Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 2).djvu/66

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54
The Spectre Barber.

The knight seemed quite in his element, when talking of his campaigns against the Venetians, and, though it grew late, he seemed to have no disposition to sleep. His description became more lively at every goblet he emptied; and Frank became apprehensive, lest this might be the prologue to the principal action, in which he was to perform the most conspicuous, though the least agreeable part. He wished to learn at once, where he was to pass the night; and, therefore, asked for the parting cup, expecting that the knight would now begin to press him to drink, and, if he did not, would make his refusal the ground for a quarrel, and send him away with his usual quantum of blows, according to the custom of the house. Contrary to his expectation, however, his request was immediately complied with. The knight broke off his story, saying: “Every thing in proper time, more to morrow.”

“Pardon me, sir knight,” replied Frank, “to-morrow, I shall be far from here. I have a long journey before me to Brabant, and must depart early. I shall therefore bid you fare-