severe against these imposters. But it is not
the less true, that they nevertheless exercised
their vocation, and profited largely by the
superstition of their duties.”
The countess at last came to the resolu-
tion that she would secretly request the
Black Crook, to grant her a private interview,
and after some moments of deep thought
penned the following note:
“The fame of Doctor Hertzog, has been
long known to the writer, and she desires a
strietly private interview at her own resi-
dence: Will the doctor, should be feel dis-
posed to grant the request, signify as much
to the bearer?”
Clothing herself in a dark cloak, and
veiled from head to foot, the countess pro-
ceeded to the neighborhood of the empiric,
and soon reached his house. A shabbly clad
boy, who was lingering in the vicinity, was in-
duced by a little silver to present the note in
person. And after what seemed to the coun-
tess a very considerable delay, she received
the following reply:
“Dr. Hertzog informs his correspondent,
that he has long since declined visiting, and
that those who wish to inquire of the Fates
through him, must call at his mansion.”
This empiric, thought the countess, at least,
places a high value on himself, and I suppose
that I must yield to his wishes. Glancing
nervously round to see that she was unob-
served, the countess gave the usual custo-
mary tap, and was at once admitted by the
negro into the apartment, into which we
have already introduced our readers, where
the Black Crook was seated at a table covered
with a variety of magical implements.
“I presume,” said the countess, that I have
the honor of addressing the famous Doctor
Hertzog."
The Black Crook rose as his visitor entered.
The room was lighted with two wax tapers in
silver stands; and the shabby attire of the
day was exchanged for a magnificent dressing-
gown, of black velvet, faced with ermine, the
sleeves of this garment which were exceedingly
ample, were lined with crimson silk, and em-
broidered in seed pearl, a sash of red silk, with
gold tassels cinctured his waist, a gold chain,
from which was suspended a glittering dia-
mond star, was his sole ornament.
The countess was amazed; could this prince-
ly looking personage, (as the darkness con-
cealed his hump,) be indeed the Black Crook,
of whom she had heard such fearful reports f
-


78
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
'Could the individual before her, who accos-
ted her with the haughty, though dignified
courtesy of a Spanish grandee, be in truth the
dreaded magician f And the Countess Lingot-
ski, though a woman of the world, and well
versed in diplomacy, was bewildered, and at a
loss how to act.
Promply recovering herself, the countess
slightly bowing accepted a chair placed at her
disposal, and waited for the Black Crook who
thus addressed her :
“You would, I understand, lady, consult the
Fates through me?”
**I would.”
“You will then place in me the most entire
and unreserved confidence; may I ask in what
way you are pleased to need my poor services?”
The countess blushed, hesitated, and as the
Black Crook knew perfectly what was passing
in her mind he said in an interrogative tone:
** You love 7”
A faint “yes,” was the sole reply.
“But does the object of your affection re-
ciprocate your love f" -
A faint “no,” was the answer:
“And you would fain win his affections?”
“I would cross the ocean, brave the terrors
of the frozen north, or even the dangers of
hell itself.”
“Does he love another ?”
“I cannot tell.”
“Does another love him 7”
** I am sure of it.
“Dark or fair 7”
“Fair.”
The adept mused for a moment, and thought
that his services had already been put in requi-
sition against this very party, but not being
sure of the fact, and tempted by a heavy
purse, in the hand of the countess, replied:
“I will serve you as far as my art will go.”
“I will not stint you, as to price,” resumed
the countess, “accomplish my desires, and any
sum you think proper to demand shall be
yours,”
The adept bowed and asked, “will you try
the elements f And shall I compound a phil-
ter?” -
“Proceed in any manner that you see fit.”
The Black Crook summoning the dwarf, de-
livered some instructions in an unknown lan-
guage, and substituted for the dressing-gown
a rich mantle of the cloth of silver, with heavy
bullion fringes, and superbly wrought with
needle work; representing scenes from classic
story; a zone or girdle of precious stones,
clasped with a matchless sapphire, confined
this garment at the waist; an antique diadem
of silver and emeralds, rested on his brow, and
his hand grasped a small but exquisitely
chased silver staff, whose head bore the mys.
tic opal, engraved with Hebrew characters;
his appearance thus vested, was imposing and
splendid; and he resembled a high priest
about to offer a sacrifice.
The black entered, bearing a richly carved
wooden easket, which he placed on the floor,
and, at a sign from his master, wheeled a
table with a cloth, which he placed before the
adept, and silently withdrew. The Black
Crook raised the cloth disclosing a marble,
slab richly painted, representing the four sea-
sons. Four large yellow marble vases of the
Egyptian shape and finished workmanship
were placed at each corner of the table, and
twelve wax tapers, each of a different color,
lighted.
These preparations made, the Black Crook
said in a low but perfectly distinct voice,
“Should you wish to retire, the rite is im-
perfect.”
“No ; be the consequences what they may,
I shall proceed.”
The Black Crook bowed assent, and placing
three packuts of earth, each of different shades,
on the table, in a clear and musical voice, in-
voked the element of earth:
“Oh earth, our common mother, who sup-
portest us during the brief span vouchsafed to
us here below, who sustainest us while we
live, who presentest to us fruits for our suste-
nance and flowers for our pleasure, who, when
our mortal career is finished, piously receivest
us, be propitious, oh mother, command that
all the spirits enclosed in thy bosom shall aid,
comfort, and assist us.”
As he spoke these last words, he waved his
wand thrice, and the room was in utter dark-
ness. Still his voice was heard in a low,
solemn, measured chant, the wand was again
waved thrice, and the apartment was lighted.
Carefully scrutinizing the earth, a portion
was set aside, and another taken from the
casket occupied its place. Ringing the bel.,
the dwarf entered the room, and, bowing,
awaited his commands. A few words were
uttered in the dialect he had before used, and
two small gold cruets, in the shape of antique
vases, were held by the negro, who had
changed his usual attire for a closely fitting
suit of cloth of gold, with an ample cloak
trailing on the ground, and emblazoned with
the sun. The Black Crook carefully unsealed
the cruets, and, after smelling their contents,
poured a small quantity from each into a gol
den pitcher held by the negro, to which he
added a minute portion from a small silver
phial which he took from his bosom.
Ten times did he make the turn of the tables,
and the negro after each incantation bowed


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
79
low, and thrice extended his hands. The
adept finally approached the table and ex-
claimed in a loud voice, “fire descend.” In a
moment, the earth blazed, and the apartment
was filled with a sulphur perfume. The Black
Croek made an almost imperceptible sign,
and the negro disappeared.
“Lady, I have prepared the elixir,” and as
he spoke he pointed to the gold vessel. “Sixty
ducats is the price, administer this, and your
success is certain.”
The countess smelled and tasted the elixir,
which was inodorous and insipid. The adept,
clad in his official robes, still stood before her,
and, by a courteous inclination of the head,
untimated that the audience was at an end.
“But the directions,” said the countess.
“Put it in any liquid thing, but beware of
a priest's benediction. Sould this touch any
sacred thing, its power is gone forever, and
liot all my art can aid you. Farewell.”
Twelve o’clock rang out from the great
tower of the cathedral, and the countess, un-
used to be abroad at that late hour, passed
rapidly along, but ere she had proceeded
twenty steps, a voice exclaimed:
“Lady, cross my hand with silver, and I
will tell you your fate.”
The speaker was a tall, gaunt gipsey, who
Aad seen nearly seventy summers. Beauty
had long since departed. Her complexion
was sallow, and indicated disease; teeth she
had none; and her attire consisted efa dingy
wrapper and the remains of a woollen cloak.
At another time, the countess would have
thrown the wretched petitioner a trifle, and
thought no more about it, but now she was in
a superstitious mood, and a prey to despond-
ing emotions. Drawing the hag aside, a small
silver coin was placed in her hand, and the
sybil continued:
“You will not be happy.
more.”
“But surely your art will go further; pray
\ook again, and I will cross your palm with
silver a second time.”
“It is hot the custom of our tribe, lady, to
try the stars again, for the same person, till the
moon wanes; and drawing herself up with
considerable dignity, the crone added:
“I will not do it.”
Abashed by the manner, and more terrified
than she chose to admit, the countess hastily
wended her way homeward; and rapping at
the gate, demanded admission.
“Who is there 7” Asked the porter in a
gruff voice.
“It is I.”
“And who is I.”
I can say no
my former maid was ill, and I went to see
her; admit me at once.”
The porter sulkily descending from his large
chair, threw open the gates, and the countess
acknowledging his civility, with a slight in-
clination of the head, gained her chamber,
where we shall leave her to meditate at leisure
on the events of the night.
CHAPTER XII.
COUNT PALFI AT THE BLUE HEDGEBIOG.
When a nobleman suitably attended, rides up
to one of these hostelries, what a work and
fuss do we see ; the landlord is all smiles, the
landlady all courtesies, the waiters all obse.
* and nothing is too good.—Queve-
0.
The count left Vienna, not because ill luck
had gone against him; he did not then know
the meaning of the word; not because any
of the fair ladies of the imperial court had
refused their smiles, all were too eager tº
catch the young and handsome nobleman,
with his town house, and country house,
broad land, bright gold and countless dia-
monds; not because he was unlucky at play,
he rarely gambled; but a whim had seized
him; he would go in the country for a sea-
son; he would see how he could support such
a monotonous abode ; he would at least have
the benefit of novelty.
He therefore summoned his majodomo, and
signified that it was his will and pleasure,
that the carriage should should be got ready,
and that the valet be informed that the Count
Palfi designed visiting the country.
“We will set out to-morrow.”
The steward who understood his lord, per-
fectly, knew that it would be useless, and
only said:
“Your wishes shall be speedily executed.”
The heavy coach was then fitted up, a deli-
cate luncheon prepared, and the pockets stuff
ed with perfumes, books and wine; thus
equipped, and fortified against the attacks of
an enemy, which began seriously to annoy him,
the count started, having previously ordered
that some saddle horses should accompany
him; that when tired of the monotony of the
coach, he could exchange it for the easy paces
of a well trained steed, and arrived at the
Blue Hedgehog, shortly after the artists had
departed.
The landlady had never entertained a guest
of such quality before, and was unwearied in
“Your mistress, you well knew that Jane, I her attentions; the table was daily spread


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 8:
** My master has desired me, most worship-
ful sir, to beg that you will honor him
with your presence, without any further de-
lay, at the Blue Hedgehog, and bring with you
the finest dress that you have ; on this point,
my lord was particularly anxious.”
“But how am I to go?”
“I have already provided for that, be so
kind as to come to the residence of the Count
Palfi, in about an hour, and you will find all
prepared for your departure.”
“I shall not fail to attend you, but what
an his lordship want of me.”
The steward bowed, und casting his eyes
around the apartment, asked the price of a
remarkably well finished picture of “ Hebe,
feeding Jupiter.”
“Five hundred golden ducats.”
“It is now, my lord's,” said the major domo,
as he handed the painter a draught on a
banker; and with another profound bow took
his departure.
At the appointed hour, the painter rang at
the door of the Count Palfi's palace, and was
admitted by a page, who showed by his def-
erential manner, that the artist was expected,
and that when he arrived, he must be treated
as an honored guest. Ushering Kleinfeldt in
the reception room, he pushed a chair forward,
and requested the artist to be seated, till the
majo domo who was hourly expected, should
return.
In a few moments that functionary entered,
and invited Kleinfeldt to partake of some re-
freshment before he commenced his journey,
led the way to the dining room, and prayed
the artist to be seated.
This apartment was furnished as sumptu-
ously as the reception room, but in a different
style. The ceiling was painted in a fresco,
representing flowers; the furniture was dark,
and good copies after the antique, in alabas-
.er, ornamented the walls on brackets.
A cold collation stood on a table, in the cen-
tre of the room, and two footmen, out of
livery, offered the choicest vintages.
A few moments sufficed the artist, he was
too anxious to commence his journey, and
see the end of this mysterious adventure, to
finger long at the table ; and intimating to the
majodomo, that he was anxious to start; the
latter assented ; and opening the front door,
signified to Kleinfeldt, to enter the coach,
standing at the main entrance. The whip
was cracked, the postillion chirped to the
mares, and these last set off at a round
gallop. Proceeding thus rapidly, with a short
interval, to rest the mares, Kleinfeldt arrived
at the Blue Hedgehog, and was warmly re-
household. Supper offered, and as the artist
was rather tired with his journey, he was con
siderately allowed to rest.
A tap at the door the next day, aroused him
from his slumbers, and he asked who was
there.
“My lord,” said the major domo, “requests
that attired in the suit you brought with you,
you will visit him in the large bed room, at
noon ; meantime breakfast will be served.
I had nearly forgotten to tell you, that the
count begs that you will not go near the brown
cottage.”
Wondering what all this could mean, the
painter yielded assent; and after the fruit,
bread, wine, and stewed chickon had been
duly discussed, Kleinfeldt entered on the du-
ties of the toilet, and when dressed, was the
beau ideal of an artist of that period; a
doublet and trunks of dark purple velvet,
richly laced with gold, falling ruffles and cuffs,
of the finest point, silk stockings and high
toed shoes, set off his manly graces; having
still some time to spare, Kleinfeldt prepared
his brushes, (without which he never travel-
ed,) and commenced a little fancy sketch, with
the intention of presenting it, when finished,
to the count.
Time passed quickly while engaged in his
favorite art, and precisely as the village clock
struck twelve, Count Mardhoff entered the
apartment, attired in a white suit of the same
cut as that worn by the artist, and requested
th epleasure of escorting him to the chamber.
Still more amazed the artist could only
assent, and mounting to the apartment occu-
pied by the count was gratified to see him
seated in a large arm chair, also clad in white.
“Sir, artist” said the count. “I committed
the egregious blunder of attempting to woo a
lady, who had already given her heart to
another. And was still more foolish in at-
tempting to force her inclination, sickness
has cured me of my love fit, and, I thought I
could not do better, than inducing her father
to give her to one who I know will protect
and cherish her, and thus repair my error in a
degree. “Ho, there,” said he, slightly rais.
ing his voice, bring in the bride.”
The mistress of the Blue Hedgehog, and
Dame Sophia, clad in their bravest attire,
and holding immense bouquets of white flow.
ers, ushered in the bride elect with con-
siderable pomp. Bettina wore a dress of the
finest white Indian silk, richly trimmed with
lace, which had the true yellow tint, so
invaluable to connoiseurs. Her hair was con-
fined with the much valued comb of the
gracious princess; and a pearl bracelet, the
ceived by uncle Franz, and the rest of the wedding gift of the same lady, encircled her





THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
91
servatory; and the Black Crook said to his
companion, “were you born in winter or
summer ?”
“The last day of the last month of the
year.”
“Were you the oldest child?”
“The only child.”
The adept fixed his eyes keenly on the count,
who bore the scrutiny unflinchingly, and said:
“It is well. When you came into the
world, Mars and Wenus were in the ascen-
dant, and Mercury still had power, a very
favorable conjunction: when the stars are
consulted, mortals must be silent, and hear
with trembling the decrees of fate.”
Suitable instruments were produced, the
heavens carefully examined, and after a
silence of some half hour, the Black Crook
exclaimed :
“I see the mighty Aldebaran, who sits
next to the constellation of the ship; the
twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, shift their
positions; Venus shines with her usual bril-
liancy.”
“But what does all this portend ?” impetu-
ously interrupted the count. “I did not come
here to hold a discourse about the stars.”
“Rash man, be silent,” replied the Black
Crook, with an air of imposing dignity, “as I
before said, when mortals interrogate destiny,
who now speaks through the lips of one of the
meanest of her servants, the symbols must be
very plain, ere their signification can be un-
derstood ; peace, and interrupt me no more;
the spell must be recommenced, ere I can tell
definitely the signs of the starry heavens.”
Thus adjured the count was silent, and the
Black Crook a second time swept the heavens
with his instrument.
“I can now answer any questions that you
may see fit to put to me.”
The count paused for a moment, and asked:
“Shall I succeed in what I am about to
&ndertake "? -
“Is it for the good or the ill of mankind?”
Even the count, hardened in deception, and
trained to all the shifts and evasions of diplo-
macy, trembled as this question was put in a
firm and clear voice.
“I cannot tell—men might differ about it.”
“Is it in your opinion right or wrong f"
Again the count hesitated. In his transac-
tions he had not been accustomed to consult
conscience. This matter, fortunately, was for
the good of Enrope, and he was enabled with
a safe conscience to reply that it could injure
no one.
“You will succeed in almost every thing
that you undertake; high rank and countless
treasures in gold will be yours, but you wix.
not be happy.”
“Not happy?” -
“No, you will not be happy; ask the beg-
gar, as he creeps along, scarcely sheltered
from the inclement breath of winter, and suf.
fering the pinching pangs of hunger, whether
gold would not be a panacea for most of his
ills; ask the toiling needle woman who in
countless garrets of this vast city, by the light
of a solitary candle, toils at the dress, to be
worn at the next court ball, and who by the
most unintermitting labor, can scarcely earn
bread for herself and babes, whether a heavy
purse would not be a relief; go, proud noble,
for such your dress and voice proclaim you,
and interrogate the famished artisan, who
makes the night, as well as the day, the wit.
ness of his toils, and inquire of him, whether
he would not consider a little of that super-
fluous cash, wheh you so freely waste on your
own personal gratification, an inestimable
boon, you would have everything, rank, gold,
beauty, talent; learn then that the beneficent
deity never grants to one alone, all.”
“I do not ask for all.”
“Nay, but you shuddered when you were
told that destiny lavished on you all that men
prize most, and yet, you are dissatisfied. Go,
you have heard your fate, the stars will open
no more the gates of the future to such rinbe-
lievers; farewell, my task is ended.”
The count at once saw that further remon-
strance would be useless, and placing a well
lined purse in the adept's hand, retired.
Everything that he touched succeeded; wealth
poured in upon him in Pactolian streams; the
title of count was exchanged for prince ; all
these orders of the continent were placed at
his disposal; his different palaces were perfect
museums of art; everything that could please
either eye or ear, was fitted up with a lavish
profusion, in those habitations of 1:xury; and
yet the prince was not happy; whº not.—
perhaps the reader may suggest, that he had
quarreled with his sovereign; his name was
celebrated throughout the empire, as the wise
and judicious friend of his imperial master,
and the age considered justly.
The heir to all these vast possessions, and
this ancient, and long descended title, was an
idiot, and as the estates were strictly entailed,
after his death, and that of his luckless son,
they would descend to a relative whom the
count detested, and with whom he would
hold no intercourse.
Perhaps the ills of life are more equally
balanced, than the majority of mankind are
disposed to admit.


THE BLACK ORUOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
93
“Have you seen the Prince Auersperg
lately.” - -
“My acquaintance with him is exceedingly
"imited, I think that he is Vienna still; your
ladyship may not perhaps know that I have
been confined to my bed for more than ten
days, that I have only recently returned to
the city, and consequently can give you but
few details of what is passing in the beau
monde.”
“Then as you are a stranger to all that has
passed, I will tell you some of the news; the
artist Kleinfeldt is married.”
“So I have heard.”
“Then you have not been so much out of
the world as you say; may more, perhaps you
have even seen Madame Kleinfeldt.”
“Yes, and I can with truth aver, that she
is as pretty a little rustic, as I ever desire to
see.”
“But then she has no style.”
“But your ladyship perhaps will deign to
remember, that she is a novice as yet, in the
ways of the town, and that”—
“Count, Count, I really believe that you
are in love with this little rustic.”
“Who, I,” said the count, blushing, as he
strove to conceal his emotion.
“Count that blush tells tales.”
“Believeme, Madam,” said the count, more
seriously than was his wont, “that the artist
is a worthy fellow, and that his little wife”—
“You have seen her then,” interrupted the
eountess.
“I had the honor of partaking of her fath-
er's hospitality. I took a tour in the country,
and was detained longer than I expected.”
“All the men in Vienna are raving about
Ther.”
“Why, just now, if I correctly understood
your ladyship, you said that she had no
style.”
“And I say so again; it is just that very
absence of style, that makes her so attrac-
tive; nods to every one, thinks all the pretty
speeches that are made, are true; and then
is so free with her invitations; I will tell you
the last bon mot about Madame Kleinfeldt; it
is too good to be lost: The old princess dow-
ager De Ligne was in the gallery looking at
some copies, which the artist had lately made
for her; when Madame came in, the princess
was inspecting some Flemish pictures, ad-
mired a huge loaf of country bread, and a
-
large cheese and intimated a wish, to have
some like them. -
“Madame Kleinfeldt, without any more cere-
mony, invited the princess to come up stairs
and eat some, as she had just received a pres-
ent from the country; but I must say, that she
was exceedingly kind and liberal, and few
women in Vienna, would have done as much
as she ; I liked her all the better.”
“Your ladyship is right, generosity and
good feeling are not so common in this world,
that we can afford to trample on the parties
possessing those qualities. Auersperg has
them.”
“And if I am not mistaken,” said the prin-
cess,” with considerable animation, “they
are not strangers to your lordship's bosom.”
These words were pronounced seriously, and
as if the speaker were in earnest.
“But we are getting sentimental: when I
was in the country, I enjoyed exeeedingly, the
fresh air, trees and flowers; and I have lately
thought, that I would give a rustic fete at one
of my castles.”
“Oh that would be charming, and have
only what the land produces; fruit, milk,
cake and wine.”
“It is at least a novel invention, and will
charm some of the beau monde, who like my-
self are fatigued, with style and state.”
“When shall it be 7"
“I will consult my steward, and let your
ladyship know; perhaps you will be so kind,
as to act as one of the lady patronesses, and
then we shall have a rustic dance; you may
be sure, that everything that the estate can
produce, shall be at the service of my guests,
and I shall open the ball with the Baroness
Teleki.”
“She will think herself young again.”
“She has never been old; with her the hair
may change, the skin become wrinkled, but
she has that perpetual youth, springing from
a pure mind, and an upright heart. But I see
by the pendule, that I have already engrossed
too much of your ladyship's time, and must
retire.” -
“He is mine ! He is mine !” said the coun-
tess, as she watched his retiring figure, and
then that rustic fete. “I am but a poor man-
ager, if I do not play my cards so well, that I
shall be mistress of that, and all the other
possessions of the Count Palfi ; but we shall
see.”


94 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
-
CHAPTER XV.
An ALChemist hard AT WORK.
Alchemy had a great fascination in the mid-
dle ages, and though the adepts did not discover
the philosopher's stone, or if they did (see
note) the secret is now lost. Stul it was not
without its uses; the Moors had some practi-
cal knowledge of the art of chemistry, which
in fact, is derived from a word in their lan-
guage, signifying the occult science ; the auri
socra fames, then, as now inflamed mankind,
and though many fortunes were lost, still sci-
ence was greatly advanced.—Buckle.
“Night's candles are burned out, and jocund
day, stands tiptoe, on the misty mountain
tops.”—Romeo and Juliet.
Day had just dawned, and the alchemist
unlocking the door, opened his studio, and
summoned the negro, who generally assisted
him in his chemical operations.
A number of MSS. worn volumes were taken
from the shelves, spread on the table, and
eagerly perused by the Black Crook.
“This will do, at last I have hit on what I
wanted,” and he re-perused eagerly the MSS.
Hope and avarice lighting up every feature.
“Now, if this succeed, I shall have what most
men eagerly desire ; I shall then abandon the
practice of magic, because I shall make gold,
even beyond my most sanguine expectations'
Let me now only discover the elixir of perpet-
ual youth, the secret Bf wiping out wrinkles,
of giving fresh lustre to the eye, and painting
the withered parchment looking cheek, with
the carmine of sweet sixteen. What a source
of revenue ! all the carriages of the nobility in
the world would flock to my studio, and I would
scarcely dismiss one, ere another would make
her appearance; and then to look at the yel-
low glittering darlings heaped up in the greatest
guantities in my coffers ; but now to busi-
Aness,” and turning to the dwarf said:
“Build me a fire.”
Charcoal, and wood, were produced; a
flame soon shone in the furnace, and the
room became suffocatingly hot; the negro in-
timated a wish to withdraw, and his master
Rooking sternly at him, said:
“This will be a long session, and I will not
be disturbed nomatter who calls, I cannot be
seen.”
“The dwarf intimated that he perfectly
understood, and would obey.”
The scales were next brought into requisi-
tion, and a quantity of gold, was tested
carefully weighed, and then placed in a
crucible. An ancient work on chemistry, in
which all the discoveries from the earliest
times were recorded; acids and other drugs
| were added, and an odor of sulphur, perva
ded the apartment. “The charmworks; all my
calculations, are perfect,” joyfully exclaimed
the adept, as he bent over the fire, and
saw that another ingredient must be added.
The MSS was again consulted, fuel heaped
on the flames, a quantity of aqua regia,
added to the other materials in the furnace,
and the mixture allowed to work ; two
hours were passed in the most torturing
anxiety, and the fire gradually permitted to
subside. The crucible was then taken out ;
the residuum carefully examined, and the
Black Crook exultingly exclaimed:
“Another trial, and I shall be sure to
Slcceed º'
A. gleam of delight, shot athwart his sinister
| countenance, which was speedily succeeded
by a look of the deepest despondency; if I
do succeed, of what real usé, will this be to
me, but that shall not trouble me, let me
get the money, and then, all will go well.
The utensils were carefully cleaned ; the
fire freshly kindled, and the adept was ready
to repeat the experiment, but this time be-
thought himself of certain Venetian sequins,
celebrated for the purity of the metal. A
huge silver casket, with a complicated lock,
was opened, and the coins placed on the table.
As the Black Crook contemplated them, he
exclaimed I well remember how I got these.
“A noble lady in Madrid bestowed them
upon me for a draught, but I did not ask
her, to what use she put it. You have been
my guests for many years,” said he, addressing
the coins, as if they had life, and could hear.
“I thought, that we never should have parted,
but science demand it, and you must go.
Let me see what Cornelius Agrippa says, and,
read aloud the following passage:
“The metal must be of the finest, purest,
and as free as possible from alloy; this then,
will be exactly, what is required, pure and
free from alloy. So far so good; we shall
next add the requisite materials, rare essences,
biting acids, and heat up to a certain degree.
These are essential, and I have them all,
the other materials were added. The time
carefully marked with the hour giass, and
the adept prepared to wait four hours, till he
could ascertain the success of his experiment.”
Grepo had repeatedly rapped at the door of
the labratory, and been as frequently denied.
Dame Barbara knocked at the window, and
clamored for admittance on the plea of special
nd particular business, and was also refused.
Nothing should interfere with the important
matter on hand. The time at last expired, the
furnace was opened and its contents carefully
examined. The adept compared the produce


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
95
of the crucible with the same article described
in the Works of Paracelsus, and muttered—
“The weight, color, and substance are the
same; the tests will not work, but it is an im-
provement on the last. I have been toiling
for the past thirty years, and never brought
it so close before.”
“You may go,” said he to the black, who
joyfully obeyed, and was only too glad to be
released from such thraldom.
When alone, the Black Crook tested the
various specimens, and verified the results
with the greatest exactness on paper, but with
the same success as before. “Strange,” he
muttered, “to come so near and never suc-
ceed. Should I be so fortunate, my name will
be handed down to posterity as one of the
benefactors of my race, and the kings and
princes of the earth will court me for my secret.
This will be the end of all my labors and toils;
the name of the despised wizard, the Black
Crook, will be forgotten, under the splendor
and importance of this discovery, and I shall
rank with the philosophers of Greece and
Rome.”
CHAPTER XVI.
cATALINA MEETS AN old FRIEND UNExPECTEDLY,
WHO MAKES STRANGE REVELATIons.
“Where have I been since we parted ?”
“Oh, in divers lands; I have travelled on the
sea, I have been to the Indies. Some, who
have not heard of me for a long time, believed
me dead: but here I am again.”—Bolback's
Wooden Spoon.
Catalina had at last won a smile from her
mistress. She followed her about like a dog,
and with that fidelity so seldom seen in the
human species was never happy in her absence.
Gradually the princess began to trust her, and
one evening sent her on an errand to the lower
part of the city. Declining the attendance of
one of the male servants, the gypsey sat out
alone, transacted the business, and was on her
return home, after a short visit to the sick
soldier Moritz, when she felt a slight touch on
the shoulder, and turned to see who it was.
The person who thus gently, as it were ar-
rested her, drew her to the nearest lamp, and
stood as if anxious for an examination. Cata-
lina closely scanned the features thus pre-
sented to her, and suddenly exclaimed:
“Can it be, or does the grave give up its
dead? Do I really see you in the flesh?”
warm, sentient, full of life, though some.
what grievously afflicted with the disease
called poverty. In plain -ords. " am Diege
Huelin.”
“And how did you come here?”
“You may well ask that question, and ne
one is more surprised than myself to be here,
but I came after my wife.”
“Your wife I did not know that you were
married.”
“No, I was not anxious to publish it, and I
don’t think that my wife was, if I could find
her.” -
“Who is she 7”
“That is more than I can tell.”
“Where did you marry her ?”
**In Madrid.”
“Strange that you should wed a woman,
and not know who she is.”
“And yet it is all true,” replied Diego.
“Perhaps you will be so kind as to tell me
the story.”
“Well, my good Catalina, it would give me
the greatest pleasure in the world, but you
may, perhaps, understand.”
“That you are exceedingly hungry.”
“You have hit it, and saved me the neces-
sity of an explanation.”
“Exactly, here is something for you. I do
not know why, but I feel a strange inclina-
tion to hear your tale, as I have an idea that
it will be of service; meet me here to-morrow
evening, and I will see what more I can do
for you.”
Diego Huelin was one of the most promi-
nent fighters in the bull-ring in the city of
Madrid, and was renowned for his gladiato-
rial talents: fierce indeed must have been the
bull, that he could not stab, and his name
was one of the household words in Madrid;
Catalina had frequently seen him in the am-
phitheatre, whither she and most of her tribe
were accustomed to resort, as they were fond
of the sport. Diego, who was of a roving
temperament, was once belated at a village
about twenty miles distant from Madrid, and
accepted the hospitality of the tribe, this led
to an acquaintance with Catalina which was
never dropped.
The gypsey hurried home, and when she
found her mistress alone, told her why she
had done in relation to the business, with
which she had been intrusted, asked for leave
of absence for the evening; and mentioned
that she had met a poor acquaintance.
“Whom you would like perhaps to assist.”
“If your highness would be so kind.”
“Here are three ducats.”
Catalina went to keep the appointment,
“Yes, I am the man you suppose me to be, i.and found that Diego was faithful to his t-


100 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
A thousand plans floated through her brain,
and each was rejected as chimerical; and yet
she was resolved to secure Prince Charles
for her mistress.”
One day, when driving with her mistress,
she met the countess with Palfi, who was
now frequently seen with her in public, and
saw her greet Auersperg with a bow, which
was bordering on affection. This roused the
alarm of the faithful creature, who watched
over the Princess Lobkowitz, with the fidelity
of a tigress to her young. And it might
have been as safe to have robbed the one of
her cubs, as to have injured the princess in
any manner, with the knowledge of Catalina.
She also further learned, that the countess
had been in Spain, and the time tallied with
that in the narrative of Diego.
Her resolution was taken. She would at
once inform the countess, that she knew
all her past life, and that as a condition of
her silence, she must at once resign all
pretensions to Prince Charles Auersperg.
It would not be of any avail, if she were to
go to the countess, as the waiting woman of
the princess Lobkowitz.”
She therefore disguised herself as an old
woman, though in reality scarcely past the
prime of life, and furnishing herself with a
basket of flowers, went at once to the Lingot-
ski palace, and demanded admission to the
countess, which after some delay was ac-
corded ; presenting a bouquet, she besought
her ladyship to purchase.”
The countess looked at the flowers, and lan-
guidly refused.
“Perhaps,” said the gypsey, your lady-
ship would like to hear news from Spain, or
perhaps you remember the wedding at night,
wlth a certain handsome young Madrileno,
who fought in the amphitheatre with the
bulls.”
Had the thunder at that moment hurled every
article in the chamber to atoms, the countess
could not have been more amazed. A cold per-
spiration bathed her whole person, and she
staggered to a chair. Catalina, terrified at the
effect her words had produced, ran to the bell,
but was restrained by a look.
The countess gasped and sighed, as if she
saw the angel of death in the distance, and
asked, after a delay of some moments, “Wo-
man, what mean you?”
“Precisely what I say.”
“I thought that that Diego was dead.”
“I did not say that he was dead.”
“Lives he yet?”
“Whether he lives or not, shall depend on
you; I have the secret of his whereabouts.”
* Will he ever come to Vienna "
“That depends entirely on yourself. I have
one condition.”
“And that is—”
“That you entirely and absolutely leave
off all connection with the Prince of Auers-
perg.”
“I cheerfully promise it, and if you have any
knowledge of the person who—but you know
what I would say—give him this gold. And
accept this, as a gratuity for yourself.”
Catalina waived back the money indignantly.
“Your ladyship,” she exclaimed, “will
excuse me; I did not work for money, but
love. But I think that I can safely promise
you, that you will not be annoyed, nor will I
seek to unveil the mystery—farewell.” Cata-
lina courtesied profoundly, withdrew, and
hastened home secure in the persuasion that
she had removed a powerful rival out of her
mistress' way; but she did not know the
woman with whom she had been speaking.
The Countess Lingotski, though in her con-
versation with the Black Crook, said that she
was exceedingly enamored of Prince Charles
Auersperg, was not in reality much in love
with him. The prince was far beyond all
comparison the handsomest man in Vienna,
and he only lacked one thing to be the best
match in the empire, and that was cash.
There had long been a secret unacknow-
ledged jealousy between the rival belles, and
it was more a point of honor to snatch her
lover from the Princess Lobkowitz, and showed
him in public, than from any real affection for
the man himself, and it did not cost her a
heart pang to resign the prince to her rival.
Catalina saw Diego in the evening and said,
“You had better quit Vienna.”
“Why so?”
“I do not think that you will find your wife
here.”
“But look at that German motto.”
“There are other German cities in Europe
besides Vienna. Look you, Diego, you know
that my tribe is rich—”
“And I am poor.”
“We do not need a prophet to tell us that,
but if you desire to push your fortune, I will
give you some ducats.”
“How many ”
“One hundred.”
“That is a good round sum; I will ae-
cept your offer and go. When can you give
me the money?”
“When will you be ready to depart f"
** To-morrow.”
“Then I will give you what I promised, and
add one hundred ducats more as an outfit.”
The bargain was immediately struck, and
the Spaniard quitted Vienna as he had pro-


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 101
m*sed, brit the gºld furnished by the countess
proved a snare. On his way to Madrid, where
be thor:ght of resuming his former profes-
sion, lie encountered a muleteer, with whom
he engaged in a game at cards, suspected his
antagonist of foul play, and told him as much.
The hot blood of the South was fired, the
knives were speedily drawn from their girdles,
and a few thrusts exchanged. Diego was
stabbed to the heart. The officers of justice
arrived; as is too frequently the case, just ten
minutes too late to arrest the murderer, who
mounted on a fleet horse, and goaded by fear,
never drew bridle till he saw the French fron-
tier, rapidly crossed, and safe in the dominions
of his most Christian majesty, could snap his
fil-gers at all the Alguazils of Castile and Leon.
Such was Spanish justice not two centuries
ago. Failing to secure the culprit, the officers
searched the pockets of the lifeless Diego, and
appropriated the golden spoil to pay for masses,
meanwhile interring the body in an old ceme-
tery. Thus was the countess freed from a
husband whom she had never seen, and of
whose death she was never informed. That
lady was for some time in considerable anxiety,
but hearing no more of the terrible old woman,
imagined that the danger was over.
CHAPTER XVII.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN CATALINA AND THE
BLACK CROOK.
When two persons meet, who are mutually
afraid—it is curious to behold the cautious
advances they make to each other, and how
neither makes a movement, without closely
watching to see what effect it will have on the
other.—Spectator.
Night had just dropped her covering over the
earth, and invested all nature with that sil-
very mantle about which poets rave, and
which painters have so often and so vainly
endeavored to portray, when Catalina left
the palace to seek an interview with the Black
Crook, and hastily travelled the streets, till
she gained the spot; tapping at the door, she
encountered the gaze of the dwarf, who would
have repulsed her, but she gently put him
aside, and entered the reception room of the
adept, who was alone, and occupied as usual,
in some occult studies; he raised his head
from the book, and started when he saw his
visitor, abruptly demanded why he was fa-
wored with her compx.L.'ſ
“Why you are favored with my company,”
returned Catalina, “I tell you Ramon de Her-
rera.
“Witch, fiend, hag, do not mention that
name.”
“My tongue is my own, and I shall use it
as I please.”
“I say again, Ramon de Herrera, what have
you done with my child, my little Zara.”
“Woman, what have I to do with your
child.” -
Yes, my child, whom you have sacrificed to
your devilish wiles.” g
“I repeat again, that I cannot tell, what
has become of that child; I know nothing
about her.”
“Hark ye, Ramon de Herrera, I know all
| about your residence in Spain, why you left
| Madrid, and how you murdered that youthful
Jewess.”
“Murdered the Jewess, I would have died
to have saved her; she was th light of my
life, and the apple of my eye; I kill her; I
would have died to have saved her.”
“False, lying and deceitful hypocrite, do
not pretend to imp.se:; pon me; you tried the
effect of a nauseous drug, that you compound-
ed, upon her; she sickened, nº art could save
her, and all from that drug; call you that
love 7”
The Black Crook shuddered, his counte-
nance was livid with agony, and fear was paint-
ed in every lineament; still the merciless
Woman continued :
“Do you remember that young German stu-
dent, who came from Berlin, Franz von Ahlen-
feld; he was young, fresh and gay ; he too
fell a victim to your wiles.”
“A victim to my wiles. "
“Yes, a victim to your wiles.”
“A certain noble lady, whose name I will
not mention, had married a marquis, many
years her senior; she applied to you for a
poison, to put his son, by a former wife, out
of the way; and what did you do; you com-
pounded some of your infernal nostrums, and
just tried the effects on the young Prussian
who languished and then died; when his
body was opened, the physicians said, that he
had perished from inflammation of the liver;
shortly after the oldest son of the marquis,
also expired with the same disease; and it
was observed that the symptoms were iden-
tical.”
“Woman I Woman l’’ exclaimed the Black
Crook in an agony. “Why will you torment
me? Why vainly recall the shadows of the
past ! Why people this chamber with the
phantoms that have gone before me to the
tomb f"


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 108
than now.
and the mother's eyes flashed, her heart beat
almost audibly, and her countenance bore an
expression of the most agonizing suspense as
she gazed on the Black Crook.
The adept, staggered by this direct question,
bent his eyes to the ground and was silent.
“You know, and you will not tell,” re-
sumed Catalina, almost savagely. “Ah! you
have the heart, Ramon de Herrera, to keep
a mother in such agony. Oh! if one ray of
pity can melt that stern bosom—if you have
any mercy—I beseech you tell me?”
“I have already told you that I know not
where she is,” was the cool reply of the Black
Crook, “and I told you years ago that she
was dead.”
“But of what did she die—of what disease—
was she drowned or stabbed ” In pity tell
ame.”
“I have already told you, more than once,
that she is dead; and the grave is not in the
habit of surrendering her victims. I shall say
no more.”
“Then dread my vengeance.”
“Your vengeancel What can an outcast
like you do to me?”
This last bitter taunt roused the anger of
Catalina, who, casting a look of mingled hate
and defiance on her persecutor, exclaimed:
“Yes, my vengeance 1 You well know
that when you were in Madrid I caused the
Grand Inquisitor to take measures for your
prompt arrest, and nothing but the gratitude
of that grandee of Compostello saved you,
and enabled you by a timely warning to leave
the kingdom. It was I that baffled your in-
famous plot against the Marchioness de Guz-
man, and saved her life, when you would
have had her sip the vilest potion that was
ever brewed. It was I that saved from your
hellish arts the young Duchess of San Lucar,
whom you would have poisoned on her sick
bed, when your services were called in as a
leech, but I knowing that you would do any-
thing for gold, and having by chance seen one
of her grace's bitterest foes steal out of your
house at midnight, conceived the idea that
you and he were plotting some mischief.
I went immediately to the palace, sought an
interview with her chief woman, and, though
I did not criminate you, besought her to allow
her mistress to partake of neither food nor
drink which she did not herself prepare. Thus
I was enabled to effect two objects: I saved
the life of a good woman, who in the hour of
sore trial had been kind to me and mine, and
ſ defeated your nefarious plans. You talk of
an outcast ! Who is more of an outcast than
yourself? the very boys shout as you pass,
Tell me, where is my child?” I the vengeance of the gypsey shall reach you
yet. No matter in what land you go, there
shall Catalina de Souza follow you; whether
you seek refuge in the East, whence come the
gold and gems wherewith the Christians so
love to deck themselves; whether you dwell
in the sunny South, where Nature holds her
court all the year round, or whether you select
as your abode the icy and frozen North, there,
Ramon de Herrera, will Catalina de Souza
track you, with the most undying hate and
the most restless perseverance. I am not a
weak painted fool, as are some of those who
surround you, and who would wed even such
a thing of deformity as you for the sake of the
gold you are reputed to possess. We shall
meet again, Ramon de Herrera, and you
will remember what I have said.”
She then quitted the apartment without
casting another glance at the Black Crook,
who sat as if glued to his chair while Catalina
delivered her philippic.
“She has at last gone,” said the Black
Crook, with a sigh of relief, “and I would
if I could, have told her where the girl was;
but the offer was too tempting to be refused:
five hundred golden ounces fresh from the
royal mint, if I would only exchange the
living child for the dead, and then the child
herself would be so greatly benefitted. Which
is better, to be a duchess revelling in luxury,
or a pauper, dwelling on the hill side, scarcely
defended from the inclemency of the weather,
or living in a pa'ace, and sleeping under a
satin quilt; then the nurse pleaded so hard,
her lady was so lonely without the child.
She would be so rejoiced to have it, she could
never tell it from her own, and the ounces.
So I consented; the little Zara was taken
away, and her mother will never seen her
again. I thought when I left Spain, that I
never should be hold Catalina de Souza more,
but what can I do now ; it would give mortal
offence to the duchess to learn that the girl
whom she cherishes as a daughter, is only a
gypsey, and that she has not one drop of noble
blood in her veins; let me think, the girl must
be pretty well grown; it is now nearly six-
teen years since we parted, and then she could
just walk and talk, and had a thousand win-
ning ways, but it would be madness now to
put Catalina on the track, and then what
would become of my five hundred ounces. I
should be compelled to return them, and of
that I cannot even think for one moment.
No, no, she must go without her daughter,
the duchess shall not be disappointed, and I
will keep my ounces. Grepo, attend me to
my chamber.”
The drudge bearing a lighted taper, pre.


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
107
and I tell you what, she might go further and
fare worse, Madame.”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I say.”
“You do not suppose for one moment that
Amina—young, gay, and fresh—would marry
a man who is so much older ?”
“Yes; but look at the money that the
steward has, he must by this time have a good
round sum of yellow boys.”
“And you think that for the sake of the
few golden coins that old Won Puffengruntz
has piled up in his bags, that the girl would
be willing to marry a man who is nearly old
enough to be her grandfather ?”
“And I can tell you, my young friend, that
there are many girls, as young and far hand-
somer than Amina, who would only be too
happy to wed a man who is so well to do as
Herr von Puffengruntz. There are plenty
such in Vienna, or, for that matter, in all
parts of the world; gold chains, big houses,
and velvet dresses are not without their attrac-
tions.”
“Then I wonder, Madame, that you have
never changed your condition.”
“It has not been for want of offers,” was
the dame's reply, hidling her head, playing
with her fan, and glancing at the grass.
The waltz ended, and the keeper asked his
companion if she would not take some refresh-
ment, to which she graciously assented, and
this singular couple were soon seated at a
small rustic table. Won Puffengruntz, forced
to do as much for Amina, was near them,
and Christina enjoycd exceedingly the jealous
glances he cast from time to time on the game
keeper. -
“Herr von Puffengruntz?”
“Madame º’’
“Will you have the kindness to bring me a
slice of cake from the table on the other side;
I feel as if I could eat it?”
Won Puffengruntz silently obeyed the re-
quest, and placed the delicacy required on the
table before the lady.
“Thanks, Herr von Puffengruntz, you have
behaved with your usual kindness and gal-
lantry. This cake is excellent, and reflects
much credit on the maker; tell her so, with
my compliments.”
“I seldom go in the kitchen, or interfere in
women's matters. I issued my orders, and
they were executed. I shall, however, deliver
your message.”
“Ah, this wine is excellent, and much better
than we generally have in Vienna. This, at
least, Herr, comes under your province.”
This random stroke had some effect. The
estate had long been celebrated for its vintage,
and, to do the old man justice, though at times
vain and irritable, he was, taken on the whole,
just, humane, and devoted to the interests of
his lord, and particularly prided himself on
the wines.”
“I have done my utmost,” was the reply,
in a somewhat mollified tone, “to set the best
that I could before you.”
“We will pledge you in a toast, and all
must fill their glasses. Come, partner,” said
Christina to the gamekeeper, “you shall not
be behind, you shall drink as well as the rest.”
“What shall the toast be?”
“A speedy husband, and a clever fellow he
must be, to my pretty Amina.”
“And who shall that husband be?” said
Won Puffengruntz. -
“Cannot you imagine?”
“There are so many here that would fain
carry off such a pearl,” Herr said.
“Be it my choice, and I am certain that
both parties will be satisfied. Let my former
partner here have Amina for his wife.”
Both smiled, blushed, but neither dissented
from this arrangement.
The steward brightened up, the cloud
passed from his face, and he was the life of the
company. A party of gypsies coming up at
this moment, the steward though usually
severe against such vagrants, pressed them to
stay, and partake of the good fare; they
cheerfully consented, and after they had been
regaled to their hearts' content, danced on the
lawn for the amusement of the guests; one of
them sung a rude song, in which he extolled
the hospitality of the noble race to whom the
castle belonged, and presenting their tambo-
rine, begged for a gratuity. Some coppers
were speedily collected, and when it came to
the turn of Christina, she dropped in a small
piece of silver; a smiling young woman ac-
costed her with : -
“Lady, let me tell your fortune.”
“No, no; I do not care to know it.”
“Yes, but you don't know what good luck
may yet have in store for you.”
“I have all I want.”
“Don’t be too sure of that, there is an old
proverb in our tribe, old love burns strong;
and he who loves the longest, is sure to con-
quer in the end; and then your gracious
highness well knows, that there are some
who never get old.”
Soothed by this flattery, Christina yielded
her hand, and after the lines had been atten-
tively examined, the fortune teller predicted
that she would marry soon and well; and
that an old flame, who had long loved her
secretly would make propositions for her hand
openly, that she was on the high rowd to for-


108 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
tune and preferment, and would soon possess
an establishment of her own.
Christina smiled and blushed ; Won Puffen-
gruntz looked as if about to make an offer,
when the castle clock tolled two, warning the
guests that they must part, and the steward
was forced to content himself with a tender
pressure of the hand, and a soft glance, as he
escorted her to the house.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE BLACK CRook VISITs KLEINFELDT.
An artist lives in a perpetual fever, if he ac-
waire any reputation, the public are always
expecting great things from him, when per-
haps he is not in the mood for work; and
then he is sometimes greatly worried by
callers, who do not scruple at all moments to
trespass on his valuable time.—Fuseli's Auto-
biography.
Kleinfeldt's studio had now become one of
the most fashionable resorts of Vienna, as his
popularity had greatly increased, since the
reader last visited his chamber; all the wits,
beauties and statesmen of the empire were
anxious of transmitting their features to
posterity on the canvass of the artist, who
was one of themselves, and to the manor
born. Prince Paer still continued Kleinfeldt's
most devoted friend, and had latterly sent
him some Spanish pictures, from which the
artist was to select the one he liked best, and
copy it, as the prince wished to bestow it as
a wedding gift on a young kinswoman who
was shortly to be married. The Spanish pic-
ture was on the easel, and the painter was so
attentively considering the tints, that he heard
nothing till the door was thrown open with a
great noise, and he saw the Black Crook con-
templating him with an evil eye.
“Ah, Master Kleinfeldt, at last I have
Caught you at home. Is my picture yet
finished ?”
“I must crave your pardon,” cried Klein-
feldt, “but your picture is not yet finished.”
“And may I ask, why not ?”
“I have been so busy.”
“The usual cant of those who undertake
more than they can perform.”
“You know that I take many portraits, and
that my sitters come as they can ; you shall
have your picture, do not fear; and then
Trince Paer.”
“Oh, to the devil with Prince Paer, I will
give you as much gold as any lord in Vienna,
but I must have that picture.”
the artist, who was anxious to terminate the
interview, “but just now :”
“Oh, I understand,” said the Black Crook,
“you are anxious to get rid of me; it would
not do, should any of the fine birds, who
waste their own time, and engross yours, for
me to be seen lounging in your studio, but I
ask as a favor, that you will allow me to see
the Venus, and what progress you have made
with it. You cannot at least refuse me that.”
The artist bowed a sullen assent, and led
the way to another chamber, where he
showed the adept how far the picture, ºn
which he secmed so greatly interested, had
progressed. The subject did not greatly
please the artist, and he felt inclined to hand
back the money, and leave the picture un-
finished: but a sharp look from the adept,
warned him that he was dealing with no ordi-
nary person, and that he muſt be exceedingly
circumspect.
The Venus was about half done, the
head, neck and bust, were in the finest style
of art; the limbs did not quite satisfy the
adept, who made some objections, and turned
to go, when he was met by a man of about
thirty-five, who grasped the Black Crook by
the collar, and exclaimed, “at last I have
you.”
The Black Crook gazed helplessly at his
captor, who held him, as if in a vice; escape
he could not, and he was dragged down stairs,
as helpless as an infant, and placed in a large
artist's chair, in the studio, Kleinfeldt follow-
ing mechanically and anxiously awaiting the
denouement of this singular event.
The person who had seized the Black Crook,
was, as we have before said, past the first flush
of youth ; his appearance indicated consider-
able muscular strength, and his dark eye,
blazed with vengeful fires.
“I shall murder you.”
“And why,” said the artist “do you thus
pursue him f"
“I have been on the look out for years,
and chance has thrown him in my way to-
day; but I now say, that he shall not escape
my just vengeance, miscreant as he is.”
“What has he done ** -
“Rather ask what crime he has not com-
mitted, and then I will tell you; but I hate
him most intensely, and now that he is in my
power, he shall pay the forfeit of his crime,
but hear, and you shall judge.”
“Ten years ago I lived in Madrid, I too
like yourself am an artist, and could soon
earn a modest support. I married a young and
beautiful woman, who like myself belonged
to the humble classes of life, we lived quietly
nd you shall not be disappointed,” said and were very happy."


110 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
a manner, as to be recognized,” asked Klein-
feldt.
“No, I assumed various disguises; some-
times I went as a Franciscan friar, upon whose
convent the family of Altamira had bestowed
large alms; then as an officer in the army,
and sometimes as one of his tenants, in the
costume of an Andalusian peasant; I never
used the same dress twice; at last her ecover-
ed, and went out as usnal, I was careful not
to do any thing which might alarm or put him
on his guard, so that I suppose, he absolute-
ly forgot there was such a person as myself in
existence. Three months thus passed, I had
contracted a friendship with his groom, in
fact I was then employed as an assistant to a
dealer in horses; he lived in the suburbs, and
under the disguise I wore, no one would have
known me; I heard that the duke wanted
some horses brought for his inspection, they
were shown up; I saw his groom, asked him
to take some wine, he came to my lodging
room, coveted a picture I had, of which I
begged his acceptance, he kept me constantly
informed of all the duke's motions, day by
day: I waited, I had trained a horse with
such exactness, that the creature knew my
footstop, and would neigh at the sound of my
voice; one day Francisco told me, that the
duke would ride out to his country place,
twelve miles distant from the city; that the
road was very lonely, that he could not go
unattended; “would I go in his stead?” I
reigned some other engagement, made a thous-
and excuses, but finally suffered myself to be
persuaded; and at the appointed time, clad in
the ducal livery, started behind Altamira; the
place was soon reached, the afternoon pass-
ed, and at midnight we prepared to return to
the city; we mounted our horses, rode about
three miles, and as we came to a solitary part
of the road; I suddenly reined in my steed,
close up to that of the duke, and exclaimed:
“My lord repent of your sins, you must die.”
“Die” exclaimed the affrighted man, “and
who are you?” “It matters little, who I am,
take your last look of life, for you shall die.”
I stabbed him twice, but still he was not dead;
the horse reeled, but the dying man still kept
his seat firm in the saddle; I stabbed him a
third time, aud ere his spirit quitted its earth-
ly habitation, I whispered in his ear, “do you
remember Isabella, her husband is avenged."
The intelligent and sagacious creature I rode
obeying my voice, bore me safely away; I
rode many miles before I reached a place of
safety; before I left Madrid I had been care-
ful to place a change of clothes in a small
bag; I sunk the livery in the river, and dis-
posed of the horse; I wandered over Europe,
occasionally toiling at my profession, but
oftener idle, till chance brought me to Vien-
na, and the same blind goddess threw me into
connection with the Black Crook. “With
many thanks sir painter for your courteous
hospitality, I will trespass on you no longer.”
Kleinfeldt was exceedingly touched at the
tale he had just heard, and would fain have
persuaded the painter to have remained
but he declined prolonging his stay; and
would only accept a few pieces from a well
filled purse forced on him by the generons
artist.”
The Black Crook was carried to his own res-
idence, and when he arrived, was so faint
from loss of blood, that he was almost dead,
when conveyed to his chamber; and resolute
ly refused all offers of medical attendance:
when the pain had a little abated, he pre-
scribed for his own ailments, the tongueless
negro, and Grepo being his only attendants;
all visitors were denied, and informed that
Dr. Hertzog had been called on a most im-
portant matter to Constantinople, and that
his return was uncertain; Barbara and the
gypsey called twice, but were not permitted
to enter. In a few weeks the Black Crook
after having suffered agonies recovered; a slight
paleness remaining, showed that he had been
seriously indisposed.
CHAPTER XX.
BARBARA AND URSULA, witH some OTHERs,
HOLD A CONCLAVE.
Sisters, what shall we do?
Do? we must practice our art.
our master, and will assist us.
Well, we shall compass heaven and earth
tº accomplish our ends.--"Witch,” a Danish
Tragedy.
The devil is
“Barbara,” said Ursula, “whom do you
expect here to-night?”
“We must hold that solemn conclave upon
which we have long determined. We shah
have the negro and the Mexican, our two
selves, and the Norwegian witch.”
“Be it so. When do you expect them p"
“Every instant.” -
A rap at the door announced a visitor, and
a tall and hideously ugly black, with a flat
nose, and immense pendant cars, entered the
apartment, who saluted the two females with
more courtesy than could have been expected
from his uncouth appearance. A light step
was heard ascending the stairs, and a Small
female figure, covered from head to foot, pre-
sented herself. Ascertaining that Ursula,
Barbara, and the negro were alone, she threw


116 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
CHAPTER XXI.
Men are in all ages greedy of gold, and it is
with some such a passion, that they will sac-
rifice their very souls to heap-up gold in their
coffers, which too frequently they have not the
heart to use, and which is often bequeathed
to public charities; their children wish them
dead; and when they are safely under ground,
hasten to spend the treasures, which have
been so carefully amassed. These men have
but one God, and at that shrine they kneel,
with an Eastern idolatry; their idol is gold.
—Clarendon.
The Black Crook gazed long and earnestly
in the residuum left, from his last operations in
the laboratory; and again applied the usual
tests, but something was wanting, and it was
not the precious metal so eagerly prized by the
greater part of mankind, whether savage or
civilized; whether idiots or with gigantic in-
tellects; and the adept was at a loss; the
works of the most ancient chemists and
leeches learned in the law of physics, as then
understood, had been deeply read, and all
their injunctions carefully practiced, but still
the result was an utter and absolute failure,
and the alchemist could not disguise that fact
from himself; plunged in these disagreeable re-
flections, his meditations were interrupted by
the entrance of the negro, who making his
oustomary salaam, folded his arms, and await-
ed orders.
“Some one wishes to see me?”
ºt Yes.”
“A man or woman f"
“Woman.”
“Who is she.”
No answer, the Black Crook again repeated
the question, but the negro as before, made no
sign; the Black Crook irritated at his silence.
raised his came threatingly, the black cowed
and signified that he thought his master
would not wish to see her.
“Well, show her in, at all hazards.”
A woman in the humbler class of life ad-
vanced to meet the adept, who was standing
in the centre of the apartment, and dropping
a low courtesy, said:
“I thought, worthy doctor, that as I had
some curious books for sale, I could not offer
them to any one, who would be more likely to
purchase them than yourself.”
“Let me look at them.”
The woman unpacked a small basket, and
handed three books to the adept; the first a
volume of Monkish legends, coarsely printed,
and as coarsely illustrated, was thrown care-
leesly aside; the second on methematics, met
‘milar fate, but the third, a treatise on
which he had never before seen, was
eagerly examined and purchased, at the sel-
ler's price; page after page was devoured,
and midnight rang out, ere the Black Crook
had finished his studies a vision dwaned
on his soul; gold, glittering precious gold,
danced before his eyes; at last he seemed on
the point of realizing his wishes; he returned
to his chamber, but still the vision pursued
him; still the same feverish idea hauuted him;
unable to rest, he rose from his couch, and
lighting a wax taper, wrote for several hours
in a small MSS. book, which was always under
lock and key; as soon as the morning meal
was dispatched, the adept resumed his studies
of the previous night, and his eye lit on the
following passage:
“The devil when properly interrogated, will
appear, and when he does so come, will refuse
nothing to his faithful followers.”
“Will refuse nothing to his faithful follow-
ers, pondered the adept, and what can he want
in return, what have I to give ; but whatever
he can possibly ask, shall be cheerfully
given.”
Some persons called in the course of the
day, and were received, the business trans-
acted, and then dismissed in as short a time
as civility would permit; the perusal of the
famous volume was resumed after nightfall,
and not interrupted till midnight.
The next day Grepo was summoned and
desired to procure a coach, but with all ima-
ginable secrecy, and to have the vehicle at the
door at nightfall.
“And whither are you going, master?”
“That is a matter of llttle consequence to
you ; but I want you to be silent, or else—”
Grepo, well knew what the Black Crook
meant, was silent, and hazarded no further
questions.
The carriage stood at the door at the ap-
pointed time. The adept accompanied by the
dwarf entered, and was soon driven off. Two
hours of rapid travelling brought them to a
modest inn where they alighted, and the adept
at once ordered some refreshment for himself
and his attendant, and after the fragments of
the meal and the table equipage had been re-
moved, opened a small case, some paper and
a set of instruments; carefully cleaning these
latter, he drew a number of diagrams on the
paper, and made some calculations. These
last he repeated till satisfied of their correct-
ness, and then said, “It shall be done;” and
as he was exhausted with his journey, and the
want of sleep on the night previous, summoned
the dwarf to watch his slumbers, and com-
posed himself to rest
The next day was bright and beautiful, all
nature seemed to have put on her festal array,


118 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
“I will do what you require.”
“Kneel down and kiss my hand.” blackest despair.
As the adept obeyed and saluted the hand The Black Crook stood aside, and, as they
extended, as a sign of his subjection; sounds of defiled before him, surveyed the infernal
the most infernal merriment greeted his ears assembly. A light touch aroused him, and,
on all sides. The glade was peopled with turning, he beheld a fair woman, with a crown,
fiends of every size and color—some who were who, bowing, said:
so minute that they could scarcely be seen—, “Are you still living, or a shade 7”
danced in rings on the sward; “black spirits “I am still breathing. And you—”
and white, red spirits and gray” joined hands' “I was the Queen of Naples, but after I ha.
and executed the most infernal gambols; the dispatched my husband, I was myself stran-
spirits of the air, of the vasty deep, and of gled; but I was too early ruined by a worth-
the recesses under the earth joined in a sort less woman, and it is but a small part of my
of hellish hilarity; female fiends, with their punishment when I think what I might have
|every countenance was marked with the
“foul and sluttish hair” tied in elf locks,
waltzed with the ghosts of murderers; head-
less corpses started from the field of battle;
Tartarus sent her representative, and even
Charon, the grim ferryman of the infernal
regions, after a repose of so many centuries,
condescended to grace the festivities.
As the Black Crook cast an eye on the vast
assemblage which tenanted the little glade
almost to suffocation, there appeared the Bor-
gias, who recounted how many they had sent
to the infernal regions, and what a score of
assassins they had entertained and kept in
their pay; then came a tall pale old man,
who, though long since gathered to the world
of spirits, was permitted to appear as if in the
flesh, who had great beauty of mein, but whose
expression was satanical, and who was known
in the history of his time as one who set at
naught all laws both human and divine, and
who worshipped gold with all the fervor of a
devotee of Juggernaut; this man, or rather
disembodied spirit, was Cenci, the father of
the beautiful and unfortunate Roman, Beatrice
Cenci, whose name will live forever in the
verse of Shelley and on the immortal canvas
of the prince of Italian painters: next followed
a train of Egyptian and Persian sorcerers,
who, joining hands, confessed that they had
been actuated by the same spirit, that they
had cut off countless persons in the very
flower of their youth, “that they had taken
them with all their sins broad blown as flush
May,” and sent them to their final reckoning,
“with all their imperfections on their head;”
next followed a train of historic personages,
"ichard the 'I'llard, Henry tile Eightin, the
subtile, in-riguing Catharine de Medici, Nero,
the cruel Emperor of Rome, and Herod, the King
of Judea, who, in his terror of the infant Re-
deemer, slaughtered all the innocents. These,
as they passed before the Black Crook, all
made him a mocking courtesy, and hailed him
as a brother. All wore crowns, and their
trains were held by the shadows of pages-
been.”
A church bell rang out a chime in honor of
a saint, and the whole assembly, as if struck
by thunder, disappeared, the glen was quiet,
and the chief flend alone remained in the guise
of a Spanish cavalier.
“You have now seen,” said he, in a tone of
seducing sweetness, “the select of the earth
who have owned my sway, but I tell you that
in this life they had all they desired—wealth,
honors, and titles flowed in on them. The
kings and princes of the earth have been my
most faithful servants. Are you prepared to
obey me?”
4 & I am.”
“You will, then, declare yourself my true,
faithful, and devoted servant, loyal to me and
me only ”
“I will.”
Stamping on the earth, a figure appeared,
arrayed in the full garb of an Archbishop.
“This,” said the fiend, “was in his lifetime
the Archbishop of Toledo, and a Cardinal of
the holy Roman conclave, but love of money
has brought his eminence to the condition
you see. Your grace will be witness that this
worthy doctor, Wolfgang Hertzog, vows to be
my servant and slave, here and hereafter.”
“I promise,” said the Black Crook.
“Your grace,” said the arch fiend, “will be
so kind as to act as scribe, and draw up a bond
with your customary neatness. It will not be
the first time that your grace has so served
me, both in the flesh and since you left it.”
The shade vanished, and after a short time
re-appeared with the parchment, which read
&S 1011 UW S :
“Know all men, in the heavens above, the
earth beneath, and the waters under the earth,
that I, Wolfgang Hertzog, am now a sworn
servant of Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, and
lord of the infernal regions, that I will at all
times, and under all circumstances, obey the
behests of the said Lucifer, Prince of Dark-
mess, and lord of the infernal régions.”


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
119
Shouts of suppressed laughter, loud whispers,
and groans were distinctly heard, and for a mo-
ment staggered the constancy and resolution of
the adept, but the thought of the gold and the
power he should acquire over mankind proved
stronger than his first intention, and he signi-
fied to Lucifer to proceed. When the instru-
ment was finally concluded, the Black Crook
signified his willingness to abide by it, and
execute it faithfully according to his intelli-
gence and capacity. A moment's delibera-
tion, and the Black Crook deliberately signed
the document, which was duly attested by the
defunct Archbishop. Lucifer then placed a
heavy purse of gold in his hand and informed
him that, whenever summoned, he would not
fail to appear, and added, “that the honors,
dignities, and titles of this world are for my
children. Farewell !” and, lifting his hat
with a courtly bow, the Prince of Darkness
and his ghostly secretary vanished.
The day broke, the rising sun gilded the
tops of the nearest trees, and rested lovingly
on the distant mountains; still the adept lin-
gered at the scene of the last night's ghostly
revelry; rubbing his eyes, he could scarcely
believe that all had not been a dream—but
the purse of gold was there, and convinced
him that what had passed was a substantial
reality, and not a mere empty vision.
Returning to the inn, he made a memoran-
dum of the occurrences of the past night;
and hiring a coach drawn by Spanish mules,
returned to the city, where he was received
by Grepo, who looked inquisitively, but did
not dare to ask any questions, as he felt from
his master's looks that he was treading on del-
icate ground.
CHAPTER XXII.
A MOTHER’s GRIEF.
Nothing in life clings with such force, as a
mother's love, the child may be ungrateful,
but still the affection of the mother is undy-
ing; the child's ingratitude may break her
heart, but she will love to the last.—La
Bruyere.
“Has the young Count Julius come in yet,”
asked the Countess Feltner of her abigail.
“No my lady, he has not yet returned.”
“How long has it been since he was ab-
sent.”
“Three days; I have counted the minutes.
Fly, Justine, I think that I hear the bell.”
The wretched mother paced the room three
whole days, and no news from her boy; he
who had been so pun’tual, oh what could the
matter be ; where was her boy. A bright idea
struck the countess; pen haps the Count Ju-
lius, who was rather has v, had given some
offence to his commanding officer, if so she
would rely on the friendsnip of her old friend,
the Archduke Louis, who was the comman-
der-in-chief of the forces; she would instantly
call on him ; ringing the bell, she ordered her
coach, and was driven as rapidly as the old
coach horses, and the veteran coachman would
permit; the general-in-chief when he heard
that the Countess Feltner was below, hastened
to the vehicle, and wrote a note to the colonel
of the young count's regiment, begging that
if the lieutenant had been guilty of any act
of insubordination, he would be graciously
pleased to excuse it. Armed with this mis-
sive, the countess drove at once to the head-
quarters, and asked the sentry, who paid her
the honors due to the widow of a general offi-
cer, whether he had seen Lieutenant Feltner,
and received a reply in the negative. The
colonel could give no information, about his
young subaltern officer, but remembered that
he had started to visit a sick sergeant, of his
company, Karl Helmfrecht, who lived unfor-
tunately next door to the witches.
The countess immediately drove thither,
and was at once informed by one of the neigh-
bors, of the exact residence and number of
Helmfrecht.
Karl, who knew by sight, the mother of his
lieutenant, made the proper military salute,
and waited in deferential silence, till he should
be questioned.
“Have you seen the count, yesterday or to:
day?”
“No, your gracious ladyship, the young
count is extremely kind to all his men, and
when he heard that I was sick, he started, so
I am told, to come and see me.”
“And he was not here?”
“No madam.”
“Who told him that you were ill?”
“I do not know.”
The wretched mother was still at fault, and
in her intense agony, repaired at once to the
commissary of police, but who unfortunately
was not at home ; the countess left a note re-
questing the chief of the police to call on her
at once, on business of the greatest conse-
quence.
The summons was promptly obeyed, and
the head of the department, who was very
astute, waited on the countess, and gathered
all the particulars, where the young count had
been. He went to the barracks, and had not
returned; in fact, he had not been seen since
he left the barracks, where could he have
gone.


120 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY
Such was the sum of the information gain-
ed by the Intendant of the city, but though as-
tute and exceedingly skillful in putting facts
together, he could gather no more; it happen-
ed that the old bird fancier had been absent
and left the door open, and the young lieu
tenant had mounted the stair. case, in the
hopes of ascertaining the residence of his
sergeant, but never returned alive; the
night was dark, and as the officer was envel-
oped in his cloak, he had not been noticed; the
the chief of the police was not satisfied, till
he had visited all the houses in the vicinity
of the sergeant; the old man who resided be-
low, was interrogated, and truthfully declar-
ed, that he had neither seen nor heard of the
young lieutenant; his questioner thought for
a moment, and then asked:
“Who occupies the upper floor "
“Two women.”
“Who are they?”
“Their names were told.”
“What are their occupations?"
“I cannot tell.”
“What kind of a character do they bear?"
The old man was puzzled, he had no very
good opinion of his neighbors, and yet he could
not tell on what it was based; they had given
him no trouble, and he was silent. The ques-
tion was repeated, and the old man finally
replied, “I know nothing whatever about
them.” His countenance belied what he
said, and the acute official saw at a glance that
the old man entertained suspicions, but yet on
what they were grounded he could not say.
The official determined at once to pay a visit
to Barbara and Ursula. The day was already
far advanced, and the two women were sitting
at the windows when the official entered, with-
out the ceremony of rapping. Ursula, who
was exceedingly acute, suspected that this
was a visit of inquiry connected with the dis-
appearance of the man whose murder she had
witnessed, and rising confronted the officer;
she well knew that no proof could be traced
there.
“Do you know the sergeant who lives in
the next house ?”
“I have a slight acquaintance with him ; I
Know him by sight.”
“Has he ever been here 7”
“Never.”
“Have you been there since his sickness?”
“I was never in his house on any occasion
whatever.”
“Was any one here, say about four nights
ago, who was inquiring about your neighbor,
the sergeant?”
“No one was here inquiring about any such
I could readily have answered it, as I knew that
the bird fancier had gone out.” The woman
was cool, determined and exceedingly self-confl-
dent; all the questions put were answered
sincerely and honestly, and strange as it may
appear, with the most perfect truthfulness.
The reader may remember that the lieu-
tenant had entered the apartment, and was so
perfectly horror stricken with what he saw
that he could not move for an instant, and
then he rushed to the windows to invite the
aid of the law. He did not disclose his rank
or purpose in visiting the neighborhood.
Barbara was fearfully agitated, but as the
room was darkened, and Ursula did not offer to
strike a light, her confusion was unnoticed, and
her companion, acting as spokes-woman, she
was enabled to collect her thoughts, ere she was
addressed by the officer with the question:
“Did you see or hear of any one asking for
the sergeant?”
** I did not.”
The official was at a loss and knew not what to
do, unfounded suspicions floated through his
brain, and yet he was confident that they had not
both told the truth, and that they knew more
than they chose to tell; still there was
nothing that could warrant their arrest and de-
tention. He had no further pretext to linger,
and dissatisfied with the result of his mission,
departed: the moment the sound of his foot-
steps died away, Barbara turned to Ursula and
said:
“I am frightened almost to death.”
“Frightened 1 what have you to fear; are
not the others as much concerned as we ? Did
not the Mexican, the Norwegian, and the
negro cause his death as much as we ? If
there be any murder, we, at least, are not
guilty. The Mexican killed him, and the
black counselled it; but hold your tongue,
and all will yet go well.”
“But if they should make a search, they
would be sure to find the clothes, and then—”
“And then we shall baffle them, for this
very day I shall destroy all the clothes, the
Jews shall not have them, they might betray
us; come let us set to work about it at once.”
“What have we for dinner?”
“What a question 1’’
“But tell me, as I did not ask it without a
motive.”
** A little mutton.”
“We will stew it; and, stay, as I am going
to market, I will get a head or so of garlic–
you like it and so do I.”
Ursula was not particularly fond of garlie, '
but as she knew that that plant when cooking
exhaled a particular odor, that she oould
person. Had such a question been put to me! at the same time burn the clothing, and that


- THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 123
the scent of the garlic would overpower the
smell of the burning wool. Fearing to trust
Barbara alone, she hurried to the market, pur-
chased what she required, returned as speedily
as possible, and on entering the house asked:
“Has any one been here ?”
“Not a creature.”
“Then let us begin at once with the cloth-
ing,” and, suiting the action to the word,
'Ursula tore the entire wardrobe of the luckless
count into shreds, and threw them on the fire
in small handsful.
The ruse succeeded. The bird fancier came
up, and asked in a voice of thunder:
“What, in the name of all the gods, do you
mean by the poisonous odor with which you
fill the house ? Do you mean to ruin me, and
destroy all my birds f"
“I am sorry,” said Ursula, blandly, “that
“that I have displeased you ; you know that
it is impossible to do without eating.”
“Yes, but you need not have such ill-smell-
ing compounds. Do you want to kill both
man and beast.”
“I will try,” said Barbara, “not to offend
you, but—”
“Well, I suppose,” said the bird fancier,
“that it must go for this time. Goodbye,
neighbors.”
“Good bye,” replied Ursula, with the
greatest civility.
She was in the highest possible spirits, as
she knew that her stratagem had succeeded.
“Now, Barbara, keep a still tongue, and all
will do. I remember well, when I was in
prison, they could not convict me; there was
no proof against me, and I was wise enough
to hold my tongue.”
The Commissary of the Police went to the
Minister of Justice and disclosed all that he
knew ; that the young count had gone out,
and never returned, and no trace of him had
been yet discovered. Bill sticking was not
known in those days, but the Minister offered
a reward of three hundred golden ducats to
any one who could give any information about
the sudden disappearance of the young count;
to this the countess added a similar amount,
and the most active emissaries were employed.
Three weeks passed thus, but uselessly; no
traces could be found. The distracted mother
sat the image of speechless woe, refused to
eat, and was inconsolable ; the most eminent
medical men were consulted, and Virtually
exclaimed, with the physician of Macbeth,
“that the patient must minister to himself.”
Death, with his sable wings, was hovering
near, and, at the end of a week, the countess
was no more.
The vast and stupendous cathedral of St.
| Stephen was hung with black, the organ sent
forth its most dismal tones, a select choir
chanted the lamous Dies Irae; the Archbishop
of Vienna, with a gorgeous train of attendants,
“sang Mass for the parted soul,” and the holy
fane was crowded with the elite of the empire;
warriors who had gathered laurels on the
battle field, men who had grown gray in the
service of the State—but all was of no avail;
the poor mother had pined away for her boy,
and not all the attendance of kings and nobles
that the world ever boasted could soothe one
pang, or recall the soul to the tenement from
which it had forever fled.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Look you, this young man is a perfect spend-
thrift; had he the wealth of the Indies, it
would soon be scattered. He has no idea of
keeping money.
Isidora. How does he spend it?
Pedro. In every manner possible. If he
goes to a goldsmith, he will buy me straight
a ring or chain that will cost some ten or more
scores of ducats; as to perfumes, the ladies
of the Grand Turk's seraglio are not more ex-
travagant; and then he always has a host of
parasites, who cling closely to him for their
food and drink; men about town, who have
much ado to get a decent doublet, or a pair of
trunk hose, and yet these fellows boast of
their blood, and brag of their pretensions.
Isidora. But how do the father and son
agree ?
Pedro. They don't agree at all; the son
wants Inoney all the time, which his father is
none too willing to give him; I believe on my
soul, that my young master would like to see
the old lord dead.—Miser.
The Black Crook had returned to Vienna,
and was in the full practice of his nefarious pro-
fession, crowds daily flocked to him of all ranks,
and the hardly earned coin of the poor cham-
bermaid reposed side by side in his purse
with the heavy gold pieces of the count's lady.
Fortune had at last smiled on him and he
feared nothing; yes, there was one indefinable
dread which he could not banish from his
mind. Lucifer had indeed promised him all that
he desired; gold accumulated in such quanti-
ties that even his inordinate avarice was almost
satisfied, but yet length of days had not been
even mentioned. While in this state of mind
he sauntered in the library of Wienna, and saw
a Hebrew Bible of great antiquity and value;
the adept, who was an excellent judge of such
matters, praised the book highly. The libra-
rian showed him a MSS., which had just beer


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
125
see any one; ten o'clock struck, and the adept
and negro sought the glade, where they had
had the first interview with Lucifer. The lit-
tle dell presented an aspect of quiet loveliness,
which might have seduced the most ambi-
tious, and worldly minded to repose; the wa-
ter rippled softly, and the wind made melan-
choly music, as it gently sighed through the
trees.
The adept knelt down, and repeated the in-
vocation, the earth opened, and Lucifer ap-
peared in the habit of a Turkish sultan, at-
tend by his ghostly secretary.
“What would you with me, Wolfgang Hert-
zog f" -
“I would fain ask you,” was the trembling
reply, “whether the spell that I propose ma-
king, against the Prince Pufflingen, will be of
any avail.”
“That will depend on what you use to propit-
iate the powers of evil, what is it that is want-
ed?”
“A young man, the son of an avaricious
father, is desirous of touching the ducats, that
his father hoards so carefully.”
“But when the son gets them, how will
they be spent ;”
“That does not come within the province
of my art.”
“Then I will tell you,” said Lucifer, “all
men have their god, the old man loves gold,
with all the powers of his soul, the young one,
courts what he calls pleasure, but what in
reality will cause him pain. Both will event-
ually be mine; but Herr Hertzog, you have
only seen the worst side of my dominions;
permit me to show you my power over the
demons of the air; you have seen me pass in
rcview, the great of the earth, who are ten-
ants of my kingdom, but where crowns and
sceptres will avail but little; now we shall see
what my art will do: “attend me ye spirits of
the air; the stars shone with more than their
usual radiance, and a pearl car was distinctly
seen passing through the blue, in which were
seated three fairy-like being with silver wings,
surrounded by a rosy halo.
“How beautiful,” exclaimed the Black
Crook.
“There,” pursued Lucifer, “are the fiends
of malice, envy and detraction, who assume
these forms, to lure men to destruction; few
in this world can escape their sting, they are
among my most potent auxiliaries; three cars,
one composed of an entire ruby, another of
a diamond, and the third of an opal, which
emitted the most vivid flashes of fire, slowly
sailed through the air, and at a signal from
Lucifer, suspended their progress.
The adept again was charmed.
“These,” said Lucifer, “are the different
passions convulsing the heart of man; they
are as numberless as the sands of the sea, as
countless as the bairs of your head—and from
these, none, not even the wisest and best are
exempt. But I bid ye all appear. Why come
ye not at my command?” said the Prince of
Darkness, impatiently waving his scimitar.
The air was filled with floating forms of the
most ravishing beauty; flowers of the most
gorgeous hues and fragrant odors sprang up,
as if by magic ; colossal tulips, rivalling the
setting sun in the brightness of their colors,
and far surpassing the puny denizens of the
garden, unfolded their huge calixes; and
nymphs emerged. Strains of the most ex-
quisite music stole upon the ear, and lulled
the soul to a kind of forgetfulness.
“Such is my kingdom; but you only see
the exterior. Remember you are mine—you
cannot, you shall not, escape me ! Pain, in-
cessant grief, and perpetual sorrow inhabit
the bosoms of the phantoms you see before
you; but I see by your countenance that you
wish to speak to me. What is it f" -
“How long shall I live f’’ faltered out the
adept.
“How long shall you live 7" said Lucifer:
it is not given to me to know. I have the art
of luring souls to destruction, but I can neither
give peace nor length of days—those belong
to the Omnipotent, and he delegates his power
to no one here below. I did not make that
bargain with you how long you were to live,
but banish all such unpleasant thoughts, and
see what I have contrived for your amuse-
ment. Come, my beauties, let us have a
dance.”
Obedient to the word, the spirits of the air
descended to the earth, the waters of the brook
yielded their inmates; strains of the most
seducing melody enraptured the senses, and
a most delicious perfume was wafted to the
nostrils of the Black Crook. The negro testi-
fied his delight by a variety of uncouth antics,
and repeatedly pulled his master's cloak, as
if to invite him to share his pleasure.
Lucifer again waved his scimitar, the spirits
vanished, and he, his secretary, and the Black
Crook were again alone.
“All you desire shall be executed, but I
cannot guard against unforseen accidents;
farewell. The morning approaches, when I
shall hear the sound of the church bells, and
they are insupportable to me.” With these
last words the Prince of Darkness melted into
thin air, and was soon lost to mortal view.
For two hours did the Black Crook remain
seated on the sward; Aurora had opened the
gates of the morning, and the merry oarols of


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY, 127
torwhes of resinous wood collected, and the
glade was soon as light as day. The animals
of the forest alarmed at the uncommon light
and heat stole timidly to and fro, all danced
madly around the flames. A smaller shrine
was erected, all the stones of which were
square, and the black seizing the child led
himin front, and turning to his associates
said:
“The victim is ready, to whom shall we de-
vote him f**
“To the great power of destruction and evil,”
cried the whole assembly.
“Master,” said the child, “what are you
going to do with me? I never injured you,
and yet I am afraid.”
“You must die,” was the stern reply.
The child uttered the most fearful shrieks,
and a stalwart peasant rushed into the midst
of the assembly. At the sight of this intruder,
the Black Crook waved his wand thrice, and
the shades disappeared.
“What means this confusion ?” said the
peasant, sternly. “I was returning late from a
merry making at a little distance, and was at
first attracted by the fire, and then by the
screams of the child. I suspect foul play, and
if my life be the forfeit, I shall prevent it.
Wherefore are these two altars, and why did
this child utter these fearful cries 7 I am a
man, and no one shall injure him when I am
here.” The child glanced at the speaker, ex-
tended his hands to the stranger, as if claim-
ing his protection, but was forcibly detained
by the Norwegian.
“Our course is plain,” said the Mexican.
“Bind this rash intruder, who has dared to
interrupt our sacred mysteries; none save the
initiated can witness these rites and live. Let
hina die, he will be another victim.” Rage
sat on every line of her face, and what nature
had intended to be beautiful was now fear
fully ugly.
The recommendation of the Mexican was
adopted, all the women furnished their garters
and ribbons to bind him, in default of ropes,
the black assuring the captive, that his turn
would soon come.
Ursula glanced at the peasant, as if to en-
treat his aid, but was met by a warning look
from Barbara. The rites now proceeded, the
fire was fed, and the child bound hand and foot
was placed on the smaller pile and stabbed to
the heart. As the crimson fluid flowed it was
caught in cups, which were set on the main
altar. A few convulsions, a slight sob, and all
was over. The body of the unfortunate little
victim was then torn limb from limb and put
on the fire.
“Now,” said the Mexican, “we shall immo-
late the other. Be it your task brother, to
lead him to the sacrificial stone.”
The black turned to execute his task, but
found to his great surprise, and the consterna-
tion of all, that the bonds had been too weak,
and that he had escaped. All had been so
occupied with the sacrifice of the child, that
the second victim had been almost entirely
disregarded.
The peasant had escaped; stealing quietly
away, when at a reasonable distance, he me
a mounted patrole, who had just commenced
his rounds of duty. The officer placing his
informant on his steed, put the animal to his
utmost speed, and arrived at the headquarters
of the rural police. The transaction was ex-
plained in a few words. The chief fortunately
was in the reception-room, and instantly de-
tailed a strong body of his force, heavily
armed to capture the whole body in the woods.
Confusion prevailed when the escape of the
peasant was known; the fires were extin-
guished, and each prepared for immediate
flight, regardless of his neighbors. Brief
space, however, was allowed them; the
mounted police, aided by a strong body of
peasantry furnished with scythes and other
agricultural implements, surrounded the wood,
and in a loud voice summoned the party there
present to surrender in the name of the
emperor.
The black in attempting to escape, was en-
countered by a stalwart peasant; the negro who
was a man of vast proportions; armed with
pistols, and a short dagger, fought with a des-
peration worthy of a better cause ; thrice he
attempted to cleave the head of his assailant,
and thrice was he baffled; his eyes flashed fire,
and his mouth was distended with a hideous
grin, foam flew from his thick misshapen lips,
as from the fangs of a wild beast; the peas.
ant was strong, but the negro was his equal;
at length the European’s strength began to fail,
and he clamored loudly for assistance; others
came up, and the black, after a vain struggle,
was compelled to submit.
Barbara and Ursula were soon overpowered,
the former uttering the most fearful maledic-
tions, against her captors; all were now pris-
oners except the Mexican.
The whole bound with ropes, were taken to
the Palais de Justice, and the judge of the dis-
trict summoned, but as he resided at a distance,
it was nearly one in the morning, ere he reached
the chamber, where an anxious crowd was ea-
gerly awaiting the arrival of the functionary,
who was to decide upon the fate of the pris-
oners.
The patrole and the peasant were duly
sworn, and a messenger dispatched to the


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
131
All the priests in Vienna flocked to the
prison to offer their services, but to the greater
part of the prisoners uselessly. Ursula alone
accepted the aid of a learned and pious Bene-
dictine who had been for years renowned for
his sanctity and gentleness of manner. Touch-
ing the wounds of this wretched woman's
soul with the greatest tenderness and pity,
Father Joseph succeeded in calling her atten-
tion to the miserable state in which she now
found herself, and his pious labors were reward-
ed by Ursula admitting all her crimes and con-
fess her agency in the murder of the young
lieutenant. She admitted the justice of her
fate, and bitterly lamented that she had not
made greater efforts to save the child who had
been murdered at the knoll.
Barbara remained implacable. Nothing
could arouse her for a moment, or cool the
vindictive rage with which she was animated
against mankind. The most frightful oaths
and execrations fell from her lips, and she
rarely addressed the keepers without a curse.
Once only did she betray some lingering rem-
nant of feeling, when she asked if the cat and
starling at her lodgings had been fed, or
whether they died from neglect. -
The black was obdurate, and sat with
his arms folded, gazing on the sky from the
little strip of window in his cell. To the en-
treaties of Father Joseph, who visited him, he
turned a deaf ear, and once only after a long
argument, in which the good priest endeavored
to persuade him to repent, replied:
“The faith of my fathers is good enough for
me. They tell me of the white man's God,
and I have read his book, for know, most
reverend Father, at an early age I was sent to a
school in Paris and thence to Rome, but show
me how many of the so-called Christians prac-
tice what they preach. They call themselves
civilized, enlightened, and yet they tear the
ignorant savage from his home, launch him
on the deep, and when he finally arrives at his
place of destination convert his toil, labor, and
agony into gold. Should there be such a God
as the Christians describe, he will indeed pour
out his wrath upon the Europeans. The gods
of my fathers will aid me. Farewell, trouble
me no more with these disquisitions; let me
enjoy as best I can the few short moments of
life that still remain to me.” Father Joseph,
seeing that his mission was useless, never
entered his cell again.
The fatal morning had arrived, when the
prisoners were to forfeit their lives for their
erimes; and at eight o'clock, the jailors
and servants of the prison brought Ursula,
Barbara, and the Black into the chapel.
This was a large vaulted apartment, with a
high cieling, carved with considerable taste;
and an altar erected at the eastern end. The
tapers were lighted, and Father Joseph, clad
in his sacerdotal garments, with two boys in
white, stood within the rails, ready to celebrate
mass ; places were assigned to the condemned.
Ursula listened attentively, and fervently re-
cited the prayers in a small book given her by
Father Joseph. Barbara was quiet, and the
Black as usual, buried in reverie.
Twelve of the Brothers of Mercy, in the
black serge habits of their order, hoods with
holes cut for the eyes, their waists bound with
cords, and bare feet, entered the chapcl, and
signified to the criminals that the last moment
was near at hand, and requested all in the
chapel to follow them to the adjoining room.
All obeyed, Barbara and the Black Crook
mechanically, and Ursula telling her rosary.
The superior of the confraternity, when they
were in the room, asked the prisoners if they
had any requests to make. The black and
Barbara replied in the negative, and Ursula
said that she hoped her example might be a
warning to others, but that she had done with
the things of this world. There was an im-
mense crowd on the exterior of the prison, all
who could snatch time from their other avo-
cations hastened to the ghastly spectacle, as
if it were a recreation, or holiday sport.
The prison gates were thrown open, and a
lay brother bearing a crucifix headed the pro
cession, next followed the members of the con-
fraternity, Barbara with a Dominican friar, in
his white robes, and Ursula and Father Joseph,
and lastly the black with the prior of the Bene-
dictines. The clerk of the court in a full suit
of black velvet, a gold chain, and a furred
mantle, read aloud the sentence of the court,
condemning all the culprits there present to
the penalty of death by fire, and pronouncing
a sentence of outlawry against Wolfgang Hert-
zog. The heralds of the empire in their mediae-
val habits, and batons of silver with the
imperial arms, stationed themselves at the
different stakes to see the sentence duly carried
into effect.
The executioner approched and taking Bar-
bara gently by the arm, led her to a stake, to
which she was attached by a strong iron
chain, depending from a collar; the Domini-
can presenting a crucifix, begged that even
then she would confess and repent, adding
that it was not yet too late ; a glance of scorn
was her only reply.
Another executioner approached; the black,
who gently repulsing him followed, and was
also attached to the stake. His spiritual com-
forter tendered his services, but received no
reply; just at that moment the sun gilded the


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
183
him very sharply. To his great relief the
adept, when they came to another road, asked
his companion which way he meant to take,
as, if he not intend going to the lower
part of the empire, they must separate. The
Black Crook assented, alighted from the
vehicle, and sitting down on the roadside
waited till the wagon was entirely out of sight,
then refuming his walk reached an alehouse,
where liquors were sold, and demanded some
refreehment.
“Ilave you heard the news?” asked the
landlady, as she placed some food and wine on
a rustic table before him.
“As I am a stranger in this part of the
country, perhaps you will be so kind as to tell
me.”
“Some witches, about twenty-five miles
from here, have been playing their infernal
tricks; but they were caught. Two of them
have yet to be found, a man and woman; I
hope that they will be taken.”
This was not very agreeable intelligence to
the adept, who finished his meal without
uttering a word, paid his reckoning and de-
parted, but was at a loss whither to wend his
way. He had taken the precaution to secrete
a portion of his meal, and wishing his hostess
good morning, hastily departed.
The Black Crook was at a loss to which part
of the empire he should direct his steps. If
he could only reach the Turkish frontier, he
would be perfectly safe. He had considerable
funds in the hands of the Dutch bankers at
Amsterdam, which city he could reach from
Constantinople, and whence he could send
messengers to Vienna. Passing by a hedge,
he saw a laborer's smock frock which he did
not hesitate to appropriate, and, thus garbed,
resembled a peasant. Meeting a little boy, he
asked where he was, and to his great joy found
that he was on the road to the Turkish frontier;
two or at most three days would place him in
safety—he had no fears for the future.
Exhausted with travel, he rested at the next
village inn, where he arrived late in the after-
moon, all night, and did not resume his jour-
ney till late in the day, as he had an oppor-
tunity of a post wagon which would enable
him to make more rapid progress than if he
travelled on foot.
The following day, at noon, the Black Crook
arrived at a small cottage, and on asking
where he could find the next tavern, and was
informed that the nearest house of entertain-
ment was at a distance of ten miles, but that
he was welcome to such accommodation as
they had. The place was retiredºand as the
old man and his wife, the only inhabitants of
the cottage, did not seem disposed to meddle
or ask questions, the adept decided that he
would remain for that night at least; and in
the course of the meal learned that he was
near the chateau of the Prince de Bevern, a
German nobleman of French descent, who by
his marriage with a wealthy heiress had ac-
quired a vast landed estate, and resided in the
vicinity. The old man further added that the
prince was fond of birds and beasts, and had a
large collection of animals attached to his resi-
dence—a lion, which had been recently added
to his menagerie, having been for some weeks
the wonder of the country for nearly twenty
miles round.
Pernaps, thought the adept, if I can make
the acquaintance of his groom, I can prevail
on him, for a few gold pieces, to convey me to
the frontier, and then all danger is at an end.
With this view, the adept, after the morning
meal had been dispatched, set out to view the
domains of the prince.
cious, superbly built, and placed in the midst
of extensive gardens elegantly laid out. Hand-
some stables were seen in the rear, and a large
building, with open doors, invited the travel-
ler to enter.
in eages, occupied in crunching their food, but
no attendant was there, nor as he passed
The castle was spa-
Animals of various kinds were.
through the garden did the adept see any one.
Another apartment opened into that occupied
by the animals, and the Black Crook went in
to see what was there, and beheld several ser-
pents in oblong boxes with wire lattices; a
large cage, evidently intended for an immense
reptile was vacant.
The Black Crook gazed around; a few mo-
ments sufficed to gratify his curiosity, and
entering the other room, quitted the building;
and treading the mazes of the garden, soon
found himself in a delicious grove, of which a
mighty oak which had evidently seen more
than a century constituted the chief ornament.
Allured by the shade, the Black Crook sat
down, but his olfactories were soon greeted
with an insupportable smell, and he suddenly
glanced round to see whence it came. A rust-
ling above his head attracted his attention,
and, looking up, saw as he conceived the eyes
of a common snake, dismissed the matter en-
tirely from his mind, and began to plot how
he should make the acquaintance of some one
who would enable him to reach the haven of
safety for which he so ardently longed.
His meditations, however, were abruptly
ended, and he saw, to his horror and surprise,
an immense boa constructor, the largest of its
kind, who had escaped from the menagerie of
the prince, dropping on the lower limbs of the
oak. Flight was impossible; and the gem-like
eye of the creature glittered with intense ex-


136
THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL IIISTORY.
about my person, and quitting the city on
foot, abandoned my home and all it contained
to the clutches of the holy office, reached
Cadiz safely, whence I embarked for Holland.
The officer turned over the leaves of the
journal, and found merely a record of the
adept's stay in Holland, and where he lodged.
There was a hiatus of ten or twelve pages,
and then this should have been placed several
pages back.
One day the tire-woman of the Duchess of
Ossuna came to me and asked if I could pro-
cure a child for her. I replied that it was
possible. She further added, that it would
be worth to me a large sum. The man whose
leg I had cured had an acquaintance, a gypsey
woman, who frequently brought me gold to
test. I remembered that she had a child, and
affected great fondness for it.
Catalina was forced to quit the city, and
asked permission to leave the child with me;
I consented. The mother brought and left
her with me. I sent for the duchess' tire-
woman and showed her the little prattler.
The duchess' own child, who had been sent to
nurse in the country, died, and the woman
who had the charge of it, did not wish to lose
the salary and perquisites to which she was
entitled, and wished to substitute another in
its room. She came, and as soon as she saw
the little Zara (such was her name), cried;
what a resemblance 7 no one can tell the dif-
ference. I must have her, she will save my
lady many a heartbreak. I consented, de-
livered the child to the nurse, who paid me
the price on which she had agreed, and took
Zara with lier. The duchess received Zara
as her own, and she is now the wife of a
Spanish nobleman of ancient descent and vast
possessions. She is now—here the MSS. ab-
rubtly terminated with—I have committed
no crimes worthy of record either in Holland
or Vienna. No human blood has been shed
by me, either directly or indirectly, in either
of the places just named.
Due proclamation was made for the heirs at
law and nearest of kin, to come forward and
claim the property belonging to the adept;
but no one appearing the estate was swept
into the public treasury; a liberal allowance
was made to Grepo. The luckless negro was
found dead near the knoll with several wounds,
as he was probably mistaken for 'one of the
witches, and the color of his skin inducing a
belief that he was a chosen and accredited
emissary of the Prince of Darkness. Thus
ended the Black Crook, with all his com-
panions.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
WEdding FESTivities.
“Marriages and funerals are the two great
occasions of a man's life, and no book can be
said to be completed unless there be a small
seasoning of both.”—The Doctor.
The Prince of Auersperg did not verify the
old adage, “that the course of true love never
runs smoothly.” The lady smiled upon his
suit, and the Count Palfi was equally success-
ful with the Countess Lingotski, and when
consent was asked, it was not refused. All
of rank and fashion that Vienna could then
boast were bidden to the wedding, and the
ceremony was graced by the presence of seve-
ral of the Archdukes; even Prince Lobkowitz,
who had been buried in his library for several
years, quitted his retirement, and danced a
Minuet de la Cour with the Baroness Teleki,
to the admiration of all the bystanders. And
so enchanted was the old prince with the
newly wedded bride, that he invited her to
pass the honey moon at his castle in the in-
terior of Bohemia, and sent intelligence of his
speedy arrival. This was one of the most
magnificent mansions in that ancient king-
dom, and Prince Lobkowitz as one of the
oldest magnates, was entitled to a guard of
honor.
The party, including the artist and Madame
Kleinfeldt, left Vienna in the heavy coaches of
the period, and journeyed by easy stages to
the chateau, where the steward and all the
tenantry were ready to do the honors. A
sumptuous repast was spread in the large hall
and, after the meats had been removed, the
streward, ushering a number of the most re-
spectable tenants, craved permission to drink
to the health of his noble master, and to wish
health and prosperity to the noble brides.
The prince graciously bowed assent, the
glasses were filled, and the old hall re-echoed
with the shouts of “Long live Prince Lobko-
witz!” “Prosperity to the most precious Prin-
cess Auersperg!” “Luck attend the noble
Count Palf l’” The count and the prince testified
their sense of the honor conferred on them by
largesses of gold and silver coin, and the fair
brides courtesied down to the ground in ac-
knowledgment of the pcliteness of their coun-
try friends.
Horses were ordered, and the whole party
were soon in pursuit of the stag. A rustio
collation was spread in the park under the
shade of some large oaks, and the hours passed
till the “weary sun by the bright track of his
fiery car gave token of a goodly day on the
morrow.”
Invitations had been issued for a dance.


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 189
All on the estate, clad in their best, repaired
to the grand hall in the castle, where they were
received in great state by the steward, assisted
by Puffengruntz and his new spouse, formerly
the Dame Christina. The eldest matron on
the estate, clad in the national Bohemian cos-
tume, advanced to the prince, and said:
“My gracious lord, it has always been the
custom, when one of the daughters of your
noble house marries, that the girls of the
village celebrate the event by one of our na-
tional dances. When your sister was contracted
to the Prince Seitz I danced.”
“And you shall do so now, if you will con-
descend to accept me as your partner. You
and yours have been faithful servitors to me
and mine for the last three centuries.”
The dame smiled, and, with a courtesy, re-
plied, “You do me too much honor.”
The steward with a white wand entered the
hall, followed by the guard of honor, who, in
the old costume of the time of the great Maxi-
milian, stationed themselves against the wall,
like statues.
two young farmers led out the ladies.
midst of the dance, twelve girls entered the
room, whom the guard courteously saluted ;
the parties on the floor made space for them,
and a variety of pirouettes were executed with
grace and agility. Twelve more entered the
room, clad in light drapery, holding wreaths.
These ranged themselves on either side, form-
ing an arch with their flowers, under which
their companions passed. These latter now
took the wreaths, and their companions passed
under the arch in turn. Kleinfeldt was so
charmed with the scene that he made a sketch
of, which, when transferred to canvas, he
begged the Prince Lobkowitz's acceptance. A
maagnificent supper was spread in the large
hall for the humbler guests, where wine and
ale were freely distributed. A smaller recep-
tion room was allotted for the accommodation
of the prince and his guests, and many a ma-
tron, when youth had flown, recounted to her
grandchildren as they gathered around her
knees, the festivity and splendor of the enter-
tainment when the young Princess Lobkowitz
was united to the Prince Auresperg, and here,
gentle reader, we will drop the curtain.
CHAPTER XXIX.
The BALLET GIRL.
When I was a much younger man, I was
exceedingly fond of the theatre, and was never
tired of contemplating the bright and beauti-
When the curtain separated me from those
bright visions of beauty; one day I was doom-
ed to be disappointed. I was walking in that
part of London, very near the theatre, and
heard a person say: Miss , it was the
name of the figuerate whom I had seen the
night before in “La Sylphide,” the enchant-
ment completely vanished—she was a vul-
garly dressed dowdy.—Horace Walpole's let-
ters.
A theatre at night is a fairy palace of en-
chantment; the lights, music, scenery, actors,
and audience all combine to form a tout ensen-
ble of enchantment, which time and experience
sometimes are unable to dispel. But the
same place by day presents a very different
aspect—the palaces and fairy castles of the
previous night have resolved themselves into
very ordinary daubs, the chairs and sofas,
which, at a distance, wore the semblance of
damask, are now only coarse imitations, and
the kings and queens, who ranted the night
before in all the gorgeousness of velvet and
The prince opened the ball, and |
In the
fur; sweeping trains and glittering armor met-
amorphosed into common place shabby look-
ing men and women, conning greasy MSS., or
tattered books. The theatrical life is full of
trials, disappointments and anxieties; few at-
tain eminence, and the hard toilers in the
lower walks of the profession can scarcely
earn bread; our province however, lays with
the ballet girl, who particulary in the gay city
of Paris, constitutes a feature in the popula-
tion.
The French, as a nation, are gay, volatile,
and fond of pleasure, dancing may be said to
be their national amusement, and few nations
pursue it with greater zest and enjoyment;
the life of a ballet girl commences properly,
from the very cradle; if a child in the Paris-
ian working class, evinces a talent for dan-
cing, its vocation is fixed, she must be a bal-
let girl; if an ear for music, she is destined
for the opera comique, or the conservator to;
but the greater part choose the ballet, (or
rather their parents select it for them;) the
aid of the neighboring dancing master is in-
voked, or perhaps some retired actress, who
occupies an apartment in the fifth story, con-
descends for the consideration of a few francs,
to give some lessons, and volunteers an
an introduction to the stage manager of some
third or fourth rate theatre on the Boule-
wards, or the Porte St. Martin, but rarely to
the grand opera. Perhaps the mother or
aunt, has some ambition, and at once deter-
mines that her protegee shall have the benefit
of at least a trial at the grand opera—these
theatres may be well enough, but they wout
ful beings, who sported before the foot-lights, suit her Lucille, and accordingly the pair
in silver gauze and spangles, and was sorry betake themselves to the back of the opera


THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY. 141
glasses, hung at irregular intervals, constituted
the entire furniture. All her companions of the
morning are there, but have laid aside their
ordinary street attire and appear either as Swiss
peasants, court ladies, with trains of velvet and
mock diamond tiaras, or in clouds of muslin,
heaps of spangles, wreaths of flowers,and count-
less knots of ribbon. Some are applying a little
bit of color, others giving the last touch to
their hair; some are practising before a mirror,
and others are unpacking a basket and grum-
bling because certain articles they deemed in-
dispensable are wanting. When dressed, all
descend, and the stage is as fully peopled as
inthemorning; the prompter anxious, the stage-
manager worried, and the call-boy impertinent;
some are laughing, some quarreling, and others
peeping at the audience through sundry in-
geniously contrived slits.
The last bell rings, the curtain rises, and
all are on the stage. The leading dancer at-
tracts the attention of the public and leaves
the lesser lights unnoticed, but the ballet girls
are not idle, and one observes to another in a
low but perfectly audible tone:
“Look at that Zephyrine, she is with the
Englishman now ; he is perfectly infatuated
with her. I saw them together the other day
in the Champs Elysees. But do look at that
woman—aint she superb fº
The queen of the evening has executed one
of her most daring pirouettes; a tunic of white
satin embroidered with silver, tightly fitting
to the bust, displays the matchless beauty of
Ther figure. This garment descends to the
waist, and her ankles, covered with flesh-
colored silk, attract all eyes; opera glasses
are directed, so as to command the matchless
proportions and graceful swell of the well
turned thigh and neatly rounded ankle.
Ladies of quality in the boxes simper, turn
aside their heads, and wonder why the
management would permit such an ex-
posure, and yet nightly are to be seen in
the place, “so that the very stones prate of
their whereabouts.” Old bachelors, men about
town, survey the danseuse, make broad obser-
vations about her, and contrast her with the
artistes of their youth; young lordlings, who
have more cash and time than wit, vow that
she is the finest woman that they ever saw ;
such a foot, such a magnificent ankle, and
then, and then—but we will not go further;
bouquets fall in a flowery rain from all parts
of the house, and the curtain falls amid a
thunder of applause. Her maid comes on the
stage with a large basket, to carry off the
tribute paid to her mistress' talents. The
wearied artistes soon quit the theatre to seek
the repose they need so much ; mothers are
waiting outside for some of the ballet troupe,
others avail themselves of the services of some
young men. Some of these escorts are ele-
gantly dressed, and frequently invite their
fair companions to partake of a bottle of wine
and some refreshment; these offers are rarely
if ever refused. The others are not quite so
well dressed, their boots are mended, their
coats are shabby, and their linen is not quite
snowy white. Six months thus pass, and the
young girl is now thoroughly broken into
harness, every nook and corner of the theatre
are well known to her; she can tell at a glanee
who admires her, and knows certain elderly
peers, antiquated marquises, and damaged
dukes. She thinks that her mother's notions
are old fashioned, and that she can do with-
out her rather better than with her, and finally
tells mamma, or matante, that as the nights
are so cold she will not trouble her to come to
the opera house for her. She has observed a
young Russian, who looks like a bear, speaks
French abominably, but who sports, oh such
loves of diamond rings; he comes behind the
scenes and looks at her. With a little manage-
ment she might yet win him, she will make
his acquaintance; she throws herself in his
way, and succeeds. The apartments on the
fifth fioor are exchanged for an elegantly fur-
nished suite on the second ; the solitary chop
or egg, with a thin shaving of butter, is re-
placed by a Periford pie, a pound of the most
delicious yellow Guernsly butter, and the
strongest Mocha poured from a richly chased
silver pot, the cracked and mismatched crock-
ery has given place to the most exquisite.
Severes. Youth is the season of enjoyment, the
Russian has plenty of gold, and she is deter-
mined to spend it. The mornings are passed
at the opera house, the afternoons at the Bois
de Boulogne, where she occasionally sees
Zephyrine or Celestine, who have not had so
much luck as she; they wear inaitation, she
real cachemire silk dresses of every shade
and color fill her closet; diamonds, rubies, and
emeralds glitter in her jewel cases, cameos
are a drug. This lasts for nearly a year, when
the Russian informs the lady that he is going
to London, and will not return for ten days.
La belle Josephine (for so we will call her),
sighs, melts into a flood of tears, and conjures
her beloved Ivan not to stay away from her
so long. He returns sooner than he expected,
and what is his surprise when he admits him-
self with a pass-key to find his inamorata at
breakfast with a young English lord, who has
the air and manner of a man who is master of
all he surveys. The Russian is too polite to
quarrel with Lord Tanington, who has just
completed his majority, and come to Paris to


142 THE BLACK CROUK, A MOST WONDERFUL DIISTORY.
spend some loose thousands which have ac-
cumulated at his bankers during his minority,
and is exceedingly anxious to see life. He
has noticed Md'lle Josephine at the opera,
who has learned ere this to make the most of
her charms to poise herself on her toes, show
her ankles, exhibit her bust, and place her-
self before the footlights in positions carefully
oopied from some of the worst productions of
the most lascivious school in the world. The
young lord is fascinated, and Josephine nothing
loath, is ready to accept his protection, dines
daily on the Boulevards, and is the envy and
delight of all her associates; but the ballet
girl is liable to accidents, a fall, a cold, a
sprain, and all these are incident to her pro-
ession, rob her of her charms, and then she is
remembered as that fascinating Flora; don't
you remrmber her ? Well, she caught a fever,
and could dance no more ; she lived with the
Russian, then with the Italian Duca di San Co-
tolda, but where she is now, or where she lives,
no one knows, or perhaps you may recollect
Therese, she was at the ballet at the same time
with Cerito, but she sprained her ankle and
has been good for nothing ever since.
Even should the ballet girl escape any of
the accidents above mentioned, still time, late
hours, and the various inconveniences atten-
dant on her profession age her more percep-
tibly than women in private life, and at forty-
flve the ballet girl is but a shadow of her for-
mer self. They rarely have sufficient discre-
tion to economize for this ; their admirers have
fled with their waning charms. Some jewels
of no great value, a few half worn silk dresses,
and a faded cachmere constitute her sole pos-
sessions, or, if she has been so fortunate as to
save enough to purchase a moderate annuity,
she generally lives in the fifth story with a
parrot or a lap-dog. In default of such means,
the old ballet dancer is only too glad to accept
the position of ma tante or ma cousine to some
young and handsome artiste, preside over her |
uousehold, drive away the poverty-stricken
scions of fashion and properly encourage the
wealthy, for which she receives a small salary,
a wretched lodging, and is compelled to sub-
mit to the caprices of one who, when she
grows old, will fill the same position. Such is
a brief history of the ballet girl in nearly all
the cities of Europe.
NOTES
Allusion has been made in the text to the
condition of the lower and laboring classes.
These, in all parts of Europe, were in a most
deplorable condition; hard worked, ill fed,
under paid, and lacking the necessaries of life,
while their lords generally resided at the
court, and rarely visited their estates, except
during the hunting season. All offices were
closed to them; these were engrossed by the
nobles, and a host of sinecures, with large
salaries, created expressly for their accommo-
dation. Did a young man study for the Church,
lie could never hope to rise to the mitre; the
purple was specially reserved for the younger
son of some pliant courtier, who had no other
way of providing for him. To such an extent
was this carried, that many of the hierarchy
were open unbelievers, and only entered the
priesthood for the sake of emolument.
If a young peasant, allured by the represen-
tations of a recruiting sergeant, enlisted in the
army, he could rise no higher than a non-
commissioned officer; these posts again were
reserved for the younger scions of the counts,
marquises, and others who filled the ante-
chambers of royalty, and eagerly courted the
smiles and caresses of the king.
All these privileges were swept away in
France by the edict of 1793, and the French
peasantry and mechanics recognized as a power
in the state, and entitled to some privileges.
But the condition of the noble in Austria
remains the same to this day. He has certain
privileges of which the crown alone can de-
prive him, and then only when convicted of
high crimes and misdemeanors; the circle is
jealously guarded, and entrance to the higher
ranks hermetically sealed, except to all pos-
sessing the sixteen quarterings. They have to
this day the same feeling and use the same
language as that attributed to the speaker in
the text. The revenues of some of these
nobles are immense, and their possessions un-
limited. -
The English aristocracy, though exceedingly
jealous of their privileges, are yet willing, if
the applicant possess a golden key, to admit
him into their circle, and seldom refuse an
opulent match when offered. Like the French
brethren of 1793, they engross all the lucrative
offices in the State, Church, army and navy.
As some allusion has been made in the text
to the Cenci, we will give a brief sketch of
that famous tragedy, which terrified Rome
When it was enacted, and whose memory


146 THE BLACK CROOK, A MOST WONDERFUL HISTORY.
Truxillo; Urquiza, who really had an affec-1 for six months; she was exceedingly tired of
tion for this strange being, whom he believed
a man, furnished her with letters of recommen-
dation to a friend in Lima, in whose family she
became domesticated, and even went so far as
to pay her addresses to the daughter of her
host; the father of the young lady was wil-
ling, and even named a day for the celebration
of the nuptials; to elude the importunities
of the family, she quitted Lima, for La Con-
eepcion, and enlisted in a company then form-
ing in Chili; and to her great surprise, found
that her brother Miguel de Erauso, who had
quitted Spain, to better his fortunes in the
new world, was her captain ; he was fifteen
years her senior, and attracted by the frank
bearing of Don Ramirez de Gusman (the name
Catalina then bore,) and considering her as
a youth, separated from his friends, and na-
tive land, paid her some attention; at the
battle of Puren, she showed great bravery,
threw herself into the thickest of the fight,
saw the banner of Spain floating at a distance,
in the possession of the enemy, and swore
thas she would recapture it, and cut her way
to the cacique, who held the Spanish flag; her
companion was stricken to the earth, with a
death wound, but the dauntless woman press-
ed on alone, attacked the cacique, and wrested
the prize from his hand, at the same time
wounding him mortally; she herself did not
escape uninjured, she had been struck by
three arrows, wounded in the side by a lance,
and had a sabre cut on one of her legs; her
valor in this engagement, won her the title of
Alferez or ensign; when peace was restored,
she returned to Concepcion, and resided there
awhile.
Catalina's natnre was fiery, she loved play,
and its excitement; one day being at a gamb-
bing house, f ie and the banker, had a quarrel
about the color of a card; and the man ap-
plied to her an opprobious epithet; Catalina
pale with rage, exclaimed:
“Dare to repeat that word!”
The offensive expression was again uttered,
and the sword of his opponent was buried in
his bosom, the auditor of Chili, a young Span-
iard of noble birth, ordered Catalina to leave
the room; she treated the command with con-
tempt, it was reiterated, and the officer seized
her by the doublet, to enforce his authority;
this was more than she could bear, she stab-
bed the auditor in the face, and before any
one could stop her, had quitted the building;
to protect herself, she sought sanctuary in the
cathedrel, and adjoining convent of St. Fran-
cis; the governor, who heard of the outrage,
did not venture to drag her out by force, but
blockaded the convent, where she remained
her solitude, and bitterly complained of it, to
a friend, who came to visit her, and asked her
to become his second in a duel, to whieh Cat-
alina agreed, and was at the rende-vous at the
hour appointed; a difficulty arose between
herself and the second of the opposite party,
high words were exchanged, and the dispute
could only be settled by the sword; a duel
was the result, Catalina escaped uninjured,
but her opponent was mortally wounded, and
asked for a priest, leaning over, Catalina by
the moonlight, recognized her brother, who
in his last moments accused her of his death;
this fresh crime so displeased the governor,
that he summoned the monks to surrender
their guest, but the brotherhood jealous of
their privileges refused; and eight more
months were passed in what was to the unfor-
tunate woman the most fearful of all punish-
ments, inaction.
A friend, Don Juan Ponce de Leon, resolved
to facilitate her escape, but it was necessary
that she should cross the great desert of the
Andes—at all times a fearful solitude—but the
very thought of which would make the gayest
shiver and discourage the most resolute; but
supplied with a moderate sum of money and a
horse, Catalina departed on her perilous jour-
ney. After making a little progress, she met
two soldiers on horseback with whom she
joined company. The soil was arid, and for
miles not even a tuft of vegetation relieved
the eye. The cold was intense, and to add to
their other trials water and provisions began
to fail. The horses were jaded, and they pro-
ceeded on foot. One of her companions sud-
denly uttered a shout, and exclaimed that he
saw a man. Catalina approached, perceived
that they were Indians, and addressed them
in the language of the country, but they
neither moved nor spoke—they were frozen to
death. One of her companions succumbed to
the cold, the other and Catalina were the sole
tenants of this frightful solitude. Still she
persevered in her journey. Her remaining
companion likewise fell a victim to the climate,
and she was alone, and records in her journal
that, the first time for twenty-eight years, she
wept bitterly. Drying her tears, she approach-
ed the body, took all the money she could find,
and continued her journey.
“Recommending myself to the holy Mother
of God and St. Joseph, her glorious spouse,”
she safely entered Tucuman, but, as usual,
her restless disposition did not allow her long
to be at peace with those among whom she
dwelt, and, after a sojourn of some mouths,
quitted the kingdom after a quarrel, in which
she slew her adversary, and proceeded to Pis