He slept at last; and rising at the break of day, he wandered through the country seeking for the cross-wort and the five-leafed clover.”
He was forced to look long and wander far, where skies are milder and plants always green, before he was successful. But on the eve of New-Year’s Day he came again to Plouhinec, with the countenance of a weasel that has just found out the entrance to a dovecote.
In crossing the common, he came upon Bernèz busy striking with a pointed hammer on the tallest of the stones.
“Heaven preserve me!” cried the sorcerer, laughing, “are you anxious to dig yourself a dwelling in this rocky mass?”
“No,” answered Bernèz quietly; “but as I am just now out of work, I thought that perhaps if I carved a cross upon one of these accursed stones, I should perform an act agreeable in the sight of God, and one that may stand me in good stead some other day.”
“Then you have something to ask of Him?” said the old man.
“All Christians need to beg from Him salvation for their souls,” replied the youth.
“And have you nothing too to say to Him about Rozenn?” pursued the beggar, in a lower voice.
Bernèz looked full at him.
“Ah, you know that?” said he. “Well, after all, there is no shame or sin in it. If I seek for the maiden, it is that I may lead her to the presence of the priest. Unhappily Marzinne is waiting for a brother-in-law who can count more reals than I have silver coins.”