alet, to the
eccentric old gentleman, was a tall, broad-shouldered, fine-looking
young fellow, whose clear-cut features and prominent cheek-bones at
once pronounced him to be a German. His eyes were large, light blue
in color, and seemed capable of flashing with anger or melting with
affection; his complexion was clear and bright, but his mouth was
large and with an expression of sternness which detracted from the
pleasing expression of his face; while his teeth, which were somewhat
decayed, added to the unpleasing effect thus produced. He was,
however, rather a good-looking fellow, with the erect carriage and
jaunty air of the soldier, and it was a matter of surprise to many,
that a young man of his appearance should occupy so subservient a
position, and under such a singular master.

Such was William Bucholz, the servant of Henry Schulte.

Between master and man there appeared to exist a peculiar relation,
partaking, at times, more of the nature of a protector than the
servant, and in their frequent walks William Bucholz would invariably
be found striding on in advance, while his aged, but seemingly
robust, employer would follow silently and thoughtfully at a distance
of a few yards. At home, however, his position was more clearly
defined, and William became the humble valet and the nimble waiter.

The reserved disposition and retired habits of the master were
regarded as very eccentric by his neighbors, and furnished frequent
food for comment and speculation among the gossips which usually
abound in country villages--and not in this case without cause. His
manner of living was miserly and penurious in the extreme, and all
ideas of comfort seemed to be utterly disregarded.

The furniture of the room which he occupied was of the commonest
description, consisting of an iron bedstead, old and broken, which,
with its hard bed, scanty covering and inverted camp-stool for a
pillow, was painfully suggestive of discomfort and unrest. A large
chest, which was used as a receptacle for food; a small deal table,
and two or three unpainted chairs, completed the inventory of the
contents of the chamber in which the greater portion of his time was
passed when at home.

The adjoining chamber, which was occupied by Bucholz, was scarcely
more luxurious, except that some articles for toilet use were added
to the scanty and uninviting stock.

The supplies for his table were provided by himself, and prepared for
his consumption by