Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/170

 and pulling out a great cross, waved it franticly about herself and the children, who were clinging round her, all trembling at the idea of their father having anything to do with Rubezahl, of whom they had heard, over and over again, as a hideous giant and man-eater. Veit proceeded to relate all the circumstances of his adventure; how the Spirit, on being called, had appeared to him in the form of a collier; how he had gone with him into the cavern, received the money, and given a note of hand for its repayment; and so moved was the poor fellow with the recollection of the Gnome’s kindness to him, that, as he spoke, the tears of affectionate gratitude ran down his sun-burnt cheeks.

“Await me here,” said he at last, “I am now going into the cavern to settle this affair. Fear nothing; I shall be back directly; and, if I can prevail upon his Lordship, will bring him to receive your thanks; hesitate not to shake him cordially by the hand, black and rough though it be, if he will permit you; he will do you no harm, but, on the contrary, will doubtless be pleased with the fruits of his good action, and our heartfelt thanks. Fear nothing, I say; perhaps he may even give you some gold-streaked apples, or gingerbread.”

The timid woman was but half reassured, and did all in her power to prevent her husband from entering the cavern; the children, too, cried, and held him back; but, disengaging himself, Veit forced his way