perhaps has escaped your notice, is the only one that you can
prudently take; into the valley you dare not descend--the path over
the mountain would but reconduct you to the town which you have
left--my road, too, lies this way. I perceive you change colour at
the rising sun--I have no objections to let you have the loan of
your shadow during our journey, and in return you may not be
indisposed to tolerate my society. You have now no Bendel; but I
will act for him. I regret that you are not over-fond of me; but
that need not prevent you from accepting my poor services. The
devil is not so black as he is painted. Yesterday you provoked me,
I own; but now that is all forgotten, and you must confess I have
this day succeeded in beguiling the wearisomeness of your journey.
Come, take your shadow, and make trial of it."

The sun had risen, and we were meeting with passengers; so I
reluctantly consented. With a smile, he immediately let my shadow
glide down to the ground; and I beheld it take its place by that of
my horse, and gaily trot along with me. My feelings were anything
but pleasant. I rode through groups of country people, who
respectfully made way for the well-mounted stranger. Thus I
proceeded, occasionally stealing a sidelong glance with a beating
heart from my horse at the shadow once my own, but now, alas,
accepted as a loan from a stranger, or rather a fiend. He moved on
carelessly at my side, whistling a song. He being on foot, and I on
horseback, the temptation to hazard a silly project occurred to me;
so, suddenly turning my bridle, I set spurs to my horse, and at full
gallop struck into a by-path; but my shadow, on the sudden movement
of my horse, glided away, and stood on the road quietly awaiting the
approach of its legal owner. I was obliged to return abashed
towards the grey man; but he very coolly finished his song, and with