The Dean's Watch
Erckmann Erckmann-Chatrian
Translator Ralph Browning Fiske
Publisher: Good Press
Summary
'The Dean's Watch' is a novelette by Erckmann-Chatrian, set in 1832 on the road to Heidelberg during an unusually snowy Christmas season. The story follows two musicians, Kasper and Wilfred, who are warned by a mysterious horseman to turn back because the city is already crowded with performers. But Kasper's talent as a violinist and Wilfred's wit and humor push them to continue their journey. When they arrive in Heidelberg, they meet old friends from the Black Forest and decide to join their troupe. However, a string of gruesome murders has plagued the city, and the authorities are on high alert. As they settle in for the night, Kasper and Wilfred hear someone walking on the roof and are confronted by the same mysterious horseman, who is now armed with a bloody knife. The encounter leaves them shaken and questioning their safety. Will they be able to survive the dangerous circumstances in which they find themselves?