hted, and thought that,
all things considered, heaven could scarcely have awarded him a better
son-in-law.

The wedding-day had come at last. Friedrich's cask-masterpiece, full of
noble wine, and garlanded with flowers, stood on the house-floor. The
Masters of the craft, headed by Herr Paumgartner, duly arrived, with
their wives, followed by the Master-Goldsmiths. The procession was just
setting out from St. Sebald's church, where the wedding was to be, when
a blast of trumpets sounded in the streets, and horses were neighing
and stamping in front of Master Martin's house. He hastened to the
balcony window, and there he saw Herr von Spangenberg drawing up, in
front of the house, in festal array. A few yards behind him rode a
young cavalier, a grand-looking young gentleman, on a spirited charger,
with a sword at his side, and tall plumes waving in his barret-cap,
which sparkled with jewels. At the cavalier's side Master Martin saw a
most beautiful lady, also splendidly attired, and riding a palfrey as
white as new-fallen snow. Pages and servants in fine liveries formed a
circle about them. The trumpets ceased to sound, and old Baron von
Spangenberg cried out, "Ha, ha! Master Martin. I am not come here on
account of your cellar or your gold-ingots, but because it is Rosa's
wedding-day. Will you let me come in, dear Master Martin?"

Master Martin, remembering what he had said that night so long ago, was
somewhat put out, but hastened down to welcome the party. The old Baron
dismounted, and came in, with courteous greetings. Pages hurried up,
offering their arms to help the young lady to dismount; her cavalier
gave her his hand, and followed the old Baron. But as soon as Master
Martin looked upon the young cavalier, he started back three paces,
clapped his hands and cried, "Good heavens! 'tis Conrad!"

The cavalier smiled, and said, "Yes, yes, Master Martin, I am your
journeyman Conrad. You must pardon me for having given you that nasty
wound. By rights, dear master, I ought to have sent you to kingdom
come; you must see that yourself--however, things have all turned out
differently."

Master Martin, in some confusion, answered that he "thought it was just
as well that he had _not_ been sent to 'kingdom come,' and that he
hadn't much minded the little bit of cut with the broad-axe."

As Master Martin now entered with his new guests the chamber where the
bridal-pair were, with the others, everybody acclaimed delight at