that he was an artist. His black, broad brimmed hat set saucily
on one side of his head, his long, blonde locks, his soft, full
beard, —all were indicative of his profession, as was also his some
what worn, black velvet coat which appeared a little uncomfort
able on such a warm morning. He had it unbuttoned, and his
white shirt beneath it was loosely held together at the neck by a
black silk handkerchief.
When he was about a mile from Marisfeld, a church bell rang,
and he stood leaning upon his staff listening attentively to the
rich tones which fascinated him in a strange manner. The ring
ing had long since ceased but he still stood there and stared
dreamily over the mountain slope. His thoughts were at home
with his family, in the small village in the mountain, with his
mother and his sisters, and it appeared as if tears were about to
spring from his eyes, but his light, happy heart banished all sad
thoughts. Taking off his hat, he bowed smilingly in the direc
tion in which his home lay, and then merrily continued his
journey along the road.
Meanwhile the sun beat rather warmly upon the long, monot
onous road upon which lay a thick layer of dust, and our wanderer
had for some time glanced from right to left in order to find a
more comfortable path. Finally he reached a clear mountain
stream over which extended the ruins of an old, stone bridge.
With no fixed goal in view, he sprang from one large stone
to another across the stream to a closely mown meadow and then
continued his journey on the soft sod and in the shadow of thick
alder-bushes, very much pleased with the change.
Now I have the advantage, he laughed to himself, of not know
ing whither lam going. There are no tiresome sign-posts which
inform one for hours in advance the name of the next town and
the incorrect distance thereto. I would like to know how the
people about here measure distances. It is certainly remarkably
quiet in this valley, but the farmers have nothing to do out of
doors on Sunday, and if they spend the entire week in plowing
or walking beside a wagon, they do not care very much to go out
walking. After this soliloquy he threw his hat and knapsack
upon the grass and stooping to the water’s edge, drank to his
heart’s content.
After having been thus refreshed, his eye rested upon a pictur
esque willow which he quickly sketched and he then set out on
GERMEESHAUSEN