Page:Story of the bitter wedding (1).pdf/6

 turn, child---if the wolves have not swallowed or hunger killed me before that time.'

With these words the dwarf, apparently exhausted, sunk down with a deep and melancholy sigh on the nearest stone, threw his bundle on the grass, and stretched out his bony hand as if to take a last farewell of young Berthold, who stood leaning upon his staff, and gazing upon the fiddler, quite unable to comprehend what ailed him.

'Master,' began the herdsman, 'how drooping! You have left all your gay spirits at hone! Although it is a weary journey for me as well as you, I will yet endeavour to carry your wallet and fiddle so I may enjoy your company on the road. You must really hear what presses upon my soul,---perhaps I may obtain some relief in speaking it out, and you will have some pithy word of comfort for me.

The dwarf accepted the kind offer and quickly transferred his wallet and fiddle to the stout shoulders of the herdsman; then taking his crutch, he whistled a merry tune, and trudged gaily on by the side of Berthold.

'It is a long story, this wedding,' begun the herdsman; 'but I will be as brief as possible, for it still grieves me to the heart when think about it, and whoever can understand it at all, understands it soon; as for me my sufferings will never be at an