Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 2).djvu/98

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The Spectre Barber.

“Stranger,” said he, “never trust the landlord—the man opposite, knew very well what awaited you here. But for this, I will punish him. I shall now leave this castle; and henceforth, I will plague, torment, pinch, and harrass him to the end of his life, at least, if he does not receive you in his house, and supply all your wants, till your head be again covered with hair.”

The landlord trembled from head to foot at hearing this threat, crossed himself, and vowed by the Holy Virgin, to keep Frank in his house as long as he chose to stop, immediately conducted him home, and waited on him himself.

Frank acquired a reputation as an exorcist, by the spectre being no longer seen in the castle. He repeatedly slept there, and a young man of the town, who had the courage to keep him company, did not get his head shorn. When the owner of the castle learnt that the terrible spectre no longer haunted his property, he was highly pleased, and sent orders to take great care of the stranger who had freed his castle from such an unpleasant guest.