the same as before.

"That was a very good trick!" said Wilhelm.

"Yes, certainly!" answered Otto; but he had seen nothing
whatsoever. His soul was strangely affected. The man exhibited
several other tricks, and then approached with the plate. Otto laid
down a mark, and then rose to depart. The juggler remarked the
piece of money: a smile played about his mouth; he glanced at Otto,
and a strange malicious expression lay in the spiteful look which
accompanied his loudly spoken thanks: "Mr. Otto Thostrup is always
so gracious and good!"

"Does he know you?" asked Wilhelm.

"He has the honor!" grinned the juggler, and proceeded.

"He has exhibited his tricks in the Jutland villages, and upon my
father's estate," whispered Otto.

"Therefore an acquaintance of your childhood?" said Wilhelm.

"Of my childhood," repeated Otto, and they made themselves a way
through the tumult.

They met with several young noblemen, relatives of Wilhelm, with
the cousin who had written the verses for the Christmas tree; also
several friends from the carouse, and the company increased. They
intended, like many others, to pass the night in the wood, and at
midnight drink out of Kirsten Piil's well. "Only with the