“It was because in that century firearms came into general use, gunpowder having been invented; so there was no longer any need for armour.”
But, interested as he was in hearing all of this, it was not what Fritz had come to the castle for that evening. He had come to put to the Ivy one single question which for weeks had been revolving in his mind.
“I am going away from here next Thursday,” as he spoke Fritz drew nearer to the Ivy, “and I want to ask one question before I go. It is that you will tell me what you meant when you said to me one evening that you possess the greatest of all treasures.”
Several moments passed before the Ivy answered; but at last it said:
“I know your desire is a sincere one, and I intend to grant it. But first promise me that you will search far and wide, until you, too, come into possession of this mighty treasure—the greatest in all the world.”
“I promise you,” said Fritz.
“Well, then,” and the Ivy spoke in tones more melodious than any Fritz had ever heard before, but so low that he alone could hear the name.
The boy caught his breath with eagerness, and clenched his hands until the flesh showed the imprint of his nails.
“Yes,” he declared, his face all aglow with determination, “I’ll go to the very ends of the earth to find it!”
Then all at once Fritz seemed to see, as though it were a picture stretching out before him, that new life he was about to enter with its promise of riches, the opportunity to gratify all ambition—while the name of what the Ivy declared to be the greatest treasure kept ringing like music in his ears.