The deaf-mute from the cement factory, to whom Roland had given a knife, came on the eve of their departure, bringing him a mug, on which was marked in very clumsy letters: "Comeback."
Roland made permanent provision for the care of the forsaken youth.
It was very hard for Roland to take leave of the horses and dogs. He had wished to take Griffin with him, but gave up the idea when the difficulties of so doing were represented to him. Laying his hand on the dog's head, he said:—
"My old friend, I can't take you with me; I must leave much more than you behind me. I don't myself know how it will end. Just stay quietly here, and wait till I come back."
The dog looked up sadly at his master.
On the morrow there was a great pilgrimage from the Villa to the steamboat-landing.
They sent the carriages on before. Weidmann walked with Eric, holding his hand, the Major with Roland, and Knopf with the negro. Manna walked between the Professorin and the Major's wife. The Aunt and Professor Einsiedel had remained behind at the Villa. Roland wept; and Manna, weeping also, leaned on the arms of those who led her. Looking up at the churchyard, she said:—
"On the bank of this river we are at home: here rests our mother in the earth. I remember an old saying, but where it came from I do not know:—
"'The nomadic races wander and wander; but where they have dug a grave for one of their number, there they must finally remain.'"
Her voice failed her. After a time she went on:—