"This is Johannes," said Pluizer. "He has heard of a certain book which tells why everything is as it is; and we are going together to find that book, are we not?" Then Pluizer laughed, significantly.
"Is that so? Well, that is good," said Death kindly, nodding to Johannes.
"He is afraid he will not find it, but I tell him to seek first, diligently."
"Certainly," said Death. "It is best to seek diligently."
"He thought that you were so horrible! You see, do you not, Johannes, that you made a mistake?"
"Ah, yes," said Death, most kindly. "They speak very ill of me. My outward appearance is not prepossessing, but I mean well."
He smiled faintly, like one whose mind was full of more serious matters than those of which he spoke. Then he turned his sombre eyes away from Johannes, and they wandered pensively toward the great town.
It was a long time before Johannes ventured to speak. At last, he said softly:
"Are you going to take me with you, now?"
"What do you mean, my child?" said Death, roused from his meditations. "No, not now. You must grow up and become a good man."