root, but before he can reach the
tempting morsel he is struck dead as by some invisible hand.

The adventurer, who all the while stood by the plant to aid in its
uprooting should the strength of the animal prove insufficient, then
rushes forward, and, detaching it from the body of the dead hound,
grasps it firmly in both hands. He then wraps it up carefully in a
silken cloth, first, however, washing it well in red wine, and then
bears it homeward. The hound is buried in the spot whence the Alraun
has been extracted.

On reaching home the man deposits his treasure in a strong chest, with
three locks, and only visits it every first Friday in the month, or,
rather, after the new moon. On these occasions he again washes it with
red wine, and enfolds it afresh in a clean silken cloth of white and
red colours.

If he has any question to ask, or any request to make, he then puts
the one or proffers the other. If he wish to know of things in the
future, the Alraun will tell him truly, but he will only get one
answer in the moon, and nothing else will be done for him by the
plant. If he desire to obtain some substantial favour, he has it
performed for him on making his request, but then the Alraun will
answer no inquiries as to the future until the next day of visitation
shall arrive.

Whoso has this wonder of the world in his possession can never take
harm from his foes, and never sustain any loss. If he be poor, he at
once becomes rich. If his marriage be unblest by offspring, he at once
has children.

If a piece of gold be laid beside the Alraun at night, it is found to
be doubled in the morning, and so on for any sum whatsoever, but never
has it been known to be increased more than two pieces for each one.

On the demise of the owner only a youngest son can inherit the Alraun.
To inherit it effectually he must place a loaf of white bread and a
piece of money in the coffin of his father, to be buried along with
his corpse. If he fail to do so, then is the possession, like many
others of great name in the world, of no value to him. Should,
however, the youngest son fail before the father, then the Alraun
rightfully belongs to the eldest, but he must also place bread and
money in the coffin of his brother, as well as in that of his father,
to inherit it to any purpose.

THE GOOSE-GIRL.

The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of
their only child. This child was a daughter, who was very