"Who have we here?" cried he to Adelbert, in a friendly tone. "How came you here in the midst of the forest?"
"I have lost myself, Mr. Charcoal-burner," said Adelbert boldly, for he felt no fear, but only joy at the sight of the man, in spite of his strange and wild appearance.
He had read, that though the charcoal-burners were somewhat rough and uncivilized, yet on the whole they were honest and good people; so he went straight up to the man, and held out his hand to him, saying,—
"Good day to you, Mr. Charcoal-burner, I am very glad to see you, for I have been wandering about in the forest ever since five or six o'clock this morning, I have eaten nothing but a few berries, and now I am hungry."
"Well, who would have thought it?" said the charcoal-burner, looking at Adelbert with eyes that glanced sharply and brightly out of his weather-beaten face. "But you must wait a little while till my old woman is ready with the victuals; it won't be long, it is noon now. Sit down the while on yonder bank under the trees."
Adelbert took the hint and stretched himself comfortably on the soft mossy slope.
"What place is this, good man?" asked he.
"The 'Wolf's Hill' in the Ranschethal," said he. "Presently you must tell me how you got here, but don't bother me with your chatter now; I must mind the kiln, or the flames will break out; afterwards we will have a talk."
The man's voice sounded rough and rude, and his harsh words rather frightened Adelbert, so he sat still and watched the charcoal-burner, who went round and round the kiln, occupied sometimes in one place, sometimes in another.
Nothing further was said for about half-an-hour, when a clear voice from the cottage above called out, "Severin, Severin! Dinner is ready!"
"Very well, old woman," cried the man in answer, "I'm coming directly." Then turning towards the forest, he called loudly, "Hans!"
"Halloa, master!" came back the answer.
And after a pause, there was a sound of quick heavy footsteps, and a man came out of the nearest bushes, who was nearly as tall and strong as Severin himself, and quite as rough and smoke-begrimed.
"Go to dinner, Hans," said his master, "and when you have done, come here and look to the kiln; in an hour or two the charcoal will be ready, and you must mind it till then."
"All right, master," answered the man, who was the servant or assistant of the charcoal-burner, as he walked away with the same heavy but quick step.
"You may go with him and dine, if you can't wait," said Severin to Adelbert.
"No, I will wait and go with you, sir."
"All right, as you like; but don't say 'sir' to me, we are not accustomed to that sort of thing in the forest,—do you hear?"
Without waiting for Adelbert's reply, he took up his iron shovel and went once more to attend to the kiln. Wherever the vapour and smoke threatened to break out, there he was instantly and cleverly at work, and proved himself perfect master of his business, whilst Adelbert watched his movements with such interest, that he forgot hunger, fatigue, and everything else.
After about a quarter of an hour Hans reappeared, and Severin handed him the iron shovel saying, shortly, "Watch carefully that nothing happens." And turning to Adelbert said, "Come along, youngster, now we will go to dinner."
Adelbert sprang up, took without ceremony the black hard hand of the charcoal-burner, and walked by his side to the cottage. The man smiled good-humouredly, for the boy's bold, confident manner seemed to please him.
"My gracious, Severin, who have you got there?" cried a woman, who was standing at the door of the cottage, as they approached.
"You can see for yourself, old woman; it is a boy," replied the man, "he lost himself in the forest, is very hungry, and would like some dinner. I suppose there is enough for us and Bastel too?"
"Oh dear, yes! Even if I go without myself," said the woman good-naturedly, as she looked curiously at Adelbert; "but perhaps the young gentleman won't relish our fare, he seems to belong to gentlefolks, and is accustomed to better than he will find here."
"Never fear, old woman," said Severin, "the boy is hungry, and hunger is the best sauce, only be quick and give us what you have. Is Bastel here?"
"Yes, he has just returned from the forest, and has brought a beautiful trout with him of nearly two pounds weight; I will soon cook it for the young gentleman; but won't Bastel stare when he sees the grand visitor! Here, Bastel, Bastel! Just come here a minute, quick!"
"Yes, mother," called he from the inside of the cottage, "here I am, what do you want?"
"Why, just look; we have got a visitor, a real little gentleman," said the mother; "now mind you are civil to him."
"Oh yes, that I will," said Bastel, as he and Adelbert looked curiously at one another.
Bastel was a fine-looking lad about the same age as Adelbert, perhaps a little older, but far taller and stronger. Light-brown curly hair fell on his shoulders, his face was deeply tanned by the air and sun, his blue eyes sparkled as bright and clear as those of a hawk, the expression of his features was honest and open. His dress was the simplest imaginable,—a coarse shirt, jacket, and trousers of strong homespun linen with a cap of the same material,—was all he wore; shoes and stockings he had none. Still the boy looked nice enough, for his dress, though simple, was perfectly neat and clean, and the white shirt collar set off the sensible brown face to advantage.
"What is your name?" demanded Bastel, when the two boys had had a good look at each other.
"My name is Adelbert,— Adelbert Brockmann, of Hamburg."
"Of Hamburg! Why, that is a long way from here?"
"Yes, forty or fifty miles."
"And how is it you are so torn and scratched?" said Bastel, laughing. "There is hardly a whole place in your nice clothes; what have you been doing?"
"I fell into the brook, and got stuck in the brambles," answered Adelbert rather irritably, "that might happen to anyone; and besides, I do not come from Hamburg to-day, but only from Ilsenburg."
"Ah, yes, and got lost in the woods," said Bastel rather scornfully, "that often happens to city children, but never to me. I can always find my way, however far I wander; but of course that is because I was brought up in the woods. Now don't vex any more at having lost yourself, I will soon show you the way back to Ilsenburg, that will be fun for me."
"Come to dinner, lads, come to dinner," shouted the powerful voice of the charcoal-burner from the cottage, into which he had gone, leaving the boys to themselves.
"Come along," said Bastel, seizing Adelbert without ceremony by the arm, and leading him into the parlour to the table, which was covered with a clean coarse cloth, on which stood a large earthenware dish of dumplings, and another dish of stewed bilberries.
For Adelbert were placed a plate, knife and fork, and a bright tin spoon; Bastel and his father had only the last-named article, and ate out of the dish.
"It is quicker, and tastes just as good," said the charcoal-burner, as he remarked the astonishment in Adelbert's face. "Plates are scarce in the forest, and the potter lives along way off; but take what you want and never mind us, we shall get on very well without plates."
Adelbert did not need a second invitation, for the dumplings and bilberries looked delicious. He attacked the dishes bravely, and did not leave off till he had disposed of three of the largest dumplings, and a corresponding quantity of bilberries. After that, he ate a good slice of the pretty spotted trout, which the good woman served up most invitingly for him, and then he felt satisfied.
"How nice that was!" said he. "Many thanks, good people, for all your kindness. I have never tasted such a delicious trout as that at Ilsenburg."
"Just so," said the charcoal-burner, laughing good-naturedly. "Do you hear, old woman? I said hunger was the best sauce. Well, now, you must tell me, my boy, how you got here. What are you doing at Ilsenburg?"
"We are staying there, my parents and I, for a few weeks, because it is such a beautiful place."
"Oh, so your parents are there too; did they know, then, that you were going to wander in the forest?"
"Yes, I told the waiter to tell them so; they were asleep when I started."
"And now they are in a fine state of anxiety about you, because you have not returned, I'll be bound."
"Yes, very likely, my mother especially, she is always so anxious," answered Adelbert, not without a pang of remorse. "What can I do?" continued he, "I am very well off here, I would gladly stay for good and all, and become a charcoal-burner like you. It is so very beautiful in the green forest."
"And you are a very foolish boy, it appears to me," answered Severin drily. "With those little hands, and that delicate pink-and-white face, to become a charcoal-burner would be very fitting, certainly. Now, if you were a lad like my Bastel here, he is cut out for it, he has the proper bone and muscle, and although it is hard work, he can fell the trees, hew them in pieces, saw then and split them into logs, build up the kiln, and manage the burning as well as I can. A delicate town-bred child like you would not be fit for it; your fine clothes and little white hands and neck would soon be as black as my hands and my jacket there."
"What does that matter? I should like to try for a little while, at all events, it must be so nice to work in the shady woods, with the birds singing so sweetly up amongst the branches."
"Yes, and in the winter, when the snow is yards in depth, and icicles a foot long hang from the branches of the trees, and the sharp north-east wind cuts through clothes and skin to your very bones, and freezes the blood in your veins," said the charcoal-burner mockingly. "No, no, little boy, you do not understand that sort of thing, it is not your place, you belong to the town, and your little hands are more fit to wield the pen than the iron shovel. Now, with my Bastel it is just the contrary; he would never in his life be clever with the pen, though he can already manage the iron shovel for his old father right well. Yes, yes, 'every man in his place;' the city child belongs to the city, and the forest child to the forest. Changing them never succeeds, many people have tried it."
"I should not like the town," said Bastel; "but Adelbert is right, father, in wishing to be in the forest. Here, in the mountain valleys, it is so much more beautiful than in the narrow streets amongst the crowds of people, where one can neither move nor stir. I went once to Wernigerode, Adelbert, with father, when he took some charcoal, but I could not bear the close stifling streets, although the mountains and woods were so near; indeed, for my part, I do not care if I never see any more houses."
"Because that is your nature," said his father earnestly; "you are a forest child, and it suits you best to live in the forest. It is fitting for you, but it is not fitting for that boy, because he is a city child and has rich parents; I can tell that by his clothes, although they are torn and dirty. See, Bastel, he has a gold chain hanging out of his pocket, and very likely a gold watch at the end of it."
Bastel looked, and said curiously, "Is it true? Have you a gold watch? Oh, do show it me, I never saw such a thing in my life, although I have often heard of them."
Adelbert drew the watch out of his pocket and handed it to Bastel, who examined it with the greatest interest, especially the delicate machinery of the interior.
"It is very pretty," said he, "but I should not know what to do with it, after all, the sun is my watch, and that always goes right."
"Just so," said his father; "I have never gone by any other in my life; but put the thing away, Adelbert, we must think of other things now. You must go back to your father and mother, and the sooner the better, for of course they do not know where you are. Listen, Bastel, you know the way to the valley of the Ilse; you must go with him, till he can find the way by himself."
"That I will do willingly, father," answered the boy, "but only look at him; he is so tired with wandering about in our hills, and it is six good miles to Ilsenburg, over hill and valley. He cannot go so far again to-day, and he cannot pass the night in the woods."
"Impossible!" cried Adelbert. "Six miles to Ilsenburg; I did not think I had walked two!"
The old man shook his head. "Well, it is rather a long way," said he. "What is to be done? We cannot leave your poor parents in suspense; the best way will be to send Hans to Ilsenburg, and I will mind the kiln the while. Yes, that will be the wisest plan, and then you can rest to-day, little boy; have a good sleep to-night, and start with Bastel by break of day to-morrow; that's how we'll manage. Take care of him this afternoon, Bastel, and amuse him as well as you can, I must be off to the kiln."
"Yes," answered Bastel, "I will go with him to the trout stream and fish, that is amusing and not tiring, perhaps we shall catch another trout for supper; I have seen one more than once, that weighs over five pounds. If we could get him, it would be capital."
"Then go and try if you can catch him," said his father, "but come home in good time, and don't get into mischief. Your parents are staying at the 'Trout' Hotel, are they not, Adelbert? Very well; Hans must go there. I will send him off at once."
Severin left the cottage to go to the kiln, and Bastel beckoned to Adelbert to accompany him.
"Come," said he, "the day is good for fishing, most likely they will bite; do you know anything about it?"
"I have never tried in my life," said Adelbert.
"Then you must learn, it is not difficult, and I will show you the way."
Adelbert thought no more of his fatigue, and Bastel, taking two rods that stood in a corner of the room, gave his companion one, and they set off.
The way led up the valley to a shady little pond, formed by the brook that ran through it; and the water in it was so beautifully clear that you could plainly see the bottom. A few large trees on the bank rose high above the low bushes, and stretched their thick roots into the water, where they formed little caves and grottoes.
"He is hiding himself in one of those holes," said Bastel; "if we can persuade him to come out, he is ours. But he is very shy, and not easily caught; however, we will see. Throw your line there by the great alder bush, and I will try my luck here; but I will show you how to do it."
Adelbert soon learnt how to manage, and when the float swam quietly on the water, Bastel left his pupil to himself.
"You have nothing to do, but to stay quite still and watch," said he. "If the float only moves a little, don't pull the line up, for it only shows that the fish is playing with the bait; but when the float is drawn under the water with a jerk, then hold fast to the rod and call me, the pulling out the fish is the hardest part, and must be understood, so don't try it by yourself, or he may pull you into the water instead of you pulling him out; if he is a great fellow, he won't stand much trifling with."
Adelbert promised to follow these instructions to the letter, and seated himself under the shade of the trees, whilst Bastel took up his post about thirty yards farther on. It was cool and quiet here in the deep valley, by the water-side. The cork floated motionless on the smooth surface of the pond, and not a single fish seemed to trouble itself about the bait.
Some time passed in silence, and at last, Adelbert began to feel sleepy. Involuntarily his eyes closed, though he still kept a firm hold on the rod. All at once, he was aroused by a jerk: the rod was torn out of his hand, and only half awake, he had but just time to prevent its being drawn quite into the water, narrowly escaping a fall into the pond himself. The float had entirely disappeared, and as he was looking for it, he saw by the pulling and tugging at the end of the line that a fish, and a large one too, had taken the bait, as was soon proved by its nearly jerking the rod out of his hand again.
"Oho," thought he, now thoroughly aroused, "it shan't get away like that."
And steadying himself with his feet against the root of a tree, he held the rod with both hands. He soon saw, however, that the fish was too strong for him, and remembered Bastel's advice, that he should call him in such a case. He was half inclined to do so, but was ashamed to cry for help, and besides, he wished to show Bastel that he was a match for a fish by himself; so he held fast, and tried by every means to bring the fish ashore, and saw to his joy that he was succeeding, but, just as he had brought his captive close to the bank, and could see plainly that it was a trout of an unusual size, it seemed as if it took its tail in its mouth, and at the same time gave such a spring, that he was obliged to let go the rod, in order that he might not be compelled to bear the fish unwilling company in its cool element.
Before he had recovered from the surprise occasioned by this mischance, rod and all were floating on the water, pulled about in all directions by the struggles of the trout to free himself.
Now he called with all his might and main, "Help, Bastel, help! Or he will get away."
"I'm coming," said Bastel, and was there in a twinkling. "Where is it? What have you done with the rod!"
"There it is, look," answered Adelbert, "the fish pulled it out of my hand into the water, and nearly dragged me in, too."
"Yes, because you did not do as I told you," said Bastel. "Well, it is lucky it ended there, and spared you a second cold bath to-day. But we must get the rod again, and the fish, too, at the end of it; he must be a fine fellow, and we must not lose him."
In a moment, he had thrown off his clothes, sprung into the water, and swum to the fishing-rod. When he reached it, he seized it with his teeth and came back to the bank. The trout tried to prevent him and to pull the rod away from him again, but he did not succeed, and Adelbert could not but admire the cleverness with which Bastel slackened the line, and drew it in again, just at the right moment. As soon as he could touch the ground, he took the rod in his hand and waded quickly to the shore, drawing the fish after him. But the capture was not effected as speedily as Adelbert expected; the fish fought for its life, and there was for a few minutes a somewhat doubtful battle before Bastel could land it; and it was only by skilfulness and dexterity that he succeeded at last, and one sharp blow put an end to the struggle.
Bastel rejoiced as he put on his clothes. "That's it," said he, "that is the trout I have been trying so long to catch, and I don't believe we should have got him to-day, if he had not been so over-cunning. He saw directly that you were not used to fishing, and as he recognised me as his old enemy, he gave me the 'go-by,' and thinking he was in no danger from you, snapped up the bait. Yes, yes, that's it. But all his cunning has not served him, we have got him at last, and a fine fellow he is, at least six pounds weight, I have never seen a larger or heavier one. But, Adelbert, you must be a soft fellow to have let the rod go."
"It might have happened to you, too," answered Adelbert sulkily, "the brute nearly pulled my arms off."
"Ah, yes, because you did not know how to manage," rejoined Bastel. "Father is right; such a dainty, town child is not fit for the forest. But come along, we will take the trout home to mother."
Bastel slung the fish on a piece of string, passed through its gills, so that he might carry it conveniently, and started homewards with Adelbert.
The birds sang as gaily as they did in the morning, and Adelbert listened to them with the greatest pleasure, especially to a magnificent blackbird, sitting far above their heads, on the highest branch of an oak-tree, and carolling forth from there its sweet flute-like notes.
"How lovely that is!" said he to Bastel. "How happy I should be, if I had a blackbird like that."
"Would you really like it? You can easily have it, if you would."
"You are only joking; Bastel, how could you catch it up there?"
"Oh, that's nothing," said he, quite astonished that Adelbert should doubt so simple a fact. "In ten minutes you shall have it in your hand, and afterwards I will make you a cage of willow-twigs, so that you can take it back with you to Ilsenburg to-morrow. And we will find it some food, too. I know some fine ants' nests, and blackbirds are very fond of ants' eggs. Afterwards you can give it berries, and rolls soaked in milk; we have not any rolls here, but you can get them from the baker's in Ilsenburg, father brought me several from there once. But first of all, we will take the trout to mother, and I must get out my snares."
The cottage was not far-off, so the trout was soon disposed of, and both boys hastened back to where the blackbird still sang, high amongst the branches. Bastel placed his trap, baited it and went with Adelbert behind the trunk of a tree near at hand, he then whistled a few peculiar notes; before long the blackbird left the tree, saw the bait, darted upon it, and in a moment was struggling in the net. Adelbert was beside himself with joy, and praised the skilfulness of his new friend.
"Oh, that is nothing," said Bastel, "you only wonder at it because you are a town boy, and know nothing of the forest. I know all the birds about here, and the proper traps to catch them with; there is no skill in it. But now I will make you a cage; there are plenty of willows not far from here."
They soon found them, and Bastel cut a quantity, and peeling them, in less than an hour he had woven them into such a neat cage, that Adelbert could not admire it enough; the blackbird was placed in it. Bastel gave it plenty of food, and the thing was done.
"What shall we do now?" said he. "Do you like strawberries, Adelbert?"
"Oh yes, that I do, better than anything; are there many about here? I have only seen a very few to-day."
"That is because you did not know where to look," said Bastel. "There are quantities; up above there, the ground is quite red with them. Come with me and see."
Adelbert followed willingly, and Bastel led him to a place literally strewn with ripe strawberries.
"Eat away," said he, "and I will gather for you the while."
Adelbert ate as fast as he could pluck the sweet red berries, but he was not half satisfied when Bastel, who had gone a little way off, returned bringing him his cap full of the most beautiful fruit.
"Here, catch hold," said he, "I have not had half enough, and must get myself some more."
"But how could you pick so many in such a short time?" asked Adelbert, staring with amazement.
"Oh, I am used to it," answered Bastel. "Quick eyes and quick fingers are everything; now eat as many as you want, and when you have had enough, we will go to the Conies' Hill. I must catch a couple of conies for mother to make soup to-morrow, they make a capital stew."
"Conies!" exclaimed Adelbert. "What are they? Are they birds?"
"You might as well say fish," laughed Bastel; "how silly you are! Conies are conies, that's all I know about it; they are like hares, only not so large, and we may catch them in nets and snares without the keeper's saying a word to us, but hares are forbidden."
"Oh, I know, they are rabbits, we have some at home," said Adelbert.
"All right," answered Bastel, "we call them conies here, and they make first-rate soup."
With these words, he betook himself to gathering strawberries again, and when Adelbert could eat no more, they left the strawberry-bed and went, Bastel leading the way, to the "Conies' Hill," as they called it, a barren sand-hill, in a little valley close by, and in some places quite perforated with holes.
"Do you see how they are running into their holes?" said Bastel. "But we will soon get out as many as we want."
He went to a large oak-tree, whose trunk was hollow from age, and soon came back with his arm full of little nets, and a box that he placed on the ground.
"There is a ferret in here," said he. "Carl, the keeper's son, sent it to me; but the next thing is to place the nets."
Adelbert watched everything that Bastel did. He spread his bag-like nets before several holes, which he examined carefully, so that the mouth of the net enclosed the opening, fastened them to the ground with wooden pegs, and then took the ferret, a small thin animal, hardly a foot long, with yellowish-white fur and red eyes, a pointed nose, and sharp teeth, out of the box.
"What are you going to do with the little animal?" asked Adelbert curiously.
"You'll see directly," answered Bastel, "I am going to send him into the conies' houses, and he will bring out every one of them."
"Ah, now, you want to make a fool of me, Bastel," said Adelbert rather angrily. "You need not take me for an idiot, because I am a town boy."
Bastel laughed heartily. "Now you really are a fool," cried he; "why should I tell you a lie? If you don't believe me, keep your eyes open, and you will see."
He carried the ferret to the entrance of a hole, not covered with a net, and put it down; the animal snuffed about for a minute with its long nose, and then ran into the hole and disappeared.
"He is gone," said Adelbert, "how will you get him out again?"
"He will come out of his own accord," replied Bastel, "now just watch, and you will see how he will make the conies run out."
A few moments passed in watchful silence, then a noise was heard in the rabbit-burrow, and suddenly they came out of the holes in all directions, and running into the nets, were caught in the meshes. A few, more lucky than the rest, came out of the holes where there were no nets. Like lightning, they fled for their lives in fear and trembling into the open space, as though the destroyer were behind them, and saved themselves in the thicket beyond.
Quite satisfied, Bastel took up his nets, killed the struggling rabbits with a blow on the head, and put them altogether into a bag; there were six of them in the nets.
"And now for the ferret," said Adelbert.
"Here he comes," replied Bastel, and pointed to one of the holes; "do you not see him poking his long nose out and smelling about? We will have him directly."
Laying the bag containing the rabbits on one side, he went to the ferret, pulled him out of the hole, and gently stroking his white fur, put him back into his box, and once more hid it with the nets in the hollow tree.
"There!" said he. "Now we have done enough for to-day, and will go home; the sun has already sunk behind the mountains, and it seems to me as if we should have a storm. Look at those black clouds, Adelbert; we must be quick, if we wish to reach the house with dry clothes."
The hollow sound of distant thunder proved the truth of his words; the air had become very hot and close, and it seemed likely that they would be overtaken by the storm in the forest.
"Quick, quick!" cried Bastel, as he threw the bag containing the rabbits over his shoulder. "We must run as fast as we can."
Without keeping to the path, he hastened straight to the cottage, and Adelbert followed him through thick and thin, for the threatened storm was coming up quickly, and the rolling thunder sounded nearer and nearer. Suddenly a rushing noise was heard through the forest, and the air became dark as night, although the sun was still above the horizon.
"What is that?" asked Adelbert fearfully.
"Oh, it is only the storm sighing in the tops of the trees," said Bastel. "It will be here directly, do you hear?"
Adelbert listened, and the roaring and rushing came swelling up from the distance, ever louder and louder, like the sound of the surf that the wind hurls against the rocks. And now it broke immediately above the two boys; the tall heads of the trees bent like weak reeds, the boughs cracked and strained, and clouds of leaves were whirled through the air. At the same time, the thunder rolled and crashed with threefold fury, and woke the echoes from valley and cliff, whilst the lightning flashed with dazzling brightness out of the dark clouds.
Adelbert was pale as death; he had never seen such a storm in his life; mountains and hills seemed to be whirled round by the fury of the storm, as if the end of the world were come. Awe-struck and frightened, he remained rooted to the spot.
"What are you stopping for?" cried Bastel to him. "Run, I say, the rain will come down like a waterspout directly. There! The first drops are beginning to fall; luckily, we have not much farther to go."
As Adelbert could not regain his courage directly, Bastel took him by the arm and dragged him unceremoniously along. "We can hardly see or hear," said he, "but yonder lies the cottage."
The sight of the sheltering roof reanimated Adelbert's failing courage, and he hastened on at Bastel's side, and by great efforts they reached the door just in the nick of time, for hardly had they passed the threshold, when the rain came down in torrents, and the very foundations of the earth were shaken by the fearful claps of thunder and the raging storm.
"Thank Heaven, we escaped it by a hair's breadth," said Bastel to his parents, who had been watching rather anxiously for the boy's return, as he stopped into the parlour and shook the rain-drops off him. "That is a bad storm, father."
"Yes, indeed; I am all the more glad now that I sent Hans to Ilsenburg," answered the charcoal-burner. "Your parents would be in sad anxiety, if they did not know you were safely housed, Adelbert; you must see now how foolish it was to wander into the forest in such a thoughtless manner."
Adelbert nodded, and looked very penitent; besides, he did not feel quite easy, for the storm, the lightning, and the claps of thunder raged faster than ever, and the rain fell in streams. At home in his father's house in Hamburg, where there was a lightning-conductor, he always felt secure, but here, in the forest, it seemed very dangerous, and, to tell the truth, he was afraid. The life of a charcoal-burner did not seem so desirable as he had before thought, and he began to see its disadvantages.
After the storm had raged for an hour or more, the thunder subsided into distant grumbling, though the rain did not stop, but pattered continually on the leaves of the trees.
"It is over," said the old woodman, as he looked out for a moment into the dark night, "at least, the thunder is, and now we can think about supper; how does the trout get on, mother?"
"It will be ready in a minute," answered the woman, hastening actively into the kitchen.
They talked a little at supper, but Adelbert soon felt so dead tired that he closed his eyes.
"The dustman has come," said Master Severin laughing, "take him to bed, mother, and let him sleep, he must be tired, for he left home betimes this morning."
Adelbert threw himself on the bed prepared for him, and was instantly so fast asleep that the crashing thunder itself would not have awakened him.
On the following morning, the cloudless blue sky smiled again on the newly-refreshed earth, but the ground was so saturated with wet, and the brooks so swollen by the rain, that it was impossible for Adelbert to go all the way to Ilsenburg.
"You must wait till the middle of the day," said Master Severin, "by that time the water will have subsided and the ground dried up, then you can go, my lads. In the meantime come with me, you must help me to split logs to build up a fresh kiln, Bastel, as Hans has not come back yet; the weather has kept him, I daresay."
"Yes, father," said Bastel willingly.
And Adelbert also asked to be allowed to help with the work. "It will be great fun to be a charcoal-burner for a little while," said he.
"You!" said Severin, laughing. "Hardly, I should think; but try it by all means, you will soon be tired of your extraordinary fancy."
After the simple breakfast, consisting only of goat's milk, with bread and cheese, both the boys accompanied the charcoal-burner to the kiln.
Severin pointed out to each of them a great heap of wood already sawn into logs, that had to be split, and provided them with the necessary tools, axes, and mallets. Bastel set to work bravely, and Adelbert took great pains to follow his example; he chopped and chopped with all his might at the logs, without being able to hew a single one in pieces; whilst Bastel had already quite a heap of split logs lying round him.
Adelbert was ashamed of his awkwardness, and redoubled his efforts, but gained nothing save tired arms, wounded fingers, and blistered hands.
At last, quite discouraged, he threw down the axe.
"It won't do," he sighed, as he wiped the perspiration from his face. "I see now, Severin, that you are right,—I am not fit for a charcoal-burner; and besides, I only like the forest in fine weather; after all, I think I prefer a town life."
"I thought you would be cured of your fancy before you were an hour older," said the charcoal-burner, laughing heartily. "Yes, yes, 'every man in his place.' You are about as likely to make a charcoal-burner as an oak-tree to turn into a birch. Providence has ordered it so. The good God gives to each one different talents and powers; and every one should be brought up and trained in his proper sphere, or he will be good for nothing.
"Bastel there, I am thinking, will be a first-rate charcoal-burner one of these days, and doubtless Heaven will also mark out your path in life; you will discover all in good time what you are fit for. One cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, or a sow's ear out of a silk purse, though both are useful in their way; that is an old saying, but a very true one.
"Now, let alone the axe, and amuse yourself some other way, if you can. Up yonder you will find lots of strawberries, go and get some, they are ripe and sweet, and when Bastel has done what he is about, he shall come and help you."
Adelbert followed the old man's advice, and betook himself to the strawberry-bed. Whilst he was gathering the luscious fruit and putting it in a little basket that Bastel had given him, he thought over the words of the simple-minded but sensible charcoal-burner, and was more and more convinced, that with his plain, straightforward common sense, he had hit the right nail on the head.
"I am a very foolish boy, with all my ridiculous whims and fancies," he argued, rather ashamed. "I have annoyed my dear father and mother with them, and will try to make up for it in the future. From this time, I will be guided by my father, he will know what is best for me, and I will give up all other nonsense after this; that's what I'll do."
Two hours passed quickly whilst he was thus engaged, and he was in the act of coming back to the kiln with his basket full of the most beautiful strawberries, when the sound of a well-known voice filled him with surprise and delight.
"Adelbert, Adelbert! Where are you?"
"Here I am, mother," cried he joyfully.
And bounding down the slope, he threw himself into the outstretched arms of his mother, who overwhelmed him with kisses and tender reproaches; whilst his father said a few words, to which Adelbert listened very attentively and humbly.
"Forgive me, my dear father and mother, for all my past follies," he cried, full of repentance, "I see now how silly and absurd I have made myself with all my ridiculous whims and fancies; this honest man, who so kindly received me into his house, when I was wandering like a fool in the forest, has opened my eyes; only forgive me this once, and as long as I live, I will never try again to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
His father laughed, whilst his mother once more pressed her son to her heart.
"Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!" cried Herr Brockmann. "What does that mean?"
"Come to Master Severin, father; he will explain it all to you."
Herr Brockmann turned to the old charcoal-burner, shook him warmly by the hand, and entered into conversation with him, in which he appeared soon to become much interested. Adelbert in the meantime told his mother all that had passed since they parted, and she looked at Bastel in the most friendly manner, as Adelbert praised his conduct, and told gratefully of all his kindness.
"We are much indebted to you, my dear boy," said she, "you must come back to Ilsenburg with us, and remain as long as we stay. But you, naughty Adelbert, what sorrow and anxiety you have caused us! If your kind host had not sent the messenger, we should not have closed our eyes all night, especially after the dreadful storm in the evening. Early this morning, we started from Ilsenburg with donkeys and horses, as the messenger told us there was no carriage-road up here into the forest. And now come and dress yourself properly, for at present you are not fit to be seen. My goodness, Adelbert, what a sight you are!—Ragged and dirty as the veriest little beggar-boy. Luckily we have brought linen and clean clothes, and all that is necessary; come, be quick and change your things, that you may look like a decent boy again."
Adelbert accompanied his mother to the cottage, one of the baggage-horses was unloaded, and he soon reappeared clean and tidy, as he had been when he started the morning before from Ilsenburg.
Bastel looked at him admiringly, but the old charcoal-burner said, laughing,—
"There now, that fine gentleman is just fit to burn charcoal, that is the sort of thing we are used to up here in the forest; eh, Bastel?"
They all laughed, Bastel included, but Adelbert hung down his head ashamed.
"It serves me right to be laughed at and made fun of," said he, "I have deserved it, but it shall not happen again; 'every man in his place,' you have said, Master Severin, and I shall remember that."
"It will be the best thing you can do," said his father drily. "But now we will let bygones be bygones, and hope that experience has at last taught you wisdom. Let us talk of something else. We have only an hour or two to stay here."
So they chatted away whilst they ate the good things which Adelbert's parents had brought from Ilsenburg. Afterwards, they had a full account of all the little adventures that had befallen Adelbert during his wanderings in the forest. And Herr Brockmann listened with marked attention to all that he said of the kind-hearted hospitality of his host, and of Bastel's good nature.
"I see we are much indebted to our new friends," said he, "and it will give me the greatest pleasure if I can be of use to them. Tell me candidly, Master Severin, what I can do for you; speak freely, for I am rich, and would gladly do what I could to help an honest man like you."
The charcoal-burner looked embarrassed, and was obliged to consider whether he had anything to wish for; at last he said, "If I had land and gold, what good would it do me in the end? I am no longer young, and have learnt nothing but how to burn my charcoal. Certainly, if the tar-boiling and potash-works, and all the rest of it, which make the woods so valuable to the Count up yonder, belonged to me, I know all about that, and could go on in the old way: but I am too old to learn anything new, and I am content to earn my daily bread in my accustomed manner, till it please the good God to close my eyes. That's how it is, sir, and you must not take it amiss, and I thank you heartily for your kindness, but I will remain here as I always have been, sir."
Herr Brockmann shook his head, glanced at Bastel, and whispered a few words to his wife, to which she replied with a nod of approval.
"Well, well," said he, turning again to Severin, "perhaps you are right not to alter the style of living to which you have been so long accustomed. But there is your son Bastel; he is young, and, from what I have seen and heard, possesses a good understanding and a clear head, it is a pity he should be buried here in the forest; let me take him back with me to Hamburg. I will keep him and send him to school with my son, and some day I will make a merchant of him."
"That requires a good deal of consideration," said Severin, in answer to this well-meant proposition. "If I felt sure that it was for the boy's advantage, I would not say a word against it. But you see, sir, Bastel is a forest flower, and forest flowers belong to the woods, and very seldom thrive in the close air of the city. There are exceptions, I daresay, and perhaps this may be one, as you are kind enough to interest yourself in the boy, sir, but it must be considered. What do you think about it yourself, Bastel? And you, mother? You have a voice in the matter too."
Bastel's eyes sparkled and his cheeks glowed. Adelbert had already told him many strange and wonderful things of the life and customs in the great city, and he longed to become acquainted with all the grandeur he described.
"I should like to try it, father," said he, after a little consideration.
Master Severin had not apparently expected such an answer, for he was not a little astonished.
"What!" said he. "Have you forgotten going to Wernigerode, Bastel, and how you could not get away quick enough to come back to the woods and mountains?"
"Yes, yes, father, I remember quite well," answered the boy rather embarrassed; "but, after all that Adelbert has told me, I see it is quite different in Hamburg: the large ships in the harbour, the magnificent houses, and the great wide sea. All that and much more besides, not to be found in Wernigerode, I should like to see and become acquainted with."
Master Severin shook his head. "I do not think you will like it," said he; "but I will not stand in your light, Bastel. That be far from me. And you, mother, what do you think?"
"I don't know, I don't know," answered the simple-minded woman; "let me alone and don't ask me, it is always hard for a mother to part with her child. But if it is for Bastel's good, then the yearning mother's heart must be still. Do what you please, you two, only don't ask me."
"The parting is not for ever, my good woman," answered Madame Brockmann, in a friendly tone. "Bastel will come home again after a time, and then you will be pleased to find him a clever and accomplished young man."
"But will he wear as fine clothes as Adelbert?" asked the mother anxiously. "And live in your grand house, and eat at your table?"
"Certainly he will," said Herr Brockmann interposing; "I promise you he shall be treated in everything as my own son; you may rely upon that and it will not be to his loss."
"Well, be it so then," said the woman with a sigh, "his welfare comes first of all. I will not hinder you, Bastel, only you must not quite forget the old home in the woods, and the poor old father and mother."
"Oh no, mother, no fear of that," cried Bastel in heartfelt tones; "and besides, I can always come back if I do not like Hamburg. Is it not so, Herr Brockmann? You will not compel me to stay?"
"With regard to that, you will always have your own way; and should it be the case, I shall make it my business to see that you return safely and comfortably. So do not be anxious, good people, I have Bastel's welfare in view, and I do not think you will ever repent having trusted your boy to our care."
"Very well, so be it then," exclaimed Master Severin, "I will say nothing more against it; nevertheless, I stick to what I have always said, 'Every man in his place,' and wild flowers belong to the woods. But I see Bastel wishes it, and you, sir, mean it so kindly, therefore it shall be so: take him with you, and let him try how he likes the great wide world. If the worst come to the worst, he has always one sure refuge,—his old home and his parents' hearts."
So it was decided that Bastel should leave his native woods and mountains, and be launched on the broad stream of public life.
Herr Brockmann did not wish to delay his departure, so the hour of separation soon arrived. Some tears were shed, but as they had both agreed to Bastel's determination, his parents restrained their feelings as much as possible, for they said to themselves, "It is for his good."
The next night Bastel slept for the first time in his life under a strange roof, and in as soft and luxurious a bed as he had never even seen before. So the wild flower was transplanted from its native woodland soil to the cultivated gardens of civilization. The future will show how it throve.
CHAPTER III.
IN THE WIDE WORLD.
DEAR reader, have you ever seen a lovely forest flower whose delicate bloom and delicious fragrance has charmed your senses? Have you lifted it carefully from the ground, gently loosening each slender root, taken it home and planted it, nursing it with the most assiduous attention, in order that you might watch at your leisure its expanding loveliness? Did you not give it the finest mould, water it night and morning, and give it fresh air, sunshine or shade, as it might require it?
And see, at first the tender little head will droop, then it will raise itself again and shoot up quickly and strongly: blossom succeeds to blossom and leaf to leaf in unusual luxuriance, till all at once, in spite of every loving and tender care, it comes to a standstill, and a marked change begins to appear. The buds no longer burst into flower, the leaves and their stems shrivel up, fade, and fall off; the plant sickens, and all your efforts to breathe into it new, fresh, vigorous existence only serve to prolong for a brief space its waning life, for a week, a month, perhaps even a year.
But at last, notwithstanding your care, the little branches stand quite bare and withered, and your cherished plant is dead, without a hope of recovery. Surely, you thought, it must be better off for you here than in the forest, exposed to all weathers, the parching sunshine or the icy blast, with no one to care whether it was moist or dry. True, but then out there it was placed in just the right spot and the right soil, and no attention, or love, or care that you can bestow, can make up for that, and it will wither and die.
So it was with Bastel, when he was suddenly taken from the quiet loneliness of the depth of the forest, and plunged into the bustle and turmoil of the world—transplanted from the simple cottage that had been his home since he first saw the light, to the glitter and pomp of a rich man's house in a strange city.
At first, he forgot everything in the new and hitherto unknown experiences that crowded upon him at every turn. With wondering eyes he looked around, and gazed at all that seemed strange or rare; at the cultivated and fruitful plains, so different from the wild wooded mountains of his distant home; the great cities, with their magnificent palaces, churches, and museums; the soldiers with their polished arms and uniforms, and the thousands of gaily-dressed people who thronged the streets; the great rivers with their steamers and sailing vessels; and the railroad with its snorting iron horse that seemed to him to fly over the ground on the wings of the wind.
He became a different creature,—he was no longer the bold, fearless Bastel of the woods. The unwonted life made him shy, and confused his clear mind, pressing with heavy weight on his heart and senses. Secretly he envied Adelbert, who seemed so easy and confident in the midst of all this turmoil, and who was never surprised at anything. Indeed, he not only envied him, but watched him with shy wonder, and felt himself as much his inferior now, as he had imagined himself his superior in the woods, where he had laughed at and made fun of him. Their places were just reversed: Adelbert was now the wise, skilful, and clever one, whilst poor Bastel hung his head and became so excessively awkward and silly, that when Adelbert laughed at him, as he often did, for his complete ignorance of the ways of the world, he let it pass meekly and silently.
"Don't vex yourself about it, Bastel," Herr Brockmann would say to him encouragingly, "you will soon get used to these things, and he who has a brave spirit quickly masters them. You will get on better in Hamburg than you do now on the journey, where everything sweeps before your eyes and dazzles you."
Bastel sighed, and felt strong doubts on the point, spite of these assurances, whilst his heart yearned for his native woods and hills. There, he certainly did not see so much that was new, and beautiful, and magnificent, but then what he did see was familiar to him. At home he had not such good clothes as he now wore, but they were more useful to him; these only constrained and distressed him, pretty as they were; whereas, the old linen jacket and breeches were so easy and comfortable. If he had not been afraid of appearing weak and changeable, he would have asked Herr Brockmann, on the very first day of the journey, to let him go home again. But the sense of shame was stronger even than his longing for his native woods and hills, so he held his tongue, and betrayed as little as possible of his state of mind.
But Herr Brockmann had sharp eyes, and read his thoughts.
"Have patience, Bastel," said he. "In a year or so, you will think otherwise, I hope and believe."
"We are quits now, Bastel," said Adelbert laughing, as one day in Berlin he was rallying him for having mistaken a grandly-dressed footman for a nobleman at least, if not for the king himself, and had waved his hand to him. "If I was a silly boy in the forest, you are not the wisest boy in the city; we are quits now, eh, Bastel?"
"Oh yes," answered Bastel, still red with annoyance at his mistake, "I am quite ashamed of myself for having laughed at and made fun of you, and it is quite fair that I should be the one to be laughed at now. My father spoke truly when he said 'every one should keep his own place,' and certainly the city is not mine."
"You will soon get used to it, Bastel," said Adelbert good-naturedly. "You will find that it is not so difficult for you, as for a town child to get accustomed to a forest life. I found that out when I tried to hew the logs of wood in pieces. It is pleasant and easy to live in the city when it becomes familiar to you; only wait till we are in Hamburg."
A few days afterwards they arrived at Hamburg. And then Bastel soon perceived that Adelbert was not far wrong in what he had said. He found it very pleasant and easy to live in the great city as far as fatigue and bodily hardships were concerned. For during the first part of his stay, he had nothing whatever to do but to eat, drink, and sleep, go for walks and drives, and make acquaintance with the new world, under the care of his experienced friend Adelbert. That was not very difficult. But his wonder and astonishment did not all at once give place to presence of mind and perfect ease.
However, by degrees, unaccustomed things became familiar to him, and he held up his head again, as briskly and boldly as he had done at home; not, however, till he had overcome somewhat the feeling of shyness and depression; and not, indeed, before he had committed various blunders and mistakes. He opened his eyes and wondered more than ever, when Adelbert led him for the first time through the rooms in his father's house, then through the great warehouses, and lastly to the villa on the banks of the Elbe. He had seen a great many strange and beautiful things in the hotels on the journey, but nothing that could compare with the splendour, magnificence, and luxury he found in the dwelling of the rich merchant.
When he thought of his father's small, poor cottage in the Hartz mountains, what a contrast was there! The large, lofty rooms, the beautiful statues, the pictures and mirrors in their broad, gilded frames adorning the walls, the bright, gorgeously-coloured carpets, on which at first he hardly dared to tread; the softly-stuffed chairs and sofas, on which he almost feared to sit, lest he should sink entirely in them; the costly cabinets of rare woods, filled with all kinds of things for which he knew no use,—all dazzled and bewildered him, for he had had no idea of the existence even of such magnificence.
Even the few things he was accustomed to, were presented to him in a strange form,—for instance, the washstand when he went to his luxurious bedroom the first night at Hamburg. On the journey he had always slept by himself, washed himself as he had been used to do it, and then jumped into his clothes as quickly as possible. In Hamburg he shared Adelbert's room, and the washstand placed ready for each of them was furnished with all kinds of things he had never even seen. Combs and brushes of every conceivable shape and form; boxes and glasses filled with soaps, tooth powder, and fragrant oils and essences, stood there in convenient order; he could not possibly guess their different uses. Adelbert had either to tell him or show him what they were for, and had many a hearty laugh at his comical mistakes, such as taking a nail-brush for a toothbrush, or using pomade instead of tooth powder, and then making absurdly wry faces.
"If my mother only saw how folks wash and dress, and oil and soap themselves in the city," said he, "she would hold up her hands in wonder and amazement. We don't use all these things in our parts, Adelbert. In the morning we wash at the brook, pass a comb through our hair, and we are dressed for the day in five minutes."
"But surely you cleaned your teeth," said Adelbert, "how else are they so white and polished?"
"I don't know, I'm sure," replied Bastel, "they were always so; I suppose when one has to bite through the thick pieces of hard black bread we always have for breakfast, that cleans them."
"Perhaps so," said Adelbert with a knowing look, "but that won't do in the city. Here you must brush your teeth at after least three times a day,—in the morning, dinner, and before you go to bed. Did you not notice my doing so yesterday?"
"Oh yes, but I thought you had a nasty taste in your mouth you wanted to get rid of," said Bastel; "well, I never heard of such thing!"
At table, too, Bastel made many mistakes. He could not distinguish between large and small plates, knives, forks and spoons, nor find a proper use for all the numerous articles belonging to a well-ordered table in a rich man's house. It was all so new and strange to him, and although he admired it very much, yet he could not help thinking that it was much more comfortable at home, when one put one's spoon into the dish and ate out of it till one had had enough.
All the forms and ceremonies of city life were burdensome to him. However, after he had a few times taken oil for vinegar, poured gravy over the salad instead of over the meat, when he had awkwardly and clumsily broken a few plates and glasses, taken caviare for cartwheel grease, and declared and maintained that oysters were nasty snails, he fell at last into the new ways and forms, and learnt from Adelbert's example how a well-mannered boy should behave at table. Only he could not get accustomed to drinking wine and eating oysters, but kept to the boiled and roast meats and the water-jug.
Adelbert laughed at him about it, but Herr Brockmann approved.
"Be always contented with water, Bastel," said he, "it is far better than so much wine."
After about a week, when Bastel had become rather more at home, Adelbert thought it was time he should see something of the city. He begged leave to drive him himself, and his father consented, on condition that a steady, responsible servant accompanied them, to guard against accident.
So Adelbert ordered his little carriage and ponies, the boys seated themselves, the servant jumped up behind, and Adelbert drove gaily into the city towards the harbour, where his father's house of business stood. Bastel wondered at the skill with which he managed the mettlesome and high-couraged little animals, and was obliged to confess secretly that he had behaved somewhat foolishly to him in the forest.
"He knows so much, and can do so many things that I cannot," thought he to himself; "what a mistake it was to laugh at him because he was not familiar with my ways!"
Bastel admired him still more when they went into Herr Brockmann's great warehouses, and Adelbert pointed out the stores of rare goods that came from all parts of the world, and explained to him their purposes and use. It was only natural that Adelbert should be familiar with all this, for from his earliest youth he had been used to it, but Bastel marvelled at the extent of his knowledge, and felt very insignificant and ignorant in comparison.
"You are greatly to be envied, Adelbert, for knowing so much," said he; "I see plainly it will be very difficult for me to become like you, and, indeed, I do not think I shall ever be that as long as I live."
Adelbert laughed and said, "It seems a little difficult now, but in a month's time you will know as much as I do. But come along, we will go to the harbour and look at the ships; you will stare then, you have nothing like them in your mountains."
"More new and wonderful things yet!" sighed Bastel. "When will they come to an end? I feel already quite confused and bewildered."
However, Adelbert would not let him rest, but led him to a point whence he could see the whole harbour at a glance, and amused himself highly at his expressions of wonder.
And certainly his astonishment was greater here than it had been anywhere else. The large ships crowding together hull to hull, the forest of masts rising before him, the hundreds of gay pennons and flags, the sails flapping loosely from the yards, the small boats plying backwards and forwards, the business-like activity prevailing everywhere, the different dresses of the foreigners, the majestic ships in full sail gliding down the broad stream, the large steamers beating the water with their monstrous paddle-wheels, a thick black smoke streaming behind them like a dark banner,—the whole presented a picture, whose several details might well be enough to overwhelm the simple youth, who had so lately left the quiet loneliness of his distant mountain home.
Bastel stood silent for some time, with clasped hands and fixed eyes, and seemed as if he could never tire of gazing, and wondering at this remarkable scene.
"It is too much, it is too much," stammered he at length, "it overwhelms me; I shall never be able to master all these things."
"In a month you will," asserted Adelbert with confidence. "One gets used to all this much quicker than to chopping wood."
In a merry mood he led his friend to the harbour, stepped with him into a boat, and was rowed into the midst of the ships, where he gave Bastel many instructions and explanations.
"There, look," said he, "that is an east Indiaman, come from Bombay or Calcutta; you can tell that by the dark faces of the sailors, they are Lascars and natives of India. This schooner is a Maltese vessel; the sailors' red caps tell you that. Here is a Dutch whaler that has brought sperm-oil and whalebone from the Polar seas; you may know it easily by the greasy look of the vessel and the crew. Ah! Here is the 'Elizabeth,' my father's finest three-masted ship; it arrived last night from the West Indies, laden with sugar, coffee, and tobacco. We will go on board, for you ought to see a vessel like that. Pull alongside, my man. Halloa, on board there! Lower away the ladder!" Adelbert's loud call brought the mate to the side of the ship.
He looked angry at first, but when he saw it was the owner's son, his cross look gave place to a friendly one. "Young Master Adelbert!" cried he. "Welcome on board, sir! Here, my men, be quick with the ladder."
The ladder was lowered over the vessel's side, and Adelbert sprang nimbly up, whilst Bastel, who was generally a bold and active climber, followed cautiously and timidly. Adelbert laughed at him.
"You do well to laugh at me," said Bastel, laughing himself a little nervously, "here you are quite at home, whilst I feel uncertain and strange about everything; you did not laugh at me at my home."
"Very true, Bastel, but I did not mean it unkindly," answered Adelbert; "you know 'every man in his place;' you were my superior there, and here it is just the reverse; don't be cross about it, you have plenty more to see yet. Show us round, mate; this is my friend and brother Bastel, a good fellow, but he is from the country and knows nothing about ships."
The mate willingly and good-humouredly did as he was requested, and took the two boys all over the ship, from the upper deck to the hold, giving them at the same time short but clear explanations of all that must necessarily be new and strange to Bastel, who listened to him with marked attention, and gazed with interest at everything,—the neatly-fitted cabin of the captain, the high masts, the heavy anchors, the little compass, the confusion of sails and ropes, and the simple hammocks of the sailors. Everything was so entirely new to him that of course it possessed unusual interest.
"And now, what shall we do?" said Adelbert, as they came on deck again. "Shall we take a look at the masts up above?"
He hoped that Bastel would not venture upon it, and that he should enjoy a good laugh at his expense. But he forgot that where climbing was concerned Bastel was in his element, for often at home he had climbed to the highest branches of the oak, the beech, and the pine.
"If the masts were not so thick," answered Bastel as he measured the height with his eye, "from the first landing-place up there, I could manage very well, but down here no one could clasp them."
"If nothing else hinders you, young gentleman," said the mate, "yonder are the rattlins, you can run up them like ladders. But I would not advise you to try, it is very high up there at the mast-head."
"Yes, yes, he will think twice before he ventures," said Adelbert laughing. "I have never tried it myself even, although I am as much at home on board ship as in my father's house."
"You have never tried it?" asked Bastel with sparkling eyes, as he caught hold of a rope near at hand, glad of an opportunity of gaining a little admiration from him. "You have never ventured?"
"I do not care to risk my neck," answered Adelbert, "and you had better not do so either."
"Oho! We'll soon see about that," cried Bastel, quite pleased, as he quickly threw off his smart jacket. "In less than five seconds I shall be at the top."
"Don't, Bastel, it is dangerous," said Adelbert anxiously, "you will become giddy and fall."
"Nonsense," laughed Bastel, running nimbly aloft. "I will show you that I can do something, even if it is not much."
Almost before they could look round, he had reached the crosstrees, clasped the great mast above with both hands, climbed it like a squirrel, then on to the top gallant mast, the highest of all, and a moment after, stood on the highest point, where he hailed Adelbert on deck.
"Here I am, Adelbert!" cried he. "It is beautiful up here; come to me, if you dare."
"No, thank you," called Adelbert back to him, "I had rather let it alone, you had better come down here instead."
"That is easily done," answered Bastel.
And sliding down the mast, he stood the next moment on deck by Adelbert's side, with flushed cheek and sparkling eyes.
Adelbert grasped his hand. "Well, you are brave," he said heartily without the slightest envy, "I could not have done it, but I see you are accustomed to trees, whether they are in the forest or on board ship. What your father said is very true, 'every man has his place,' and certainly you are clever and skilful enough in yours."
"Why am I here, then?" asked Bastel thoughtfully.
Adelbert shrugged his shoulders. "Ah, that I cannot tell you; but my father will know, you must ask him; perhaps it is in order that you should become acquainted with other manners and customs."
"I shall never do that as long as I live; I feel it here, and here," said Bastel, laying his hand on his heart and on his forehead. "I feel here that the good God has created me for the forest, and nothing can change it."
"Ask my father, he is sure to give you good advice," returned Adelbert.
"Very well, so I will," said Bastel, "and directly too, as soon as we return to the house."
They were rowed next to a large American steamer, and then to an emigrant ship, over both of which they were shown, inspecting the arrangements, and having explained to them how the steam set in motion the great paddle-wheels.
Contrary to all expectation, Bastel understood far more quickly and clearly the locomotive power of the machinery, than did Adelbert, although his knowledge was so much more extensive. Besides, since Bastel had won the little victory over Adelbert in climbing the mast, he bore himself far more firmly and boldly, the self-confidence that had so long deserted him seemed to have returned, and it appeared to him as if a dull, heavy weight had been lifted from his head and his heart. He breathed freely again, his eyes sparkled brightly as in former days, and his mind became once more clear and penetrating, as though a dark cloud had passed away from it. He had required something to rouse him from his despondency, and it came in the shape of the little triumph he had obtained over Adelbert.
Hardly had they reached home, when he sought Herr Brockmann, and asked him, in his honest, open manner, why he had taken him from the forest and brought him to Hamburg.
Herr Brockmann regarded him for a moment with some astonishment, and a look of pleasant surprise showed itself on his benevolent countenance.
"Why, Bastel," said he, without at first answering his question, "how bright you look, something must have happened to please you."
"Yes, Herr Brockmann," replied Bastel, "I have come to myself again; my days were a burden to me, I had become so stupid and dull; everything new and beautiful that I saw, instead of pleasing me, oppressed me so much that often I have said to myself, 'Oh, that I were dead and at rest!'
"I could not speak, for it seemed so ungrateful to complain, when I received nothing but kindness and affection. I thought I was of no use at all in the world, and that worried and tormented me so much that I knew not how to contain myself. But it is past now; I feel that, after all, I may be fit for something in my own sphere, although it may not be in the city, and therefore, Herr Brockmann, I wished to ask you why you had taken me out of the forest? I know quite well you intended it for my good, but I would really wish to know in what position I am to be placed, that I may prepare myself for it."
Herr Brockmann looked kindly at him, and answered in an affectionate tone, "I will tell you in a very few words. You see that your father was perfectly right, when he gave it as his opinion that a man could only be happy in his own station; that is to say, according to the position and circumstances in which it has pleased God to place him. But, Bastel, listen well to what I say; although one ought to keep to one's own station in life, there are different ways of doing that.
"For instance, first of all, everyone should perfect himself as much as possible in that station, whether it be by learning, thought, or mechanical labour, and secondly, that everyone should take pains, when opportunities are offered to him, to become acquainted with the ways of other people, and learn from them whatever is most serviceable to himself. You, Bastel, had you remained with your father, would, in time, have become a strong and excellent charcoal-burner, for you are a child of the forest, and well fitted for it by your strength and natural turn of mind. But in that case, do you think that you would be doing your best to enlarge your mind and cultivate your talents? Your abilities enable you to acquire much that would be of advantage to you in your own sphere.
"My intention is, not to separate you entirely from your former mode of life, but to enable you to improve and benefit yourself in many ways. I would not make a hot-house plant of the forest flower, but I wish that it should thrive and prosper, and bear the blossoms and fruit that only learning and a knowledge of the world can produce. Do you understand me? You shall learn whatever can be learnt to fit you better for your particular life. Therefore learn all you can; you have powerful mind, and by industry and perseverance you can turn it to good account in your own line, if it be only to make you an enterprising, scientific charcoal-burner. Do you see what I mean?"
"Yes, Herr Brockmann, I understand you perfectly," replied Bastel thoughtfully. "It is just as I imagined from the beginning; that you meant most kindly towards me, and now that I see my way plainly, I will neglect nothing that can serve to advance my welfare and prosperity. I thank you from my heart, Herr Brockmann. Therefore, the sooner the better; I am tired of an idle life, and would begin to learn as soon as possible."