sometimes heard that they came from far distant regions; but had
always wondered why such treasures and jewels might not also be found
in his own land. The mountains would not be so extensive and lofty, and
so closely guarded, without some purpose; he also imagined that he had
found shining and glimmering stones upon them. He had climbed about
industriously among the clefts and caves, and had peered into their
antiquated halls and arches with unspeakable pleasure.

At length he met a traveller who told him that he must become a miner
in order to satisfy his curiosity. There were miners in Bohemia, and he
needed only descend the river for ten or twelve days, to Eula, where to
gratify his desire he had only to mention it. He waited for no further
confirmation of this, but set off on the next day. After a fatiguing
journey of several days he reached Eula.

"I cannot describe how gloriously I felt, when I saw from the hill the
piles of rock overgrown with thickets, upon which stood the board huts,
and watched the smoke-wreaths rising over the forest from the valley
below. A distant murmur increased my eager anticipations. With
incredible curiosity and full of silent reverence, I soon stood
over a steep descent, which led precipitously down into the mountain,
from among the huts. I hastened towards the valley, and soon met
some men dressed in black, with lamps in their hands, whom I not
improperly took to be miners, and to whom I told my desire with anxious
timidity. They listened to me kindly, and told me that I must go to the
smelting-houses and inquire for the overseer, who supplied the place of
director and master, and who would tell me whether I could be admitted.
They thought my request would be granted, and told me that 'good luck'
was the customary form of greeting the overseer. Full of joyous
expectations I pursued my way, constantly repeating to myself the new
and significant greeting. I found a venerable old man who received me
with kindness, and after telling him my history and my warm desire to
be instructed in his rare and mysterious art, he readily promised to
fulfil my wishes. He seemed pleased with me, and entertained me in his
own house. I could scarcely wait for the moment when I should descend
the pit, and behold myself in the long-coveted apparel. That very
evening he brought me a mining-dress, and explained to me the use of
some tools which were kept in a chamber. At evening the miners came to
him, an