Page:Storys of The bewitched fiddler (1).pdf/11

, but he had a good mule of a gentlestep to ride on, and a varlet to carry his fiddle.

This new manner of life of the fiddler occasioned a great deal of astonishment in the town of Hesdin, and gave rise to various surmises. The most general belief was that Matthew had discovered a hidden treasure.

Now Matthew had four nephews, rakish young men, whom he had never assisted on account of their ill conduct. They said one day among themselves, 'Our uncle Matthew has become rich, and we shall inherit all his wealth.’ They understood each other, and they all went out with weapons, to watch for Matthew at a crossway in the woods, where they knew he would pass that night.

The fiddler could not avoid his fate. Four arrows pierced the old man, while his more fortunate varlet escaped.

The four brothers, without thinking on this witness of their crime, ran towards the carcass for the purpose of despoiling it. They were prevented by a man of sinister aspect, who rushed upon the body, took from it a little purse, and ran away crying, 'Thus much good do my gifts!' A bitter smile followed these words.

While the assassins were standing dumb with horror, they were suddenly surrounded by the sheriff and other officers of justice. Matthew’s varlet had met them in his flight,