tinue the occupation which I practised during my life-time. But how was this to be done? my very appearance, alas! banished its inhabitants in succession from the castle; pilgrims rarely came to pass the night here, and, though I shaved all who did come, not one of them would understand my wish, and render me a service that would have freed my soul from captivity. This you have done: I shall no longer haunt this castle, but hasten to my long, long sighed-for rest. Accept my thanks, then, once more, young stranger; if I had any secret treasure at my command, you should have it; but wealth I never had, and there is none any where concealed in this castle. Yet listen to my advice! sojourn here until your head and chin are again covered; then go back to your native place; and stop on the bridge over the river Weser, in the autumnal equinox, for a friend; who will be sure to meet you there, and inform you what to do, in order to thrive on earth. Surrounded with affluence and ease, pray do not forget me—but order three masses for the repose of my soul on each anniversary of this day. Farewell, I am departing hence, never more to return!”
Saying this the spectral barber vanished; after having clearly proved by his communicativeness his right of assuming the character of the castle barber. He left his deliverer filled with astonishment at his
