"So it is holiday with you, is it, you lazy-bones? It is maddening to see
one fellow go wandering about with his hands in his pockets, while another
has to sit on his three-legged stool, hammering away at the soles of
these--these--these Tanneneggers' boots. To-morrow is Cherry-festival in
Fohrensee, and every one is going; and I, I must get their boots ready! I
wish a thunder-storm would come and wash this away, and that, and the
whole lot of 'em!" As he spoke he tossed away first the mended boots, then
the hammer, and last of all the three-legged stool, away, as far as he
could throw them, down into the meadow. He was white with rage.

"What stuff!" said Blasi, dryly. "You are paid for your cobbling; you are
better off than I am. I haven't a rap, and am in debt besides. I was going
to ask you if you couldn't lend me a franc. You have money, I know."

"Oh yes, you sleepy-head! It's very likely I have money for you, when I'm
in such need of it myself! Go ask Dietrich; he has his pockets full, and a
big heap besides. But don't be such a fool as to ask him for just one mean
little franc; ask for five. I'll use two or three of them; tell him you'll
pay him again in a week."

Blasi seemed rather undecided.

"I should have gone to him long ago," he said, "but his mother is always
about, and she looks at a fellow as a bird does when somebody is trying to
rob her nest. I'm afraid of her."

"Poh! it's all right enough to borrow a little money if you're going to
pay it back again. Don't be a fool! Go along!" and Jost enforced his
advise with an emphatic shove that sent Blasi rolling along much faster
than he wished to go. He grumbled a little at this unpleasant style of