The story "Bahnwärter Thiel," published by Gerhart Hauptmann in 1888, is one of the most important texts of German naturalism. Thiel dutifully performs his duties on the Berlin-Frankfurt (Oder) railway line. However, he cannot overcome the early death of his beloved wife Minna, who appears to him in visions. Additionally, his new wife Lene mistreats his son Tobias from his first marriage. When a fast train runs over Tobias due to her negligence, Thiel collapses and commits a monstrous crime. The volume also includes the story "Der Apostel," published in 1890, which deals with a religious delusion.