A False Heir to a Large Possession

Father And Son—Thomas The Forester—A Conspiracy—The Assistant Steward—In America—A Personal—Identity Papers—A Sick Man—Congestion Of The Brain—Diedrich As Count—Thomas As Sailor—Making Acquaintances—A Pretty Means Of Information—Countess Von Buchanau—Excellent Luck—Thomas And Alice—Brother And Sister—The Brothers Vogel—The Father’s Will—An Enormous Fortune—An Importunate Caller—Interviewing In The Park—Thomas Missing—A Call On The Banker— Alice In Anxiety—The Detective On The Track—Calling On The Count—Searching The Woods—A Treacherous Weapon—A Body Found In A Pond—Who Is The Murderer?—Count Or Convict

by George McWatters

A crime, which but seldom is found in the annals of the detective service, startled Germany, and especially the high nobility, in the beginning of last year. We will briefly render the facts; but before we enter upon the real story, as given by the detective, we shall have to go back some eighteen years, and visit the castle of Count Kuno von Hohenstaufen, near Hamburg. Let us enter at once the private apartment of the venerable count, and listen to the conversation which was had between him and his son Kurt, a young lad of about sixteen years.

The father is sitting in his arm-chair, with a care-worn face; the son is standing before him in a penitent position, but with pride beaming from his eyes, and a haughty smile playing around his lips.

“Kurt,” said the father, in a voice which trembled with inward emotion, but decidedly, “it is needless to talk long together. I have been thinking about your request; you wish to go to America. Are you sure you will not repent it? Are you so satisfied that you cannot live in one house with the noble lady whom I have deemed good to make my second wife?”

“Yes, father, I am very sure. I cannot bear the sight of her. If I should try and love her, it seems to me as… Read More