The Thirteenth; or, the fatal number

Chapter I

" His brow was like the deep when tempest-tost ; Fierce aud unfathomable thoughts engraved Eternal wrath on his immortal face, And those to whom he spake remember'd well, And on the words, however light, would dwell. None knew nor how, nor why, but he entwin'd Himself perforce around the hearer's mind ; There he was stamp'd, in liking or in hate, If greeted once ; however brief the date Anil uhere he gazed a gloom pervaded space." Byron. • 00(1 That friendship, pity, or aversion knew, Still there within the inmost thought hp grew. You could not penetrate his soul, but found, Despite your wonder, to your own he wound ; His presence haunted still ; aud from the breast He forced on all unwilling interest : " With all that chilling mystery of mien, And seeming gladness to remain unseen, He had (if 'twere not Nature's boon) an art Of fixing memory on another's heart : It was not love perchance — nor hate— nor aught That words can image to express the thought ; But they who saw him did not see in vain, And, once beheld, would ask of him again : Vain was the struggle in that mental net.

His spirit seemed to dare you to forget ! " Lara. A PARTY of students sat drinking, in a room devoted to the service of the public by the portly but phlegmatic landlord of a quaint old inn, in the good city of Cologne. It was in the year 1638, fast approaching its close. A bitter night, a freezing sleety wind driving round corners and moaning in hollow places without-doors, but warm, cozy, and cheery within. A bright wood-fire well supplied, sparkled, sputtered, and crackled, nay even roared, in the broad fire-place, helping by its leaping dancing flames, to light the room which a couple of iron lamps sus pended" from the ceiling, fed by oil, attempted, somewhat feebly, to accomplish. The students were having a joyous carouse; vast volumes of smoke issued from their pipes, rolling in white clouds among the rasters of the room; they frequently moistened their throats by draughts of Rhenish, to dissipate the dryness created by the Virginian weed or stentorian efforts to give effect to the OK, drinking choruses or love songs which bouted singly or ny, as the nature of the ditty required.

Thes attained their majority, but their skill at the wine-cup would have surp that of many who had long passed that rubicon. As the wine mounted to their brains, their mirth waxed fast and furious; many spoke at once, and the liar characteristics of each were, under the influence of the wine they swafi developed, unchecked by the caution moments, made them hide in the even surface presented to the world, the i work beneath. " Ho ! a toast, fill lugh, a toast, ho !" shouted one of the drinkers, starti his feet, a youth about nineteen, upon whom the potations in which he had indulged had taken sufficient effect to make him flushed with excitement. " A toast !" he cried, waving his cup and dispensing a portion of its contents cen trifrugally over those who happened to be within its limits. " A toast, h to the brim — drain to the dregs."

" A toast ! a toast !" echoed his companions. " Silence !" But the many voices shouting for silence rendered the chance of its being accomplished rather doubtful; by the dint, however, of beating the table with their drinking cups, and making lusty use of their voices, some with the strongest lungs, who really were the most uproarious, succeeded in obtaining something like order. " Our cups are brimming, our throats are parched, our cars are open, we wait thy toast, oh Nuremberger !" cried one of the most powerful-throatr-d of the students. ''Here is to her, the mistress of my heart !" exclaimed the Nuremberger, elevating his drinking horn with much enthu manner. " Her name ?" cried a student. '' Ay, her name !" echoed half a dozen voices. The Nuremberger hesitated for a moment. "Nay, Berthold, let us know whom we are to honour thus?

Her name, friend." This was urged by a youth scarce eighteen, of fair, handsome features and of delicate proportions, almost feminine in character, whose dreamy eyes and pale visage, as well as reefing efforts at steadiness, exhibited the effects of the wine he had taken. "Her name, brother," he continued, in a voice as dreamy as his eyes and unsteady as his movements. " Let it be a sweet name too, Berthold — I love a pretty name as I love a pretty face ; and that I love a pretty face, that exquisite perfection of loveliness — that dimpled cheek, impudent, pretty little Lisa, who dwells — " His voice was drowned by the impatient calls by the students upon the youth Berthold, for the name of his mistr The young Nuremberger took a hasty draught from his cup as if to re-assure himself, and then refilling it to overflowing, he sprung to his feet ; he upraised it, and in a loud clear voice exclaimed — " To Madeline !"

He drained his cup to the last drop as soon as the name quitted his lips. "To Madeline!" shouted his companions, following his example, emptying their cups at a single draught. Then followed a wild uproarious cheer, and ere it had died away the voice of Berthold, with a deep enthusiasm and i dearness of tone, was heard jig, as he elevated his refilled wine-cup, a song to his lady love ; - TO MADELINE. To her with the deep blue eyes, To her with th-3 flowing hair, Waving, with the gentlest sighs Of the warm and fainting air. To her of the dazzling skin, Whiter than Indian pearl ; With the soul untouched by sin, Who maketh my dim brain whirl. To Madeline. To her with the peerless face, With the brow of unsullied snow, — With the form of faultless grace, With the kind voice soft and low. To her with the vermeil lips, With the balmy fragrant breath — Ah ! he who its nectar sips Must swoon unto a sweet death.

To Madeline. To her with unclouded mind, A spirit all calm and pure, — A heart like the sweet south wind, Which owns not a taint impure. To her ! who holdeth my soul : For her these passionate sighs From my heart, with uncontrol — • To her with the deep blue eyes — To Madeline. As Berthold concluded the last word, he once more quaffed his wine unto the last drop, turning the mouth of the cup downward, when he had drank its contents, to prove to his companions that he had done full honour to his toast. The students, who had listened somewhat quietly to his ditty, showered a general and rather noisy applause upon him. He smiled somewhat proudly, and resumed his seat. The student next to him cried — " A dainty ditty ! Thou dost deserve well of us, oh Berthold ! And the lady, too ! By St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins ! dainty as the ditty, marvellous in beauty, where doth she dwell ? — where doth she dwell, oh Berthold ?

Communicate unto me that most priceless secret, that one of the most discriminating denizens of that most cursed university in this holy and blessed city may, with his longing eyes, do justice to a description so warm, so tender, as thou hast given." " To thee, Ernest ?" ejaculated a companion, with a laugh which was tinc tured with a sneer — " to thee, who art the most graceless in Cologne, perhaps in all Germany ! who hast made more maidens wear a clouded brow than I can number prayers — " •'Prayers," interrupted Ernest — "thou hast not a prayer in thy memory. Thou dost utter none ; thou hast not wit to coin one — no, not to the Evil One — to help thee out of a strait, when thou hast drank deeply at a hostel, and hath not a groschen to pay the reckoning. Thy argument is bad ; by thy logic, no maiden weareth a troubled soul by deed of mine."

"Even though my comparison faileth, Berthold knoweth I am too near the truth to trust thee with the abode of one so fair as he hath taught us is the same gentle Madeline. To one discreet as myself, Berthold will be less scrupulous. Berthold, on thy next visit to the maiden I am^with thee." " Nor thou, nor any one, save myself," laconically exclaimed Berthold. " Now art thou miserly !" responded the student. "Remember, this is I, Maximilian, to whom thou art thus niggardly. Have we not shared in com mon our rooms, our food, our drink, our cash — nay, have we not, in turns, worn the best doublet, the best faced boots, one keeping close while the other sunned abroad, when funds were low — and now, when I ask of thee to share only a visit — " " Maximilian, all this have we done," said Berthold, interrupting him with •wn ; " so much have we been together, that thou knowest my nature well.

Mark me ! this is no subject for a ribald jest or drunken mirth. When I pres; the spring-lock of my heart, laying bare its recesses, it was because, in a moment like this, my spirit was full of brotherly communion with one and all present; but even mine own brother should not dare to utter lightly a name sacred to ) - soul without bitterly rueing that he had done so. Maximilian, thou know me. Change the subject, and let thy discourse with Ernest turn on oti matters." " And what if I choose to dwell upon this subject?" asked Ernest, looking into the eves of Berthold with an air of bravado " Thou wilt do so at thine own peril," he replied, quickly. " And so do I ever, when my will incites me to a deed others shrink from," observed Ernest, with a sneer, the wine he had taken helping to develop I worser qualities.

" Thus is it my pleasure to speak of this divinity of thine, because thou hast hinted chastisement to any one who may sputter her dainty name too freely for thy sensitive inclining." " Thou hast best hold thy peace," murmured Maximilian to Ernest; "he hath a devil within him when enraged, and is truly of the strongest." Ernest laughed loudly. " Look ye, Ernest," exclaimed Berthold, with some little excitement, wluch he strove to conceal ; " I have no desire to control your speech, except on that which immediately concerns my honour. I came hither for a roistering, joyous night, but would rather turn it into an arena for bloody scenes than thou or any one should utter a ribald word respecting one whom I named only to be honoured." " An' I choose not to honour the name, thou shalt not make me," replied Ernest, insultingly.

" If it will roll lightly over my tongue — " " I will ram it down thy throat before the articulation reaches the air." " An' I were a trembling fool, such a threat might deter me, but it does not. Maidens common to me or any one may be perfection to thee. This Madel" — Further utterance was denied him by being hurled to the floor like lightning by a blow on the mouth from the fist of Berthold. In an instant all was uproar ; every student leaped to his feet; swords flew from the scabbards, preparing to share the quarrel ere the cause was demanded. The disputants were surrounded. Ernest, smarting with pain and rage, bleeding freely from his cut lip, was lifted to Ids feet, and, drawing his sword, proceeded with fury to attack Berthold, who, with flushed face but determined air, stood ready to receive his assault.

In a moment the fray commenced, but while the clashing of weapons was g in the air the door flew widely open, and three strangers and the host entered, Two of the new-comers were students; they were spcedilv by the side ot' the combatants. One, a tall, powerful young man, drew his" weapon quickly as soon as he observed who were engaged, and, striking up the swords, stood between them, preventing further coutest. He cast his eyes on Berthold with a significant and reproving glance. "Thou in contest with Ernest!" he exclaimed; "thou dost surprise me. Wherefore should'st there have been a quarrel between ye?" " I but defend that which is dearer to me than life, Hildebrand — the sanctity of another's name," replied Berthold. ' Thou liest !" roared Ernest, passionately. " Thou hast struck me even because I would not consent to acknowledge thy doves my swans " " A blow !" exclaimed Hildebrand.

Ernest exhibited his swollen, bleeding lip, which trembled yet with a passion that made the blood bubble in his veins. He grasped his sword, but could not trust himself to speak. Hildebrand shook his head thoughtfully ; he asked of Berthold an explana tion. He gave it moodily, but briefly. Hildebrand turned to the students, and said, in a loud voice — " You all know me ; I am only swayed by justice." " True, true!" cried several voices. " Shall I judge between Berthold and Ernest?" The whole of the students, save the combatants, roared out an affirmative. " And my award shall be obeyed?" he said. "It shall! it shall!" shouted the students. " Thus, then, I decide. A blow has been given — a duel must be fought !" Both Berthold and Ernest eagerly assented. " But as both are in the wrong," continued Hildebrand, " one in ungenerously mouthing a name given in kindness and in honour, the other in striking a blow, an ignoble act, done hastily, for which he is doubtless now sorry, knowing a simple challenge would have sufficed, I decide that the duel shall end upon either being disarmed or blood being drawn ; the successful combatant deeming sufficient satisfaction to have been received.

The duel to be fought at once, and either refusing to accede to my decision to be expelled the company, and seek his redress how and hereafter as he may." A murmur of applause followed the speech of Hildebrand. Berthold assented, but Ernest was not disposed to do so. " The insult is unequal," he said. " I have received a vile blow, given before a body of fellow students. Think ye that disarming my foe will satisfy me? No ! by St. Paul, no !" " And I hold no insult so great as that which thou hast fastened upon me," ejaculated Berthold ; " yet as wine hath had some share in our actions, I am willing to abide by the decision of Hildebrand." " And so must Ernest, or he quits our company," said Hildebrand. " A power being deputed to me, I will fulfil it, and without trifling or wasting time. Art thou prepared, Ernest, to comply, or wilt thou depart at once?"

Ernest finding that his fellow students exhibited every intention of supporting Hildebrand, and knowing himself to be in bad odour with many of them, he wished not to widen the breach existing; therefore, swallowing as much of his ire as he best could, and resolving, if he drew blood, to draw it effectually, or to E to another time the full satisfaction of his revenge, he consented to the arrangement, aud prepared to use his utmost skill against his antagonist Berthold, opposing his sword at once to him. This, however, was checked until the seats and tabli moved to the sides of the room, making a clear and . t was unceremoniously detained, to prevent his giving any and then Hildebrand, compelling the students to retire to the artment, gave the signal, and, once more, the swords of Berthold and Ernest cro The combat was brief.

Wine and anger deprived Ernest of I ' skill, for he had the reputation of being a good swordsman ; while, on the other hand, Berthold, who felt that he was supporting the honour of a name he now re^ i -red, exercised all his judgment and caution to uphold the position ir which he had taken, determined, if it could bi defeat his opponent, thus teaching him a lesson, and others al 1 they it it, that the name of Madeline was not to be lightly or freely bandied, e, at a meeting like this, he had been incited by an enthusiastic admira- : , to pay her a tribute of his adoration, and exact, or, at least, obtain, the same from others present. Ernest, lunged swiftly and furiously — Berthold parried skilfully and quickly. After a few passes, the latter taking the opportunity wliieh a stumble made by Ernest gave him, he with rapidity and strength of wrist disarmed him, the sword thus disengaged twirling -with such force from the hand of his en opponent, as to strike the opposite side of the apartment.

With a fierce cry, Ernest sprang towards him, almost impaling himself upon Berthold's sword; but Hildebrand, who had closely and anxiously watched the result, darted upon him, seized him in his powerful grasp, and held him back. " The duel is ended," he cried. " According to the terms stipulated, thou hast received satisfaction, Ernest. Be still, man; thou didst agree to abide by my proposition, and thou shalt I" " Unhand me, Hildebrand," cried Ernest passionately, and sta free. " Unhand me, or I'll strike thee to the earth." " Pish ! thuii wouldst but get the worst in such an attempt, as thou knowest. Be thou still, I tell thee. What ! thou'rt like a boy with uncurbed passions; be a man — show thyself one." " Let me go; let go thy hold. Who art thou, should control me?" "Hildebrand Liethere; lam not an acquaintance of yesterday.

When thou art calmer I will release thee ; return to thy seat, Ernest — show a better spirit. Had'st thou disarmed Berthold thou would'st have claimed the victory; be just; you were both in the wrong, and ye have fought; satisfaction hath been given." ''■' Not to me." " Let him have his sword," interposed Berthold; " and if he be not satisfied we will have another bout." "That shalt thou not," replied Hildebrand, holding the restive and still j ling Ernest with the gsip of a vice. " No, no, no !" cried several students at it is over, replace the and let's to our wine again." "Dost thou hear, Ernest," said Hildebrand; '' thou must comply with the stipulation, or depart disgraced in the eyes of all present." " Disgraced am I enough as it is." " Nay, thou hast fought " "Ai defeated- — struck a vile blow, and my sword whipped from my hand as though I had been a child !

I am foully disgraced, Hildebrand, and must have ample satisfaction." " If Ernest will apologise for rudely naming one who is dear to my heart as its life's blood, then will I express my regret for the h of my hand," said Berthold. "Fairly and nobly advanced," cried Hildebrand; "somewhat uncalled for from thee A\e 'vantage thou hast obtained, but generous enough, by our Lady! How sayest thou, Ernest?" '•' I would cut my tongue out with my dagger ere I would apologise to him who 1 wronged me." " Enough; sit thee down and be amicable, or leave at once, and address not ain when we meet, or I shall act rudely to thee." "And I," exclaimed a listening student. "And I," "and I," echoed a every other voice. " Sit down, or leave, and interrupt the festivity no further. You commi the dissension, and shall not protract it farther, so decide at once," exclaimed Hildebrand, growing angry, making a movement as though he would hand the refractory student from the apartment.

Ernest finding what would be the inevitable result did he persi-t, trusted to a future opportunity for the gratification of his revenge. It would not suit him to be sent to Coventry (as we in England familiarly style treating a man with silent contempt) by his fellow students, and therefore with a sudden change in his manner he exclaimed, " Well, if all present think satisfaction been given and the insult repaired, I will waive further altercation, and return to our jollity." A cheer was his answer; Hildebrand released him instantly. " I tell thee, Ernest," he said emphatically, "as a man tenaciously chary of his honour, that thou may. atisfied; enough has been done to clear thee i any imputation, therefore sit thee down, man, and let vstoup of wine ; and we will begin with a flagon, for I am thirsty with all this talk.

What, ho ! host, a flagon of thy best Rhenish, and quickly, too. Berthold, I will sit me by thee, and we will drink together, and end the night more joy - than it seems you have commenced it." iles were by this time rep] students reseated, the host re- .<!, and departed to renew the supply of wine ; and then it was discovered that there was a stranger among them. Let us describe this new comer rather particula* I will occupy a most important place in tins hist He had entered the room with Hildebrand, who was accompanied by a I student ; but though he came at the same time, it was not as their companion, albeit the host considered him as such, and had admitted him into the society uibled under that impression. During the disturbance his presence was un noticed, but when the party were reseated, and each came to ascertain who seated next to him, it was then discovered that a stranger was present.

Next followed the inquiry to whom they were indebted for the introduction, but no one claimed him for friend or acquaintance, and thus it was shewn that he was an unin* sst, of whom nothing was known. An inspection of his person and his features did not raise any desire in the bosoms of the students to com mence the acquaintance, they were of a character so strange and mysterious. His a^e appeared to be about forty ; he was tall, but his shape was as yet I in the ample folds of a cloak, therefore could not be perceived; yet by the breadtfi of his shoulders he was undoubtedly stalwart. His face was very remarkable in every characteristic, calculated to strike a certain awe in those dngular lineaments. It wore a hue of ashy paleness, rendered stlybya ; [uantity of jet-black hair, which fell from his head in straight and straggling locks almost to his shoulders.

His upper lip was . nished by an enormous pair of mustachios of the same raven black ; his i thick and bushy that when he seowm hidden from sight. This profusion of black hair, forming a sti pale skin, made it appear absolutely of marble-wlnteness. Iii - regular, symmetrical, and really handsome in their proportions, but were rendered terrible by a very extraordinary brilliant black eye which contracted and di lated in a wild and unearthly manner as he was inwardly susceptible of any emotion circumstances might occasion; his teeth were even, and white as snow, displaying themselves when a smile — which almost created a shudder in those who observed it — parted his lips. JHis cheeks, were hollow, not from fatigue or any want of nourishment, but from care — some fearful, corroding care, which the lines in his broad white forehead, and his wan cheeks, too plainly betokened were indelibly stamped there.

Altogether his countenance was so remarkable — so ghastly in its aspect, so unearthly in its expression-— that the eye once lighted upon it was not quickly removed, or removed only with a cold thrill through the frame of the gazer, to be returned again to peruse lineo: which possessed a snake-like fascination to compel the fixed gaze, while the heart grew sick with an indescribable dread. The beauty of this man's features, doubtless, added to the horror which their ghastliness created; but ever the cause, it was certain that those who looked upon him did so with an unpleasant remembrance of all they had ever heard of evil spirits being per mitted to visit the earth, and mingle among mankind for their everlasting destruction. When the students were seated, their wine replenished, and the presence of this stranger detected, a whisper ran through them respecting him ; the eyes of all were fastened upon him, and without exciting any degree of satisf in the breasts of the gazers.

His bearing was stern, yet bore a melancholy character; he was silent, and sat with a vacant gaze, as though some powerful memories rendered him quite unconscious that he was the subject of universal notice ; and the noisy clatter which had attended the renewal of the debauch had gradually lessened, until a whisper alone was heard passing from one to another. He sat unmoved, staring straight before him ; his eye bright and sparkling like a diamond, his hand upon his wine cup, and his thoughts ":ay. Hildebrand, with whom he entered, was appealed to in a whisper, but he shook his head, not only denying his acquaintance, but professed himself utterly ignorant of his presence until he saw him seated at the board. The student who had accompanied Hildebrand also disclaimed all knowledge of him, or of any acquaintance of the mode by which he made his appearance, or wben he entered.

Every student reiterated the same facts, and it was intimated to Hildebrand, who had tacitly assumed the head of the assembly, that lie should draw the attention of the stranger to the fact that this was a meeting of fellow students only — all friends present save himself, and therefore that he ■ oblige them by courteously withdrawing. There was a good reason for this resolution, for the mirth had sensibly be come chilled, the wine congealed, and every one present felt as if he had "been subjected to a heavy fall of snow, which had penetrated through Ids frame even to his heart. Hildebrand, although he felt moved by the strange sensation which had affected every one present, yet was not of a nature to suffer himself to be long controlled by any such feeling. As soon, therefore, as he perceived what effect the presence of the stranger had upon his friends, and understood their wish upon the subject, he addressed himself to him who had created this sensation among them.

Clearing his throat he spoke to him, but remained unanswered ; thrice did he endeavour to attract his attention, aided by a breathless ' silence upon the part of his fellow students, but no response Was made. The mysterious stranger sat unmoved, unheeding the voice of Hildebrand or the presence of the wondering youths, even as though he were the sole tenant of a tomb. " Sir stranger !" at length shouted Hildebrand, his patience waning fast, " will you favour me with a reply?" He struck the table violently with his fist as he concluded. With a scarce perceptible start the stranger awoke from his profound reverie. A heavy sigh, but soundless, swelled his chest; as it passed away he turned his eyes slowly round the company, and when they fastened upon Hildebrand, who felt a slight thrill run through his frame as he encountered them, he spoke.

His voice was hollow, yet not unmusical; still, like his features, it created a strange chilling sensation as it fell on the ears, although it was round, clear, and of per fect intonation. " I crave your courtesy," he said, " was it to me you addressed your speech?" ' Thrice have I done so ere I caught your attention," replied Hildebrand. " Your pardon that mine ear was inattentive. Some old memories forced themselves upon me and carried me far hence. I am prepared now to reply to any question with which you may favour me." " You are a sttanp-er here?'' l> "To those present undoubtedly — not to Cologne. " I have never met thee here. ' " Nor I," " Nor I," murmured several of the students with faint voices, "Possibly; jTet am I no stranger here." " But to us thou art." " Even so." " It is an unpleasant task, sir stranger, but I would desire to be couiv this is a meeting of friends only; we would keep it as Si " I understand; if my presence at the same table be unpleasing, I am undc sirous of troubling you with it; a seat by the fire will serve me."

"True — that is — we would be alone — that is confine this room exclusively to ourselves." " It is a public room." " On the present occasion we would keep it prh es." "Excuse me if 1 dissent from the selfishness of your wish. The night with out is bitter cold, a driving . nig to its discomfort. 1 have no desire to seek another hostel, nor am I sufficiently wealthy to pay for a room devoted to myself only, if the host possessed it, which I doubt. That I quit your table, if the presence of one ready to join in your festivity, and contribute to it, be offensive, I am willing, but that I quit the room — you must pardon if 1 cannot comply with your requi " We might compel you." " You might strive; there are many pi one, I admit; but I hi stout weapon and a good resolution, were you to attempt so inhospitable an act, which might make such an effort cost more than you have any desire to part with on a night bke this."