[Bucholz and the Detectives by Allan Pinkerton]@TWC D-Link bookBucholz and the Detectives CHAPTER XVI 3/4
Presently a buxom-looking German girl, whose rosy cheeks and rotund figure gave evidence that her life in this place had been of short duration, advanced towards them, and, seating herself beside Bucholz, bade him good evening, in a tone of familiarity which betokened a long, or, at least, a well-understood acquaintance. [Illustration: _"A buxom looking german girl sat down beside Bucholz, and bade him Good Evening."_] To the young man who accompanied Bucholz there seemed to be a fascination in the glitter of his present surroundings, and he instinctively began to feel envious of his more fortunate companion, who appeared so much at his ease, and whose intimacy with the Teutonic siren was so much to be admired. During the progress of the mixed entertainment that followed, in which dancing and singing, banjo playing, and a liberal display of the anatomy of the female "artists" formed the principal features, they sipped their beer and applauded loudly the efforts of those who ministered to their enjoyment. Upon the conclusion of the performance, they returned to their hotel, and Frank Bruner's mind was more firmly settled in his determination to leave the service of Henry Schulte, and to find employment in the city, where such pleasures would be open to him at all times. On their walk homeward to the hotel Frank again mentioned his resolve to Bucholz. "I think you are very foolish," was the reply.
"The old man has lots of money, and if I was in your place I would do very different." Frank was immovable, however, and the words of his companion produced no effect upon his mind. The next morning Mr.Schulte endeavored in vain to induce Frank to change his determination, and at last, finding it impossible to do so, he paid him the amount that was due to him and dispensed, rather reluctantly, with his further services. A few days after this, having completed the business which detained him in New York, the old gentleman announced his intention of departing, and, having his baggage transferred to the coach, he started for the depot, leaving Frank behind him, who now half regretted having so suddenly sundered his relations with his eccentric employer. Bucholz's opportunity had now arrived, and jumping into the coach, he took his seat beside the old gentleman, whose acquaintance he had cultivated during his brief sojourn at the hotel. "You are going away, Mr.Schulte ?" said Bucholz. The old man nodded his head affirmatively, but made no audible reply. "Which way are you going ?" asked Bucholz, unabashed by the manner of the other. "I am going down to South Norwalk, in Connecticut, to buy a farm which was advertised for sale there," answered Mr.Schulte. "Where is Frank ?" asked Bucholz, as though in ignorance of their separation.
"Is he not going with you ?" "Frank is no longer in my employ.
I have discharged him, and he must now look out for himself." "Don't you want somebody to take his place ?" said Bucholz, eagerly. "Yes, but I will get some one down there, I guess," replied the old man, as though he did not desire to talk any further about his affairs. "Don't you think I would suit you, Mr.Schulte? I have nothing to do, and would be very glad to take the place," urged Bucholz.
The old gentleman looked up in surprise at this question, and said: "You would not come for such wages as I would pay." He named a sum ridiculously small, but Bucholz announced his perfect willingness to accept the position at the remuneration offered. The old gentleman revolved the question in his mind for a few moments, gazing somewhat suspiciously at the young man the while, and at length said to Bucholz, who was anxiously awaiting his decision: "Well, you may come along and see how you will like it.
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