"Ah! the serpents hung about his breast, and A the "Fête de Dieu," in Vienna religious

rites are not confined to the places of worship-the whole city becomes a church. Altars rise in every street, and high mass is performed

'Frantic, and with unspeakable grief, he call-in the open air, mid clouds of incense and

"In the midst of this paroxysm, suddenly the music for the new year flowed down from the steeple, like distant church anthems. He became more gently moved. He looked round on the horizon and upon the wide world, and thought on the friends of his youth, who, better and more happy than he, were now instructors of the earth, fathers of happy children, and blest men, and heed with alacrity at any other moment; but there exclaimed, 'Oh! I also might have slumbered like you, this new year's night with dry eyes, had I chosen it. Ah, I might have been happy, beloved parents! had I fulfilled your new year's wishes and instructions.'

"So! Leave the room."

I had made no complaint of my bruises, because I did not think this the proper place to do so; although the man who dealt them was present. He had assisted, stick in hand, in taking me to the police-office. He was in earnest conversation with the Polizerdiener, but soon left the office. From that instant I never saw him again; nor, in spite of repeated demands, could I ever obtain redress for, or even recognition of the violence I had suffered.

Such is the prison; but the prisoners! There were forty-eight-gray-haired men and puny boye all ragged, and stalking with slippered feet fro end to end with listless eyes. Some, all eage ness; some, crushed and motionless; soms, scared and stupid; now singing, now swearing now rushing about playing at some mad game; now hushed or whispering, as the loud voice of the Vater (or father of the ward) is heard above the uproar, calling out "Ruke!" (“ Order!")

On my entrance, I was instantly surrounded by a dozen of the younger jail-birds, amid a shout of" Ein Zuwachs! Ein Zuwachs!" which I was not long in understanding to be the name given to the last comer. "Was haben sie ?" (What has he done?) was the next eager cry. "Struck

Another weary hour, and I was consigned to the care of a police-soldier; who, armed with sabre and stick, conducted me through the crowded city to prison. It was then two o'clock. The prison, situated in the Spenzler Gasse, is called the "Polizer-Hampt-Direction." We de-a Polizerdiener!" "Ei! das ist gut!" was the 'scended a narrow gut, which had no outlet, except through the prison gates. They were slowly opened at the summons of my conductor. I was beckoned into a long gloomy apartment, lighted from one side only; and having a long counter running down its centre; chains and handcuffs hung upon the walls.

An official was standing behind the counter. He asked me abruptly:

"Whence come you?"

"From England," I answered. "Where's that?"

"In Great Britain; close to France." The questioner behind the counter cast an quiring look at my escort.

"Is it?" he asked.

hearty exclamation; and I was a favorite immediately. One dirty, villainous-looking fellow, with but one eye, and very little light in that, took to handling my clothes; then inquired if I had any money "up above?" Upon my answering in the affirmative my popularity immediately increased. They soon made me understand that I could "draw" upon the pigeon-hole bank to indulge in any such luxuries as beer or tobacco.

People breakfast early in Vienna; and, as I had tasted nothing since that meal, I was very hungry; but I was not to starve; for soon we heard the groaning of bolts and locks, and the in-police-soldier who guarded the door, appeared.

The subordinate answered him, in a pleasant way, that I had spoken the truth. Happily an Englishman, it seems, is a rarity within those prison walls.

I was passed into an adjoining room, which reminded me of the back parlor of a Holywell-street clothes-shop, only that it was rather lighter. Its sides consisted entirely of sets of great pigeonholes, each occupied by the habiliments or effects of some prisoner.

"Have you any valuables?"

"Few enough." My purse, watch, and pin were rendered up, ticketed, and deposited in one of the compartments. I was then beckoned into a long paved passage or corridor down some twenty stone steps, into the densest gloom. Presently I discerned before me a massive door studded with bosses, and crossed with bars and bolts. A police-soldier, armed with a drawn sabre, guarded the entrance to PunishmentRoom, No. 1. The bolts gave way; and, in a few moments, I was a prisoner within.

Punishment Room, No. 1, is a chamber some fifteen paces long by six broad, with a tolerably high ceiling and whitened walls. It has but two windows, and they are placed at each end of one side of the chamber. They are of good height, and look out upon an inclosed graveled space. variegated with a few patches of verdure. The room is tolerably light. On each side are shelves, as in barracks, for sleeping. In one corner, by the window, is a stone sink; in another, a good supply of water.

bearing in his hand a red earthen pot, surmounted by a round flat loaf of bread "for the Englishman." I took my portion with thanks, and found that the pipkin contained a thick porridge made of lentils, prepared with meal and fat; in the midst of which was a piece of fresh boiled beef. The cake was of a darkish color, but good wholesome bread. Altogether, the meal was not unsavory. Many a greedy eye watched me as I sat on the end of the hard couch, eating my dinner. One wretched man seeing that I did not eat all. whispered a proposal to barter his dirty neckerchief-which he took off in my presence-for half of my loaf. I satisfied his desires, but declined the recompense. My half-emptied pipkin was thankfully taken by another man, under the pretense of "cleaning it!"

One of my fellow-prisoners approached me. "It is getting late," said he ; do you know what you have got to do?"

"No."

I saw that a mass-bier would do a great deal | come. Caged beasts pace their narrow prisons in an Austrian prison.

with the same uniform and unvarying motion.

The Vater, who was a prisoner like the rest, At last eleven o'clock came. The barred door was appealed to. He was a tall, burly-looking opened, and swiftly, yet with a terrible restraint young man, with a frank countenance. He had knowing that the least disorder would cost quitted his honest calling of butcher, and had them a day's dinner-the prisoners mounted the taken to smuggling tobacco into the city. This stone steps, and passed slowly, in single file, bewas a heavy crime; for the growth, manufac- fore two enormous caldrons. A cook, provided ture, and sale of tobacco, is a strict Imperial with a long ladle, stood by the side of each; and, monopoly. Accordingly, his punishment had with a dextrous plunge and a twist, a portion of been proportionately severe two years' impris-porridge and a small block of beef were fished up onment. The sentence was now approaching and dashed into the pipkin extended by each completion; and, on account of good conduct, he prisoner. Another official stood ready with the had received the appointment of Vater to Pun-flat loaves. In a very short time the whole of ishment Room, No. 1. The benefits were enumer- the prisoners were served. ated to me with open eyes by one of the prisoners -"Double rations, two rugs, and a mass-bier a day!"

The result of my application to the Vater was the instant calling out of several young lads, who crouched all day in the darkest end of the room -a condemned corner, abounding in vermin; and I heard no more of the sink, and so forth. The next day a new-comer occupied my position.

Hunger seasoned the mess; and I was sitting on the bedstead-end enjoying it, when the police-soldier appeared on the threshold, calling me by name.

"You must leave-instantly."
"I am ready," I said, starting up.
"Have you a rug?"

"No."

I hurried out into the dark passage. I was conducted to the left; another heavy door was loosened, and I was thrust into a gloomy cell, be

At about seven o'clock the bolts were again withdrawn, the ponderous door opened, and the corporal-who seemed to fill the office of ward-wildered, and almost speechless with alarm. I inspector-marched into the chamber. He was provided with a small note-book and a pencil, and made a general inquiry into the wants and complaints of the prisoners. Several of them asked for little indulgencies. All these were duly noted down to be complied with the next day—always supposing that the prisoner possessed a small capital "up above." I stepped forward, and humbly made my request for a rug.

"You?" exclaimed the corporal, eying me sharply. Oh! you are the Englishman ?—No!"

was not alone. Some half-dozen melancholy wretches crouching in one corner, were disturbed by my entrance, but half an hour had scarcely elapsed, when the police-soldier again appeared, and I was hurried out. We proceeded through the passage by which I had first entered. In my way past the nest of pigeon-holes "up above," some-only a few-of my valuables were restored to me. Presently a single police-soldier led me into the open street.

The beautiful air and sunshine! how I enI heard some one near me mutter: "So;joyed them as we passed through the heart of the struck a policeman! No mercy for him from the city. Bei'm Magistrat, at the corner of the Kohlother policemen-any of them."

The Vater dared not help me ; but two of his most intimate friends made me lie down between them; and swaddled in their rugs, I passed the night miserably. The hard boards, and the vermin, effectually broke my slumbers.

The morning came. The rules of the prison required that we should all rise at six, roll up the rugs, lay them at the heads of our beds, and sweep out the room. Weary and sore, I paced the prison while these things were done. Even the morning ablution was comfortless and distressing; a pocket-handkerchief serving but indifferently for a towel

Restless activity now took full possession of the prisoners. There was not the combined shouting or singing of the previous day; but there was independent action, which broke out in various ways. Hunger had roused them; the prison allowance is one meal a day; and although, by husbanding the supply, some few might eke it out into several repasts, the majority had no such control over their appetite. Tall, gaunt lads, just starting into men, went roaming about with wild eyes, purposeless, pipkin in hand, although hours must elapse before the meal would

market, was our destination. We entered its porticoed door, ascended the stone stairs, and went into a small office, where the most repulsivelooking official I have any where seen, noted my arrival in a book. Thence we passed into another pigeon-holed chamber, where I delivered up my little property, as before, "for its security." A few minutes more, and I was safely locked in a small chamber, having one window darkened by a wooden blind. My companions were a few boys, a courier-who, to my surprise, addressed me in English-and a man with blazing red hair.

In this place, I passed four days, occupied by what I suppose I may designate "my trial." The first day was enlivened by a violent attack which the jailer made upon the red-headed man for looking out of the window. He seized the fiery locks, and beat their owner's head against the wall. I had to submit that day to a degrading medical examination.

On the second day I was called to appear before the "Rath," or council. The process of examination is curious. It is considered necessary to the complete elucidation of a case, that the whole life and parentage of the accused should be made known; and I was thus exposed

I adhered to my statement. The Polizerdiener nudged my elbow, and whispered, "Don't be alarmed-it will not go hard with you."

66

Now, constable," said the Rath; "what harm have you suffered in this affair?" "My uniform is stained with blord." "From my head!" I exclaimed. "From my nose," interposed the Polizerdiener. "In any case it will wash out," said the Rath "And you," he added, turning to me-" are you willing to indemnify this man for damage done?"

to a series of questions which I had never anticipated. The names and countries of both my parents; their station; the ages, names, and birthplaces of my brothers and sisters; my own baby hood, education, subsequent behavior, and adventures; my own account, with the minutest details, of the offense I had committed. It was more like a private conference than an examination. The Rath was alone-with the exception of his secretary, who diligently recorded my answers. While being thus perseveringly catechised, the Rath sauntered up and down; putting his interminable questions in a friendly chatty way, as though he were taking a friendly interest in my history, rather than pursuing a judicial investigation. When the examination was concluded, the secretary read over every word to me, and I confirmed the report with my signa--four days' imprisonment. I am afraid I did

ture.

The Rath promised to do what he could for me; and I was then surprised and pleased by the entrance of my employer. The Rath recommended him to write to the British Embassy in my behalf, and allowed him to send me outer clothing better suited to the interior of a prison than the best clothes I had donned to spend the holiday in.

I assented; and was then removed.

On the following morning I was again summoned to the Rath's chamber. His secretarywho was alone-met me with smiles and congratulations: he announced to me the sentence

not evince that degree of pleasure which was expected from me; but I thanked him; was removed; and, in another hour, was reconducted to Punishment Room, No. 1.

The four days of sentence formed the lightest part of the adventure. My mind was at ease: I knew the worst. Additions to my old companions had arrived in the interval. We had an artist among us, who was allowed, in consideration of his talents, to retain a sharp cutting imple ment fashioned by himself from a flat piece of steel-knives and books being, as the most dangerous objects in prison, rigidly abstracted from us. He manufactured landscapes in straw, gummed upon pieces of blackened wood. Straw was obtained, in a natural state, of green, yellow, and brown; and these, when required, were converted into differently-tinted reds, by a few hours' immersion in the Kiefel. He also kneaded bread in the hand, until it became as hard and as plastic as clay. This he modeled into snuff boxes (with strips of rag for hinges, and a piece of whalebone for a spring), draughts, chess-men, pipe-bowls, and other articles. When dry, they became hard and serviceable; and he sold them among the prisoners and the prison officials. He obtained thus a number of comforts not afforded by the prison regulations.

I went back to my cell with a lightened heart. I was, however, a little disconcerted on my return by the courier, who related an anecdote of a groom of his acquaintance, who had persisted in smoking a cigar while passing a sentinel; and who, in punishment therefor, had been beaten by a number of soldiers, with willow rods; and whose yells of pain had been heard far beyond the prison walls. What an anticipation! Was I to be similarly served? I thought it rather a sus picious circumstance that my new friend appear ed to be thoroughly conversant with all the details (I suspect from personal experience) of the police and prison system of Vienna. He told me (but I had no means of testing the correctness of his information) that there were twenty Ratherrn, or Councillors; that each had his private chamber, and was assisted by a confidential secretary; that every offender underwent a private examin ation by the Rath appointed to investigate his On Sunday, I attended the Catholic chapel case-the Rath having the power to call all wit-attached to the prison-a damp, unwholesome nesses, and to examine them, singly, or otherwise, as he thought proper; that on every Thursday the "Rathsherrn" met in conclave; that each Rath brought forward the particular cases which he had investigated, explained all its bearings, attested his report by documentary evidence prepared by his secretary, and pronounced his opinion as to the amount of punishment to be inflicted. The question was then decided by majority.

cell. I stood among a knot of prisoners, enveloped in a nauseous vapor; whence arose musty, mouldy, rotten effluvia which gradually overpowered my senses. I felt them leaving me, and tottered toward the door. I was promptly met by a man who seemed provided for emergencies of the kind; for, he held a vessel of cold water; poured some of it into my hands, and directed me to bathe my temples. I partly recovered; and, faint and dispirited, staggered back to the prison. I had not, however, lain long upon my bed (polished and slippery from constant use), when the prison guard came to my side, holding in his hand a smoking basin of egg soup "for the Englishman." It was sent by the mistress of the kitchen. I received the offering of a kind heart to a foreigner in trouble, with a blessing on the donor

On the following Tuesday, after an imprisonment of, in all, nine days, during which I had never slept without my clothes, I was discharged from the prison. In remembrance of the place, I brought away with me a straw landscape and a bread snuff-box, the works of the prison artist. On reaching my lodging I looked into my box.

What the house wanted in grandeur and ornament, was made up by the contentment and the gentle and full-hearted happiness which had taken up their abode within it. Free from cares of whatever sort, Master Heinzelmann passed his days in the circle of his family. Providence had bestowed on him a good-looking, intelligent wife and three healthy and lively children, on whom "Where are my books and papers?" I asked his whole affections hung, and when they assemmy landlord. bled each evening, after the labors of the day,

It was empty.

The police had taken them on the day after none looked comelier and happier than they. my arrest.

"And my bank-notes ?"

"Here they are!" exclaimed my landlord, triumphantly. "I expected the police; Lknew you had money somewhere, so I took the liberty of searching until I found it. The police made particular inquiries about your cash, and went away disappointed, taking the other things with them."

"Would they have appropriated it?" "Hem! Very likely-under pretense of paying your expenses."

On application to the police of the district, I received the whole of my effects back. One of my books was detained for about a week; a member of the police having taken it home to read, and being as I apprehend, a slow reader.

It was a matter of great astonishment, both to my friends and to the police, that I escaped with so slight a punishment.

WHO KNEW BEST?

At seven o'clock, Master Heinzelmann left off work, and dismissed his men; the noise of saws, hammers, and planes ceased, and a peaceful stillness reigned in the house; and he, having put on his comfortable in-doors jacket, filled a pipe, and looked about for his family. In summer, he found them nearly always in the garden, or in the outer room, near the open door, from whence there was a pleasant view over the sweetscented flower-beds. His wife welcomed his coming with a friendly nod and a cheerful smile, and the children ran to meet him, clung to his hands, and strove to climb up for a kiss. Such was Baptist Heinzelmann's daily pleasure, abounding in all that makes life happy. After lifting up and embracing his children, he would sit and listen to their lively prattle, or watch their simple sports, in which he himself often took a part, while their mother made ready the evening meal. When this was over, they went and sat in the pretty summer-house, and talked about the little occur rences of the day. There was always something

ON the outskirts of the little town of Bernau, to relate, concerning the children, or the house

with a garden between it and the road, stands keeping, or the garden, or of other matters, nor the house of Master Baptist Heinzelmann, a re- was there any lack of simple gossip, which, howspectable citizen and cabinet-maker, or Tischler-ever insignificant it might seem, yet had a meanmeister, as the Germans call it, so surrounded ing and an interest for a family bound together and overshadowed by tall trees and shrubs, that by the strongest ties of love. Father, mother, it reminds you of true contentment, which is al- children, enjoyed the quiet gladness of a houseways quiet and retiring where it reigns in the hold into which the noise of the great world withheart. Nimble vine-branches climb up the walls out seldom penetrated. And in what else does and over the roof, so thick and shady, that birds happiness consist, than in gladness and contentbuild their nests among them, and rest every ment? He who possesses them needs to ask night under the sheltering leaves. Besides this for nothing further. Had Master Heinzelmann there is no other garnishment or decoration to be always remembered that, he would have saved seen about the dwelling, although Master Hein- himself from much toil and vexation. zelmann is in very comfortable circumstances. As it had come down from his father and grandfather, so stood the house at the time of our tale; one story, compact and solid. From the garden you entered the spacious outer room., the ordinary play-place of the children, and from that into the living-room, and from that into the large workshop, where Master Heinzelmann kept his ten or a dozen journeymen at work from one year's end to another, without reckoning the ap-mother, with the youngest girl on her lap, sat on prentices. His business flourished greatly, for the townsfolk preferred to go to him whenever they had orders to give or purchases to make. His workmanship was tasteful and durable, and what was more than all, he overcharged no one, which pleased people, and on that account they did not mind the walk to his house, although it was, as before said, a little off the road, and out of the way.

One fine summer evening the Tischlermeister left his workshop as usual, put on his loungingjacket, lit his pipe, and turned his steps toward the front room, from whence came the noise of merry laughter and shouts of fun. Softly he approached behind the open door which concealed him from his wife and children, leant himself at his ease on the lower half, and looked smilingly down on the frolics of his little ones. The

the doorstep, while Fritz and Hans crawled about the floor. They were playing a hundred tricks with the kitten, which had come into the world only a few weeks before. Fritz had got a piece of colored cloth for a plaything, and flung it across the room, but with a thread cunningly fastened to it, so that he might pull it back again. The kitten, according to the manner of young cats, leaped and seized the lure with comical an