CHAPTER XVI.
_Frank leaves the Service of his Master._--_A Bowery Concert Saloon._--_The departure of Henry Schulte._--_William Bucholz enters the employ of the old gentleman._ We left William Bucholz and Frank Bruner in conversation at "The Crescent Hotel." The young Hussar who had been reared in luxury, whose life until this time had been a round of pleasure and gayety, and who had come to America to seek his fortune--and the servant of the strange and silent old man who had crossed the sea to escape the imagined dangers which threatened him and to find peace and comfort in his declining years.
"You have just come over from Germany, I understand," said Bucholz, addressing his companion in German.
"Just arrived to-day," replied Bruner.
"Did you come alone ?" "Oh, no; I came with the old gentleman who has just gone to bed." "Have you been long with him ?" "Long enough to want to get away from him," was the reply.
"What is the reason ?" inquired Bucholz, with some indication of surprise and curiosity.
"Well, he does not use me properly, and I have grown tired of his abuse," answered Frank, sullenly.
After further questioning him, Bucholz learned the story of the old man's eccentricities, the fact of his large possessions, and the probability of his extending his travels as far West as California.
"I would not leave him," said Bucholz, after Frank had finished his narrative; "he may not live very long, and he will no doubt do something handsome for you." "I don't care for that," replied Frank Bruner; "I would not continue many days longer in his service even if I knew that he would leave me all his money." At that moment the sound of a cane struck angrily upon the floor above them admonished Frank that his master desired his services, and also that he was in no pleasant humor.
"There he goes!" cried Frank, "and I must go to him or I shall feel the weight of his stick.

Good-night." "Good-night!" said Bucholz, extending his hand, "I will see you again in the morning." The young man turned and left the room, and Bucholz seated himself apart from the rest of the company, apparently lost in profound meditation.

Shortly after, he roused himself, as with an effort, and bidding his comrades good-night he went up stairs to his room.
He did not immediately retire, however, but sat up until a late hour, revolving in his mind the information which he had just received and debating with himself as to his future course of action.
The result of this mental consultation appeared satisfactory to him, and he undressed himself and went to bed.

He would encourage Frank to leave his distasteful employment, and he would offer himself as an applicant for the vacant position.

He had no fears of the result, and felt no anxiety about the probabilities of his being made the subject of the old man's castigations.