Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/93

 and seeking gropingly an outlet through the infernal darkness, full of satanic and threatening voices, he descended staggeringly a flight of stairs, that seemed ready to crumble under his feet. As soon as he was in the street, at a few steps from the house of Giulietta, he was taken, gagged, and thrown into a carriage, which set off at a gallop. A man was seated by the side of Erasmus, who said to him—"Fear nothing, dear sir, Signora Griulietta has placed you in my care, in order that I might carry you safely out of the Italian dominions. It is annoying for you to be forced to abandon so beautiful a creature; and if you will give yourself up to me without reserve, I will try and save you from the vengeance of your enemies, and the pursuits of justice, and you can remain at ease near your beloved."

This proposition made Erasmus start. "I accept," said he to his conductor; "but by what means?"

"Do not trouble yourself about that," replied the unknown. "As soon as it is day, you will look at yourself long and attentively in a mirror. I will execute during this time certain operations with your reflection, and afterwards you shall judge yourself of the efficacy of my means."

"God of heaven! what a frightful misfortune!" exclaimed Erasmus.

"Of what misfortune do you speak, sir?" said the unknown.

"Alas!" replied Erasmus, "I have—I have left"

"Ha! ha! ha! that is very funny!" interrupted sneeringly the man of secrets. "I understand you marvellously well. You have left your reflection with Giulietta. Very well, my friend; and at this rate you can at your ease travel quietly over mountains and through valleys, until you find again your worthy wife and your little 'Rasmus."

At this moment a troupe of young people who were singing on the road, passed near the carriage with torches. By their fugitive light which broke through the darkness, Erasmus recognized by his side Dr. Dapertutto. With a blow from 8*