'That is a rotten tree-stump,' replied Windekind.
They went towards a bright light which remained steady.
'Now I will introduce you to Wistik.[1] He is the oldest and wisest of the Wood-Sprites.
As they approached Johannes saw him sitting by his candle. The wrinkled little face with its grey beard could be plainly seen by the blue light; he was reading diligently with knitted brows. On his head he wore an acorn-cup with a tiny feather in it. Before him sat a wood-spider listening to his reading.
When the pair went near him, the little boguey, without raising his head, looked up from his book and lifted his eyebrows.
The spider crept away.
'Good-evening,' said he. 'I am Wistik. Who are you?'
'My name is Johannes. I should like to make acquaintance with you. What are you reading?'
'It is not meant for your ears,' said Wistik. 'It is only for wood-spiders.'
'Just let me once look at it, dear Wistik,' begged Johannes.