The Treasure-hunters of the Sieberthal.
Many centuries ago there lay in the valley of the little river Sieber, where now is the Long Meadow, copper-works.
A mass of scoria, the greater part of which has been employed on the chaussée, once marked the spot.
The owners of these works, who are said to have been very rich, together with the works, vanished in a single night.
The following morning nothing remained to be seen but this huge heap of scoria.
It was said the owners had buried their treasure in it before their disappearance.
Soon after that event, a blue flame was seen every night between eleven and twelve on this heap of scoria, which a black man endeavoured to keep burning until midnight.
The report of a Goldfeuer[[1]] in the Sieberthal soon spread, and many saw the flame, but no one was bold enough to attempt to gain the treasure.
[[1]] Goldfeuer—Goldfire.
At last a man from Lonau, who had experience in treasure-seeking, determined to attempt it, and engaged several workmen to assist him in the undertaking.
On the way to the spot he commanded his men: "Let no one speak while digging, or all is lost."[[2]]
[[2]] A search for all objects under enchantment must be conducted in silence. If one speaks, the charm is immediately broken.
They all promised, and gave him the hand as pledge.
Meanwhile they arrived at the spot, the work began, and soon they came to a huge cauldron filled with Holland ducats, which it was necessary to raise.
Just as they had raised the vessel to the surface they heard wheels.
The workmen paused and listened, when lo! a carriage appeared drawn rapidly by four doves.
The driver cried, "Guten Abend! Geht's gut?" But not a soul replied.
Directly after came a fellow in a trough along the same road, saying hurriedly: "Shall I not also come?" and made the most desperate efforts to reach the dove-drawn carriage.
One of the workmen laughing, cried mockingly: "The poor devil must also drive!"
Hutsch! In an instant blue flame and cauldron had vanished!
The men stood gazing at each other with long faces, when instantly their hair turned grey, and they all died soon of grief and vexation.