"At parting with my father at the close of his visit, the Baron made
him many costly gifts; among others, one of an elegant pipe of rare
and exquisite workmanship. How distinctly I recall it now! It was in
the shape of an elk's head, with spreading, delicately wrought
antlers. The eyes were formed of some kind of precious stones, and
on the face of the elk were the Baron's initials inlaid in gold.

"The stem, I remember well, was of ebony, richly ornamented with
gold. I suppose it was a magnificent thing of its kind, and prized
beyond measure by my father. He used it only on rare occasions, and
for the gratification of our guests. But at length an event occurred
that called forth the treasured pipe from its casket, never to be
returned. It was on the occasion of the third anniversary of my
father's marriage to Rebecca Hartz--an occasion that richly deserved
sackcloth and ashes instead of feasting and merriment. But the day
was one of grand demonstration, and many guests and friends were in
attendance. All the articles of value and luxury belonging to the
family were brought into requisition, and among the number, the
treasured but ill-fated pipe. The guests ate, drank, and were merry,
I suppose, till all were sated, and at a late and lonely hour they
left my father's house deserted, with disorder reigning supreme in
every apartment.

"'Forget not my elk's head, Rebecca,' was my father's last
admonition, as he retired to his bed-chamber, after the revel was
over.

"But Rebecca did not heed his command, and being fatigued herself,
hurriedly retired, saying, 'I'll wait till morning.'