dral stood, half finished, resembling a falling ruin.
Moss, grass, and wild parsley flourished in the cracks of the walls,
screech-owls already discovered convenient places for their nests, and
amorous sparrows hopped lovingly about where holy priests should have
been teaching lessons of chastity.

The builders were confounded. They endeavoured to borrow here and there,
but no rich man could be induced to advance the large sum required. The
collections from house to house produced little, so that instead of the
much-wished-for golden coins nothing was found in the boxes but copper.
When the magistracy received this report they were out of humour, and
looked with desponding countenances toward the cathedral walls, as
fathers look upon the remains of favourite children.

At this moment a stranger of commanding figure and something of pride
in his voice and bearing entered the council chamber and exclaimed: "Bon
Dieu! it is said that you are out of spirits. Hem! if nothing but money
is wanting, you may console yourselves, gentlemen. I possess mines of
gold and silver, and both can and will most willingly supply you with a
ton of them."

The astounded magistrates sat like a row of pillars, measuring the
stranger from head to foot. The Burgomaster first found his tongue. "Who
are you, noble lord," said he, "that thus, entirely unknown, speak of
tons of gold as though they were sacks of beans? Tell us your name, your
rank in this world, and whether you are sent from the regions above to
assist us."

"I have not the honour to reside there," replied the stranger, "and,
between ourselves, I beg most particularly to be no longer troubled with
questions concerning who and what I am. Suffice it to say I have gold
plentiful as summer hay!" Then, drawing forth a leathern pouch, he
proceeded: "This little purse contains the tenth of what I'll give. The
rest shall soon be forthcoming. Now listen, my masters," continued he,
clinking the coin; "all this trumpery is and shall remain yours if you
promise to give me the first little soul that enters the door of the new
temple when it is consecrated."

The astonished magistrates sprang from their seats as if they had been
shot up by an earthquake and rushed pell-mell into the farthest corner
of the room, where they rolled and clung to each other like lambs
frightened at flashes of lightning. Only one of the party had not
entirely lost his wits, and he collected his remaining senses and,