Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 2).djvu/111

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
The Spectre Barber.
99

greater caution. He therefore merely said, “That was indeed a distinct dream! But, what did you do the next morning, friend? Did you follow the advice of your guardian angel?” “Not I indeed!” answered the invalid. “Why it was only a dream. I have had many sleepless nights in the course of my life, when my guardian angel might have found me waking; but he never troubled himself much about me, or I should not, in my old age, be obliged to go a-begging. Frank took the last silver coin out of his pocket; “Take this,” he said, “old father, go and drink my health in a pint of rhenish; thy conversation has banished my ill temper. Do not forget to visit this bridge every day; I hope we shall meet again.” The lame old man had not, for many days, received so much as on this day, he blessed his benefactor, therefore, and limped into a tavern to enjoy himself; while Frank, filled with new hopes, hurried home to his lodgings in the narrow street.

On the next day he prepared every thing necessary for digging. He had not the materials usually employed by searchers after

H 2