Page:Select Popular Tales from the German of Musaeus.djvu/77

Rh he continued, ‘Give heed to what I am now about to say, so that it may yet avail thee, shouldst thou be wise enough to change thy mind. In the Brocken, deep under the earth, is buried an immense treasure of gold and precious stones. This treasure I have watched for seven hundred years; but, from this day forward, it becomes free to be taken by whoever discovers it:—my time is expired. Therefore did I intend to deliver this hoard to you; for, as you have tended your flock on these mountains, I have felt kindly disposed towards you.’ He then acquainted me with the spot where the treasure lay, and described the manner of seeking it.

Proceed,’ said he, ‘towards S. Andrew’s mountain, and there inquire for the valley called the Morgenbrodsthal. When you arrive at a stream called the Duder, follow its course upwards, until you reach a stone bridge, close by a saw-mill. Pass not over the bridge, but still proceed onwards, with the stream on your right, until you see before you a steep and rugged crag. A short distance from this, you will perceive a hollow somewhat resembling a grave. Do not be afraid, but clear it out without apprehension, although it will be no very easy task: you will perceive that it has been purposely filled up with earth. Having discovered the stone sides of the cavern, you will soon meet with a flat stone, built into the wall, and about a yard square. This being forced out, you will find yourself in the entrance of the vault where the treasure lies hid. Having proceeded a little way, you will reach a hall with three doors, two of which are open, but the middle one is fast closed with bolt and bar. You must open the closed door by means of the spring-root, which you must not fail to take along with you; for, without this, the utmost force will avail nothing. Fear not, even though the door should fly open with a crash of thunder; only remember to protect thy lamp, so that it may not be extinguished. You will probably be dazzled by the gold and shining jewels with which the walls and pillars of the vault are adorned, yet stretch not out thy hand to touch them; beware of that as you would of sacrilege. In the midst of this cavern stands a large brazen chest; in it you will find enough both of gold and silver, and you may take as much as you choose. Moreover, it is in your power to return three different times, but not more; on the fourth you would infallibly suffer the chastisement due to your avarice.’ When the figure had ceased, my dog pricked up his ears and began to bark; I heard the sound of wheels at a distance, and, when I looked round me, I perceived that the vision had disappeared.”

The wondrous tale of the old man affected the company in different ways. Some would treat it very lightly:—“Certainly this is a very fine dream, my old friend!” exclaimed they: some, again, gave implicit credence to the story; while others, more cautious, affected to look wise, but kept their opinions to themselves. As