The Mysterious Stranger

THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER

By: J.H.

It was 1590 in Austria, still in its Age of Belief, and also still in the Middle Ages.

The quiet town of Eseldorf lay in the middle of Austria, covertly hidden by luscious woods and many hills. The children were taught only to revere God and the saints; as

for education, it was thought only to divert ones attention away from Him, making them

discontented with their lot in life. In the town there were two priests. One of them, Father Adolf, was awed and respected; for he had no fear for Satan, and was said to have confronted him once, throwing his bottle at him. The other was Father Peter, they loved him best. Unfortunately he had enemies, one being the very powerful astrologer. Who had the ear and trust of the Bishop himself; he wore a flowing robe, also he carried a staff and book which were said to contain magic powers. Father Peter openly denounced him as a fraud and a charlatan with no valuable knowledge of any kind; or any power other than that of a normal human being. The astrologer was the one believed to have told this to the Bishop, who suspended him indefinitely. And as time went on it became harder and harder still to get bread and the bank owner, Solomon Isaacs had lent all the money he could to him.

The three boys, Nikolaus, Seppi, and Theodor were always together from cradle up. They knew the hills and woods of that country as well as the birds. They were also friends with the oldest servingman in the castle - Felix Brandt. He told them of all the old times and strange things. He showed them how to smoke and drink coffee. When it was stormy out he would tell them of great horrors. (Largely from his own experience) He encouraged them not to fear the supernatural things. But one morning after they had left for the hills;

And lay out to smoke and talk about these strange things, they soon realized that in their heed, forgot to bring the flint and steel.

Soon and young man strolled towards them and began to talk in a friendly way. He was neither shy nor awkward as most boys would be when first talking to a stranger. He had good new clothes on, a winning face and a pleasant voice. Theodor thought of offering him the pipe but remembered they had no fire. Suddenly he looked up pleased and said; "Fire? Oh that is easy; I will furnish it. "This surprised them, but as he blew on the pipe the tobacco started sending up smoke. This astonished the boys, who got up to run. They ran only a few steps but soon stopped as he was pleading for them to stay. He would not do them any harm but only wanted company. Their curiosity got the best of them and they returned. He was bent on putting them at ease; he was earnest, simple, and gentle. In this way he soon had them won over and as they were comfortable, they asked where he learned such a thing. He responded telling them he never learned it, he only knew, along with many other strange things. He did many other strange and wonderful things in their presence.

Theodor finally managed to ask who he was, he simply said, "An angel." Now they were in awe of him but they were told not to worry as he liked them. He kept on chatting and started to make small people the size of a finger. After making about 500, they started building a castle, when Seppi asked him what his name was he said, "Satan." It caught them and what they were working on fell to the ground. He only laughed at this, and explained that the Satan they knew about was his uncle. He reminded them that Satan was an angel before the fall. As Satan kept talking a fight broke out among the little men and he swiftly crushed them and wiped the red off his hands and continued. They were horrified, but he talked on all the same until the wives of the dead men came out and started weeping. Then a priest came out and started to pray for them. Soon the prayer annoyed him, and he took a board and mashed them all; going on as though nothing unusual had happened. They became sick with such cold-blooded murders, but his enchanting voice made them forget everything and only listen to him.

He knew everything and forgot nothing, been everywhere and remembered it to a fault.

He had seen everything and let them also see it as if they were there themselves. He talked of humans and their doings as though they were bricks or manure, without feeling or consequence. After heartlessly killing all the people in their newly built castle, he said there was an errand to do and he must go. He told them that in public they should call him Philip Traum. If they should try to tell of any of these secrets, he made it so they could not, even if they tried. He said he must leave and let them watch as he dissolved.

Soon Father Peter came by looking for his wallet, saying that even though there wasn't much he should like to find it. There it was, right where Satan had melted, but it was fat with gold. He was astonished, but though they tried, they could not say that Satan had done it. They assured him it was his and he went his way. This changed how Father Peter was treated in the town for the better.

Unfortunately trouble came as the astrologer learned of the gold that Father Peter had acquired. He accused Father Peter of being a thief, this spread around town he was arrested. But the way in which the money was found was so strange, people thought in some way the astrologer could have gotten the money, but not Father Peter. The former happiness felt by all involved subsided into agony. Satan soon reappeared and near Father Peter's chambermaid Ursula, he said that the cat she had in her arms gave 4 silver coins everyday; she started to protest, but found in her pocket the amount just as he said. After she left they immediately appeared in Father Peter's nieces' parlor. Margret turned around surprised, but Satan excused it and introduced himself as Philip Traum. Starting to tell he was an orphan, and continued to make her sympathize. Then he told of his nice rich uncle that ran a succeful business below in the tropics. This sent her into tears and said she wished their uncles would meet. Satan said he would like that also.

Word spread around about Ursula's house and what fine things she and Margret now had.

People were told to pretend to be their friend again to prove Witchcraft was at work. This overjoyed them both, but the boys found they didn't have the courage to warn them of this trouble to come. Margret announced a party and now everyone was watching to