ailing in very fluent language the nature of the relations
between us. Poor old fellow, in his boundless gratitude I seemed more
than human; and his praises actually shamed me to hear them. How I had
first met them, he recounted in the strain of one assisted by the gods
in classic times; his description made me a sort of Jove coming down on
a rosy cloud to succor suffering humanity; and then came in Tintefleck
with her broken words, marvellously aided by "action," as she poured
forth the heap of gold upon the grass, and said it was all mine!

Wonderful metal, to be sure, for enforcing conviction on the mind of
man; there is a sincerity about it far more impressive than any vocal
persuasion. The very clink of it implies that the real and the positive
are in question, not the imaginary and the delusive. "This is all
his!" cried she, pointing to the treasure with the air of one showing
Aladdin's cave; and though her speech was not very intelligible,
Vaterchen's "vulgate" ran underneath and explained the text.

"I hope you will forgive me. I trust you will be satisfied with my
apologies, made thus openly," said the Prince, in the most courteous
of manners. "One who can behave with such magnanimity can scarcely be
wanting in another species of generosity." And ere I could well reply,
I found myself shaking hands with every one, and every one with me;
nor was the least pleasurable part of this recognition the satisfaction
displayed by the Rittmeister at the good issue of this event. I had
great difficulty in resisting their resolution to carry me back with
them to Bregenz. Innumerable were the plans and projects devised for
my entertainment. Field sports, sham fights, rifle-shooting, all were
displayed attractively before me; and it was clear that, if I accepted
their invitations, I should be treated like the most favored guest. But
I was firm in my refusal; and, pleading a pretended necessity to be at
a particular place by a particular day, I started once more, taking the
road with the "vagabonds," who now seemed bound to me by an indissoluble
bond; at least, so Vaterchen assured me by the most emphatic of
declarations, and that, do with him what I might, he was my slave till
death.

"Who is ever completely happy?" says the sage; and with too good
reason is the doubt expressed. Here, one might suppose, was a situation
abounding with the most pleasurable incidents. To have escaped a duel,
and come out with honor and credit