'Zum wilden Mann, Novelle' Summary

The novel opens with a group of men gathered in the "Zum Wilden Mann" tavern, drinking and reminiscing about their youth. Among them is the town's apothecary, Kristeller, who is a lonely and embittered man. Kristeller has never married and has no children, and he spends most of his time drinking and gambling. One day, a young man named Otto von Hoheneck arrives in town. Otto is a handsome and charming young man, and he quickly becomes the talk of the town. Otto is also a heavy drinker, and he soon falls in with Kristeller's group of friends. As the two men spend more time together, Otto begins to learn about Kristeller's tragic past. Kristeller was once a successful businessman, but he lost everything in a fire. His wife and children died in the fire, and Kristeller has never been able to recover from their loss. Otto is sympathetic to Kristeller's story, and he begins to help him around the apothecary shop. Otto's presence in Kristeller's life gives the old man a new lease on life. However, Otto's drinking problem soon begins to spiral out of control, and he eventually loses his job. Otto becomes increasingly desperate, and he begins to steal from Kristeller's shop. Kristeller is heartbroken when he discovers Otto's betrayal, and he throws him out of the shop. Otto leaves town, and Kristeller is left alone once again. The novel ends with Kristeller sitting in the "Zum Wilden Mann" tavern, drinking and reminiscing about his life. He is a lonely and broken man, but he is also grateful for the brief time that he had with Otto.