his eyes. "Alas! that I am born to serve a master without a
shadow!" He was silent, and again I hid my face in my hands.

"Bendel," at last I tremblingly resumed, "you have now my
confidence; you may betray me--go--bear witness against me!"

He seemed to be agitated with conflicting feelings; at last he threw
himself at my feet and seized my hand, which he bathed with his
tears. "No," he exclaimed; "whatever the world may say, I neither
can nor will forsake my excellent master because he has lost his
shadow. I will rather do what is right than what may seem prudent.
I will remain with you--I will shade you with my own shadow--I will
assist you when I can--and when I cannot, I will weep with you."

I fell upon his neck, astonished at sentiments so unusual; for it
was very evident that he was not prompted by the love of money.

My mode of life and my fate now became somewhat different. It is
incredible with what provident foresight Bendel contrived to conceal
my deficiency. Everywhere he was before me and with me, providing
against every contingency, and in cases of unlooked-for danger,
flying to shield me with his own shadow, for he was taller and
stouter than myself. Thus I once more ventured among mankind, and
began to take a part in worldly affairs. I was compelled, indeed,
to affect certain peculiarities and whims; but in a rich man they
seem only appropriate; and so long as the truth was kept concealed I
enjoyed all the honour and respect which gold could procure.

I now looked forward with more composure to the promised visit of
the mysterious unknown at the expiration of the year and a day.