But this was more than the curiosity of the students could stand.
“Look here, gossip,” said one of them, “how is it that you are able to get food and drink for nothing everywhere you go, simply by twirling your cap in people’s faces?”
“Oh, that’s easily explained,” answered Jan, “This cap of mine is a magic cap, which was left to me by my great-great-grandmother, who was a witch, so I have heard say. If I twirl it on my finger, and say, ‘Everything is paid for,’—well, everything is paid for! You understand me?”
“Perfectly,” said the student. “My faith, but that is a wonderful cap—the very thing to have when one goes a journey! Will you sell it to me?”
“How much will you give me for it?” asked Jan.
“Two hundred francs!”
“Nonsense! Do you think I am going to brave my wife’s anger for a paltry two hundred francs?”
“Well then, three hundred.”
“Not enough! My wife says it is worth a fortune.”
“Four hundred.”