tudy of Alchemy. If folks spoke truth
he had already discovered the philosopher's stone, or was nigh to
doing so: but notwithstanding that many learned men, and among them the
Magister had assured me, that such a thing was by no means beyond the
skill of man, Lorenz Abenberger for certain had not attained his end,
inasmuch as that, when he appeared in my presence, his aspect was rather
that of a beggar than of a potent wise-head at whose behest lead and
copper are transmuted into gold.

He had heard of the great sum needed for Herdegen's ransom, and he now
came to assure me of the warm friendship he had ever cherished for his
old school-mate, and that he had it in his power to create the means of
releasing him from bondage. Then, marking that I gazed pitifully on his
thread-bare, meagre, and by no means clean raiment, whence there came a
sour, drug-like smell, he broke into a foul laugh and said that, to be
sure, it would seem strange that so beggarly a figure should make bold
to promise so great a treasure; howbeit, he stood to his word. So sure
as night follows day, he could reach the goal for which he had consumed
all his father's and mother's estate, nay all he had in the world, if he
might but once have three pounds of pure gold to do whatsoever he would
withal. If I would yield to his entreaties and be moved to grant what he
needed, he was ready to pledge his body and soul to death and damnation,
and sign the bond with his heart's blood, if by the end of the
thirteenth day he had not found the red Lion, and through its aid 'Aurum
potabile' and the panacea against every evil of body or soul. This would
likewise give him the power of turning every mineral, even the most
worthless, into pure gold, as easily as I might turn my spinning-wheel
or say a Paternoster.

All this he poured forth with rolling eyes and panting breath, and that
he spoke every word in sacred earnest none could doubt; and indeed the
fervent, eager longing which appealed to my compassion and charity from
every fibre of his being, might have moved me to bestow on him that
which he craved, if I had possessed such wealth; but, as it was, I was
forced to say him nay; and whereas at this minute Susan came in with the
tidings that a man had come from the Pernharts', bidding me go forthwith
to Ann, I threw over me my cloak and gave him to understand how matters
stood with me, bidding him farewell with all gentleness yet of set
purpose.

The blood moun