ways, especially with a full larder and cellar
at his disposal. A table was spread for him too, and when he had
wandered about for some time, singing and playing the flute, he sat
down as his companions had done, prepared to enjoy the delicious food
that was spread out in front of him. Then the little man with the beard
entered as before and seated himself beside the flute-player, who wasn't
the least startled at his appearance, but chatted away to him as if he
had known him all his life. But he didn't find his companion very
communicative. At last they came to the game, and, as usual, the little
man let his piece fall on the ground. The flute-player was
good-naturedly just going to pick it up, when he perceived that the
little dwarf was in the act of springing on his back. Then he turned
round sharply, and, seizing the little creature by his beard, he gave
him such a shaking that he tore his beard out, and the dwarf sank
groaning to the ground.
But as soon as the youth had the beard in his hands he felt so strong
that he was fit for anything, and he perceived all sorts of things in
the castle that he had not noticed before, but, on the other hand, all
strength seemed to have gone from the little man. He whined and sobbed
out: 'Give, oh give me my beard again, and I will instruct you in all
the magic art that surrounds this castle, and will help you to carry-off
the hidden treasure, which will make you rich and happy for ever.'
But the cunning flute-player replied: 'I will give you back your beard,
but you must first help me as you have promised to do. Till you have
done so, I don't let your beard out of my hands.'
Then the old man found himself obliged to fulfil his promise, though he
had had no intention of doing so, and had only desired to get his beard
back. He made the youth follow him through dark secret passages,
underground vaults, and grey rocks till at last they came to an open
field, which looked as if it belonged to a more beautiful world than
ours. Then they came to a stream of rushing water; but the little man
drew out a wand and touched the waves, whereupon the waters parted and
stood still, and the two crossed the river with dry feet. And how
beautiful everything on the other side was! lovely green paths leading
through woods and fields covered with flowers, birds with gold and
silver feathers singing on the trees, lovely butterflies and glittering
beetles fluttered and crawled about, and dear littl
|