THE FIFTH STRING
the violin, a vague foreboding rising within him.
"That," said Mephistopheles, solemnly, and with no pretense of sophistry, "is the string of death, and he who plays upon it dies at once."
"The—string—of—death!" repeated the violinist almost inaudibly.
"Yes, the string of death," Satan repeated, "and he who plays upon it dies at once. But," he added cheerfully, "that need not worry you. I noticed a marvelous facility in your arm work. Your staccato and spiccato are wonderful. Every form of bowing appears child's play to you. It will be easy for you to avoid touching the string."
"Why avoid it? Can it not be cut off?"
"Ah, that's the rub. If you examine the violin closely you will find that the string of death is made up of
44
