Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/58

54 master Martin, to construct for my cellar, one of the largest size tuns. But I see that you are just finishing one which would exactly suit me; tell me your price for it."

Reinhold, who was about going to work again, after a few minutes' repose, heard the words of Mr. Holzschuer, and immediately answered for master Martin—"Do not think of it, my dear sir; this tun that we are finishing is ordered and bought by the respectable prince, bishop of Bamberg."

"In truth, I cannot sell it to you," added master Martin; "but, really, from the choice wood and the finish of this work, you ought to have guessed that such a masterpiece could only descend into a prince's cellar. Thus, as my companion Reinhold has said, think no more of this tun. When the vintage is over, I promise to make you a plainer one, which will answer your purpose just as well."

The old man Holzschuer, piqued by the manners of master Martin, immediately retorted, that his silver was as good as the gold of the prince, bishop of Bamberg, and that he could furnish himself elsewhere, and even to better advantage, with as well made tuns as his were.

Master Martin could hardly restrain his anger. Forced to remain silent in the presence of Mr. Holzschuer, who had great influence all over the city, he concealed his spite, and looked about him for an object on which to give it vent, when Conrad, who paid very little attention to the conversation, commenced hammering again with all his force, to drive the hoops down, for the purpose of binding the staves more firmly together. The master cooper, turning towards him, and stamping his foot—"Stupid animal!" exclaimed he; "are you mad? Do you not see that you are shattering the finest tun that has ever been made in the Nuremberg workshops?"

"Ho! ho!" said Conrad, "my little master is angry; and why should I not shatter this famous tun, if it pleased me?" And he commenced striking again more forcibly, until the principal hoop having been broken by a false blow, the whole machine was racked.