excited indignation roused me to activity. I replied very fully,
and eloquently pointed out to him the vital importance of this
moment in his life. The desperate tone of his letter justified me
in telling him very plainly that this was not a case in which he
could deal hastily with his views as to the future, but that it
was a matter profoundly affecting his whole heart and soul. I
told him what I myself would do in his case, that is to say, if
he really felt an overwhelming and irresistible impulse to become
an artist, and would prefer to endure the greatest hardships and
trials rather than be forced into a course he felt was a wrong
one, he ought, in defiance of everything, to make up his mind to
accept the helping hand I was holding out to him at once. If, in
spite of his father's prohibition, he still wished to come to me,
he ought not to hesitate, but should carry out his wishes
immediately on the receipt of my letter.

Karl Ritter was pleased when I entrusted him with the duty of
delivering the letter personally at Bulow's country villa. When
he arrived he asked to see his friend at the door, and went for a
stroll with him, during which he gave him my letter. Thereupon
Hans, who like Karl had no money, at once decided, in spite of
storm and rain, to accompany Karl back to Zurich on foot. So one
day they turned up absolutely tired out, and came into my room
looking like a couple of tramps, with visible signs about them of
their mad expedition. Karl beamed with joy over this feat, while
young Bulow was quite overcome with emotion.

I at once realised that I had taken a very serious responsibility
on my shoulders, yet I sympathised deeply with the overwrought
youth, and my conduct towards him was guided by all that had