When he got there he found the house deserted. He entered it, for there was no one there to hinder it, but the rooms were empty and dismantled. The house had been hired by Rust, and no sooner was he in the gripe of the law, than creditors innumerable, who like birds of prey were biding their time, kept in check by the unbending character of their debtor, came flitting in from every quarter; seized and sold the furniture, and left the house desolate. A single dark stain upon the library floor, where the murdered man had fallen, was all that was left to tell a tale of the past. The dust had gathered thickly on the walls, as if preparing to commence a slumber of years; and as Kornicker went out, the rats raced through the hall, startled at the tread of a stranger.
With a heart as heavy as his limbs, as he thought of the past life of the girl who had once tenanted this house, and then fancied what her present fate must be, Kornicker set out on his return. If it had been me, said he, pausing to take a last look at the lonely house, if it had only been Edward Kornicker who was thus cast adrift, to kick his way through the world with empty pockets, and without a soul to say to him God speed, or Im sorry for you, it would have been right and proper, and no one would have any cause to grumble or find fault; but this being a girl, with no money, and consequently with no friends, no experience, as I have, its a very hard casea very hard case, indeed.
Having arrived at this conclusion, Kornicker took off his hat, wiped his forehead, snuffed, and set out on his return.
Day after day for several weeks he prosecuted his inquiries without success; and just when he was in despair, chance led him to success. In the course of his rambles, he encountered a person who had been at Rusts trial, and happened to speak about him; for now that the criminal was dead and in his grave, when public opinion could be of no service to him, many who had hunted him down began to view less harshly the crime which had led to his death; and this man was one of the number. He said that, although he deserved punishment for his previous evil deeds, yet the best and purest act of his life had been that by which he had struck down the destroyer of his child.
Poor thing! said he, she must have led a miserable life since her fathers death. I have met her several times since then in the street, but that was several weeks ago; and then she was very feeble, scarcely able to walk: perhaps shes dead now.
Kornicker waited only long enough to ascertain that she lived in a certain out-of-the-way part of the town, which the man designated, and thither he directed his steps, and resumed his search; and after several days spent in fruitless inquiries, he discovered her.
The house in which he found her was a small ruinous building, sagged and jutting forward, as if struggling to sustain itself against time and dilapidation. The windows were broken; the doors and shutters unhung, except a solitary one of the latter, which creaked as it flapped to and fro in the wind; and this was the home of Rusts child.
Kornicker ascended the ricketty stairs and paused at the door of a room, which a slipshod woman had pointed out as that of the murderers daughter. He knocked, but there was no reply; he knocked again, but all was silent. Then he opened the door and looked in.
It was a small dingy room, unfurnished, with the exception of a bed on the floor, and a single chair, on which stood a candle whose flaring light served only to add to the gloom of the room by revealing its wretchedness. The girl was in bed; her hair lying in tangled masses about the pillow. Her cheeks were sunken and colorless, and her eyes deep-set and glowing, as if all that was left of life was concentrated in them.
Kornicker hesitated for a moment, and then pushed the door open and walked in. The girl looked listlessly up, but did not notice him; for she turned her head away with a weary, restless motion, and did not speak. Kornicker went to the bed, got on his knees beside it, and took her hand in his. As he did so he observed that it was very thin and shrunken, and that the large veins stood out like cords. It was hot as fire. Youre very ill, said he, in a low tone. Im afraid youre very ill.
Im dying of thirst, said the girl, pointing to an empty pitcher, which stood on the floor. Give me water; the want of it is driving me mad. No one has been near me to-day. I tried to get it myself, but could not stand.
Kornicker waited to hear no more, but seizing the pitcher, darted out to a pump, and in a very few minutes came back again with it filled to the brim. The girls eye grew even more lustrous than before, as she saw it, and she attempted to rise, but was unable.
You must excuse ceremony, said Kornicker, as he placed his arm under her back and supported her while he held the pitcher to her lips. Nursing isnt in my line.
The girl swallowed the water greedily, and then sank back on the pillow exhausted.
Have you a doctor? inquired Kornicker, placing the pitcher on the floor.
No, answered she feebly; I have no money: the last went yesterday. Im deserted by all now.
Not quite, exclaimed Kornicker, slapping his hand earnestly on his knee, while he experienced a choking sensation about the throat; not while Im left. Im sorry I ant a woman, for your sake; but as I dont happen to be, I hope youll make no objections on that score; Ill look after you as if you were my own sister.
It was the first word of kindness that the girl had heard for a long time, and the tears came in her eyes.
There, there, dont cry, said Kornicker. It bothers me; I dont know what to do when women cry. But you havent a doctor; that will never do. Keep up your heart, said he, rising; Ill return presently. Saying this, and without waiting for a reply, he left the room.
Arriving in the street, his first impulse was not only to feel in his pockets, but with the utmost care to turn them inside out, and to examine them narrowly.
Not a copperpockets to let! said he, restoring them to their former condition, after a long and unsuccessful search. But this girl must be looked after; thats settled. Now then, said he, in a very meditative mood, whos able to do it and will?
This seemed a question not easily answered, for he stood for more than a minute in profound thought, in endeavoring to solve it; but apparently making up his mind, he hurried along the street. The direction which he took was toward the upper part of the city, and he was some time in reaching his destination, which was no other than Harry Harsons house. He crossed the court-yard and knocked at the door, which was opened by Harson.
I want a word with you, said Kornicker, abruptly.
Harson told him to come in; led the way to his sitting-room, and pointing to a chair, told him to be seated.
I havent time, said Kornicker, shaking his head. Do you know me?
Ive seen you, but I cant recollect where.
Here, said Kornicker, here, in this room. I breakfasted here. Im Michael Rusts clerk.
Then you can scarcely expect a cordial reception from me, said Harson, coldly.
I dont care what sort of a reception you give me, replied Kornicker; you may kick me if it will be any comfort to you, provided you only do what I ask. Michael Rust is dead, and his daughter is now dying, with scarcely clothes to cover her, or a bed to lie in; without a cent to buy her food or medicine; without a soul to say a single word of comfort to her. I wouldnt have troubled you, old fellow, continued he, with some warmth, at the same time turning out his pockets, if I had a cent to give her. The last I had I spent in getting a breakfast this morning; and although its the only meal Ive eaten to day, damme if I would have touched it if I had thought to have found her in such circumstances. But since you wont help her, you may let it alone; Im not so hard run but that I can do something for her yet.
Here, said Kornicker, here, in this room. I breakfasted here. Im Michael Rusts clerk.
Then you can scarcely expect a cordial reception from me, said Harson, coldly.
I dont care what sort of a reception you give me, replied Kornicker; you may kick me if it will be any comfort to you, provided you only do what I ask. Michael Rust is dead, and his daughter is now dying, with scarcely clothes to cover her, or a bed to lie in; without a cent to buy her food or medicine; without a soul to say a single word of comfort to her. I wouldnt have troubled you, old fellow, continued he, with some warmth, at the same time turning out his pockets, if I had a cent to give her. The last I had I spent in getting a breakfast this morning; and although its the only meal Ive eaten to day, damme if I would have touched it if I had thought to have found her in such circumstances. But since you wont help her, you may let it alone; Im not so hard run but that I can do something for her yet.
Kornicker had worked himself up into such an excitement, owing to Harsons cold reception of him, that he took it for granted his request was to be refused; and having thus vented his feelings he turned on his heel to go, when the old man laid his hand on his shoulder.
Nature puts noble hearts in very rough cases, said Harson, his eyes glistening as he spoke. Youre a good fellow, but rather hasty. I didnt say I would not assist the poor girl; on the contrary, you shall see that I will. She has no doctor?
No.
No nurse?
No.
Harson rang the bell. The house-keeper answered it.
Martha, put on your things, said Harson; I want you to sit up with a sick person to-night. Bring a basket, and lights, and cups, and every thing thats necessary for one who has nothing. Ill return in five minutes; you must be ready by that time. Now then, Sir, come along; you shall see what Ill do next.
He went into the street, and walked rapidly on, turning one or two corners, but without going far, and at last knocked at the door of a small house.
A very excellent fellow lives here, said he to Kornicker; hes a doctor; and if this girl can be saved hell do it. Hark! there he comes. I hear his step.
The door was opened by the doctor himself, and a few words sufficed to explain matters to him.
Ill be ready in a minute, said he, darting in the room and as suddenly returning, struggling his way into the arms of a great-coat. Now then, exclaimed he, buttoning a single button, and dashing into the street, which way?
Where does she live? asked Harson. Ill go back and bring the nurse.
Kornicker told him, and was hurrying off, when Harson touched his arm, and leading him a few steps aside, said in a low voice: You seem somewhat straitened for money, Mr. Kornicker; I wish you would accept a loan from me. He extended a bank-note to him.
Kornicker buttoned his pockets up very closely, not omitting a single button, and then replied coldly: I ask charity for others, not for myself.
Come, come, said Harson, kindly, you mustnt bear malice. I did not act well toward you at first; you must forget it; and to show that you do so, you must take this loan from me.
I dont wish to borrow, replied Kornicker.
Well, Im sorry for it, said Harson, taking his hand; but youre not angry?
No no, old fellow; its not an easy matter to keep angry with you; youre a trump!
Perhaps youll sup with me when we return? said the old man, earnestly.
Ill see how the girl is, replied Kornicker; good bye. Were losing time.
Saying this, he shook hands with Harson, and joining the doctor, they set out at a rapid pace for the girls abode.
They reached it without interruption, other than a short delay on the part of the doctor, who being of a belligerent disposition, was desirous of stopping to flog a man who had intentionally jostled him off the sidewalk. Kornicker, however, by urging upon him the situation of the girl, had induced him to postpone his purpose, not a little to the relief of the offender, who in insulting him had only intended to insult an inoffensive elderly person, who could not resent the affront.
Can it be possible that any thing human tenants such a den as this? said the doctor, looking at the half-hung door of the girls abode, and listening to the wind as it sighed through broken window-panes and along the entry.
Come on, and youll see, replied Kornicker; and seizing him by the arm, he led him half stumbling up the stairs, and finally paused at the girls room.
Look in there, if you want to see comfort, said he, with an irony that seemed almost savage, from the laugh which accompanied it. Isnt that a sweet death-chamber for one who all her life has had every thing that money could buy?
The doctor glanced in the room, then at the fierce, excited face of his companion. Come, come, said he, in a kind tone, taking Kornickers hand; dont give way to these feelings. Shell be well taken care of now. Harry Harson never does a good action by halves. Come in.
He pushed the door open very gently, and went to the bed. The girl seemed sleeping, for she did not move. He took the candle, and held it so that the light fell on her face. He then placed his hand gently upon her wrist. He kept it there for some moments, then held up the light again, and looked at her face; after which he placed it on the floor, rose up, and took a long survey of the room.
Its a wretched place, said he, speaking in a whisper. She must have suffered terribly here.
This is the way the poor live, said Kornicker, in a low, bitter tone; this is the way she has lived; but well save her from dying so.
The doctor looked at him, and then turned away and bit his lip:
What are you going to do for her? demanded Kornicker, after a pause: have you medicine with you?
She requires nothing now, said the doctor, in a tone scarcely above a whisper. Shes dead!
Kornicker hastily took the light, and bent over her. He remained thus for a long time; and when he rose, his eyes were filled with tears.
Im sorry I left her, said he, in a vain effort to speak in his usual tones. It was very hard that she should die alone. I acted for the best; but dn it, Im always wrong!
He dashed his fist across his face, walked to the window and looked out.
At that moment the door opened, and Harson entered, his face somewhat attempered in its joyous expression; and close behind followed the house-keeper with a large basket.
How is she? asked he, in a subdued tone.
Kornicker made no reply, but looked resolutely out of the window, and snuffed profusely. It would not have been manly to show that the large tears were coursing down his cheeks. Harson threw an inquiring glance at the doctor, who answered by a shake of the head: She was dead when we got here.
Harson went to the bed, and put back the long tresses from her face. There was much in that face to sadden the old mans heart. Had it been that of an old person, of one who had lived out her time, and had been gathered in, in due season, he would have thought less of it; but it was sad indeed to see one in the first blush of youth, scarcely more than a child, stricken down and dying in such a place, and so desolate.
Was there no one with hernot a soul? inquired Harson, earnestly, as he rose; not one human being, to breathe a word of comfort in her ear, or to whisper a kind word to cheer her on her long journey?