ring the operation, but
he already lay in the chest. The lid flew down, and two or three of the
friends sprang upon it whilst the peg was stuck in again. The watchman
immediately seized his whistle and drew the most heart-rending tones
from it. Quickly the tormenting spirits withdrew themselves; yet not so
far but that they could still hear the whistle and observe what would
take place.

The watchmen now came up.

"The deuce! where art thou?" cried they, and then discovered the place.

"Ah, God help me!" cried the prisoner. "Let me out, let me out! I must
call!"

"Thou hast drunk more than thy thirst required, comrade!" said the
others. "If thou hast fallen into the chest, remain lying there, thou
swine!" And laughing they left him.

"O, the rascals!" sighed he, and worked in vain at opening the lid.
Through all his powerful exertions the box fell over. The young men now
stepped forth, and, as though they were highly astonished at the whole
history which he related to them, they let themselves be prevailed upon
to open the box, but only upon condition that he should keep street
free from the interference of the other watchmen whilst they danced a
Francaise to Wilhelm's violin.

The poor man was delivered from his captivity, and must obligingly play
the sentinel whilst they arranged them for the dance. Wilhelm was called
upon to play, and the dance commenced; a partner, however, was wanting.
Just then a quiet citizen passed by. The gentleman who had no partner
approached the citizen with comic respect, and besought him to take part
in the amusement.

"I never dance!" said the man, laughing, and wished to pursue his way.

"Yes," replied the cavalier, "yet you must still do me this pleasure,
or else I shall have no dance." Saying this he took hold of him by the
waist and the dance commenced, whether the good man would or no.

"The watchman should receive a present from every one!" said they, when
the Francaise was at an end. "He is an excellent man who thus keeps
order in the street, so that one can enjoy a little dance."

"These are honest people's children!" said the watchman to himself,
whilst he with much pleasure thrust the money into his leathern purse.

All was again quiet in the street; the violin was also silent.

CHAPTER III

"Who looks into the shadowy realm of my heart?"
A. V. CHAMISSO.

In the former chapter we heard mention made of a young student,