and still speaks of him with the kindest affection!—were he here, I could pluck his beard for him.”
At hearing this unexpected eulogium upon himself, Master Peter redoubled his attention, and was surprised to learn how minutely his companion was acquainted with all his family secrets; without, however, being offended at the indignation expressed against him. He thought, on the contrary, that Frederic would serve his designs most admirably; that he could make him the depository of his wealth, so as thereby to avoid all inquisitive curiosity as to the sudden change in his affairs, and, at the same time, conceal his treasure from the greediness of his wife. “My good friend,” said he, “show me thy hand, and let me see what luck thy stars destine for thee.”
“What should they forbode, save evil?” returned the hopeless lover.
Nevertheless, the pretended dealer in chiromancy would not be so put off; and as his companion did not care, for such a trifle, to offend one who had treated him so generously, he reached out his hand to him. Mustering up a look of profound sagacity, Master Peter considered all the lines very attentively, shook his head occasionally in the mean while, and, after he had carried on the game for a sufficient time, said, “Friend! he who has luck has also the bride! To-morrow, as soon as the sun rises, hie thee with all speed to Rottenburg. The maiden is faithful, and well-inclined towards thee, nor will she fail to receive thee with affection. A rich inheritance will shortly fall to thee, of which thou little dreamest; and thou wilt then have wherewith to support a wife handsomely!”
“Comrade,” returned the youth, supposing that the prophet was making himself merry at his expense, “it ill becomes you to jest with the unfortunate. Seek some one on whom you can play your tricks, and leave me in peace.”
“Nay, my good friend, I am not one that would deceive you, or amuse myself at your cost; on the contrary, I engage to accomplish my predictions to the letter. To convince you of it, I will now pay you as much of the said bequest as you choose to demand. Follow me into my chamber, and I will convince you of the truth of my words by the most satisfactory evidence.”
At hearing his friend, the dealer in iron, speak of his gold, in a tone of such confidence, the youth’s cheek burned with the glow of joy and sudden astonishment; nor did he know whether he was dreaming or awake, when, following his mysterious companion, he beheld him, after having secured the door, display the secret contents of his cask,—a golden yolk within an iron shell.
Master Peter now discovered himself to the lover of Gertrude, and confided to him the mystery of the treasure, and also his intention of letting him support the character of a wealthy suitor, while he, on the contrary, would enjoy himself more snugly.
