“And I will away to Prussia land,
Hurrah!
And when I am come to Prussia land,
Hurrah!” [Note: People’s song.]
Otto looked in through the window.
Several men and maids sat within at the long wooden table at the end of this stood Sidsel in a bent attitude, her countenance was of a deep crimson; she spoke a loud oath and laughed—no one imagined that they were observed. All eyes were riveted upon a great fellow who, with his shirt-sleeves rolled up, and a pewter tankard in his hand, was standing there. It was the German Heinrich, who was exhibiting to them his conjuring tricks. Otto turned pale; had the dead arisen from the bier before him it could not have shocked him more.
“Hocus-pocus Larifari!” cried Heinrich within, and gave the tankard to a half-grown fellow, of the age between boy and man.
“If thou hast already a sweetheart,” said he; “then the corn which is within it will be turned to flour; but if thou art still only a young cuckoo, then it will remain only groats.”
“Nay, Anders Peersen!” said all the girls laughing, “now we shall see whether thou art a regular fellow!”
Sophie stole away.
The echoing laughter and clapping of hands announced the result.
“Is it not the same person who was playing conjuring tricks in the park?” inquired Wilhelm.
“Yes, certainly,” replied Otto; “he is to me quite repulsive!” And so saying, he followed Sophie.