mean the ordinary gadflies, but the ones that came from behind the mountains, the French-Swiss ones."
The stranger looked much amused. Wouldn't Gerold be kind enough to introduce these gadflies, as he had not yet had the pleasure of making their acquaintance? Gerold took hold of him, made him stand still a minute, and then said, "Now do you hear? Ping! Pang! It's like a wire."
"Upon my word, you are right! Perhaps you know more about the beauty of the world than I do, in spite of all my studies. Besides, do you know, Gerold, you make me think of a little finch sitting in a plum tree all in bloom and taking his green bower all for granted. Let's walk on together a little."
"No."
"Oho," said the stranger with a laugh. He pushed his spectacles up on his forehead and tapping his nose with one finger added, "I see." Then he walked on, after having taken a book out of his pocket and put on a second pair of spectacles.
Gerold realized now that he was talking to the Foolish Student. He jumped swiftly into the bushes, picked up a half-dry branch and struck the sorcerer in the stomach. The latter cried "Ouch," and lifted one leg to protect himself. Gerold proceeded to break the branch over his knee and to throw each piece, one after the other, against the Student's legs.
"Hi there, you imp!" shouted Max, "you're going too far;" and he seized Gerold's arm, and threateningly demanded an explanation of this treatment, which he declared was contrary to the law of nations.
"Because you are the Foolish Student," answered the cannoneer impudently.
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