Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/25

 lately been enabled to decipher those writings, besides the inscription on this wall. It has, perhaps, been hitherto considered as the remains of some ancient funeral monument, and on this account put up here; but by my key, this is its real meaning: ''Stranger and initiated companion! The friends are near. A forest, and a cavern not far from Alcantara. The first day of the month.''"

"At these words, the stranger eyed me with an expressive glance, asking: "what say you to this, Sennor?"

—"I don't know," answered I; "the inscription is as obscure to me as before. What are we to do with it?"

—"What," cried he with indignation, "can you ask still? Much has your appearance deceived me. I advise you quickly to be gone, or you shall feel the keenness of my sword?"

—"Your sword shall not frighten me," returned I laughing: "But why so hot? It is impossible you should be more curious than I am to unravel the secret, I only meant to ask your counsel in the matter."