Pluizer said quickly, "Indeed he wants to be such a man, Doctor! I know he does. He seeks the highest wisdom. He wishes to grasp the very essence of things."
Johannes nodded a "Yes!" So far as he understood, that was his aim.
"You must be strong, then, Johannes—not weak and softhearted. Then I will help you. But remember; all or nothing."
And with trembling fingers Johannes helped to retie the loosened cords around the little feet of the rabbit.
XI
"Now, we shall see," said Pluizer, "if I cannot show you just as fine sights as Windekind can."
And when they had bidden the doctor good-by—promising to return soon, he guided Johannes into every nook and corner of the great town. He showed him how the great monster lived, breathed, and fed itself; how it consumed, and again renewed itself.
But he was partial to the slums and alleys, where the people were packed together—where everything was gloomy and grimy, and the air black and close.
He took him into one of the large buildings from which Johannes had seen the smoke ascending that first day.