Page:The Decameron of the West (1839).djvu/174

 you that you have just finished doing for me, undesired.’

“Soon after this doom was announced to me, I pined away, and died. Many is the adventurous traveller whose courage permitted him to stay a night in this castle, that I have vainly endeavoured to induce to compassionate me. To you alone the merit belongs of comprehending my signal. I cannot reward you by pointing out a treasure hid in this old building, for there is neither gold nor silver contained within its walls; yet, be assured, you shall not fail of your reward. Return to your father’s city; tarry till midsummer, and, on the first of June, at eight in the morning, on the Weser Bridge, you will meet a friend, who will direct you how to rise again in the world. Farewell!”

Mine host of the adjacent inn was more a roguish than a wicked person; and, when the morning advanced, he was most anxious to learn the fate of the courageous traveller, and suddenly broke into his apartment. He no sooner beheld the bald pate of Francis than he exclaimed: “It is indeed no idle tale of this house being haunted! Red Mantle has certainly been here, and busy at his old trade! Oh! what like was he, and what did he say?”

“Why, as to his appearance,” replied Francis, “it