"'Oh, yes,' replied the malicious stranger, smiling grimly, 'many people do sell their souls; but you need not give it me until you are dead.'
"'Much good would it do you then,' replied Martin; 'I cannot see what you would want with it after I am dead?'
"'That is the bargain,' retorted the tall man. And he made as if to move away and leave Martin to his fate.
"'Oh, very well,' said Martin, fearing to throw away this chance for deliverance. 'I will take your gold, and you may have my soul when I have finished with it; the bargain is made.'
"'And I shall be lenient with you,' continued the stranger. 'I will give you a chance to redeem your soul.'
"'You will?' exclaimed Martin in delight. 'And how?'
"'Only this, if you forget to attend divine service even once, during all the rest of your days, then shall I claim my bargain. Now, am I not fair?'
"Martin was very glad to be released, even with this proviso, and laughed as he moved away, for Martin had been brought up religiously by a pious mother, and he knew he should not forget his Sabbath duty.
"As the stranger had said, the gold gained entrance for Martin Mux through the closed city gate, and he straightway made his way to his room and to bed before his master should discover his absence.