But their stay on the summit was short, as they wished to make the
descent of the mountain in one day. They did not reach Partenkirchen
till nearly midnight, nor Mittenwald till the following day, where, of
course, their adventures were related, and Stephan's story was soon the
talk of the village. He became a perfect hero for the time, and many a
neighbor shook hands and hoped he would forgive the doubt cast upon his
word, although years had since passed and the goat of contention had
been gathered to its fathers.

Some time after, a letter came to the Post Inn for Stephan, causing much
curiosity in the village, as it was the first he had ever received. It
came from the Baron, who offered him an excellent situation on his
estate, under the forester, who, being childless and old, would not only
instruct Stephan in his duties, but would soon leave the management in a
great measure to him; moreover, he himself might hope to succeed as
Forester, if he found the life suited to his taste. A week was given him
for consideration. He did not at all like the idea of leaving his native
place, to which he was attached with that intensity of feeling said to
be peculiar to the mountaineers; but so good an offer was not to be
refused, especially as Herr Dahn and Brand both approved of his going.
So the letter was written to tell the Baron he would come in a few
weeks, as requested. Meantime his old master gave him an order for a
zither of the best quality, to be made of handsome wood, inlaid with
mother-of-pearl, and as the price was of no consequence, he was to make
it quite a specimen instrument, to show how well he could work. Stephan
was very much pleased with the commission, and when, at the end of three
weeks, it was finished, his delight was great when Herr Dahn pronounced
it "One of the very best he had ever had in his warehouse, and quite fit
for the king." The day came for Stephan's departure, but it was not a