"Tell her that her servant who used to break horseshoes is free, and wanders throughout God's world. Where are you going from Nossen?" asked Zaklika.
"I think home, for Christmas is not far off, and I would like to spend it with my family."
"Then perhaps we shall meet on the road."
The pedlar, like all sellers when it is a question of gain, knew how to act. When he came to the town he went straight to the castle. The soldiers wanted to drive him away; but he raised such a din that the officer came out. He was more indulgent, and sent to the Countess, asking her whether she would admit a pedlar. For distraction's sake Cosel consented.
The modest wares of the poor pedlar did not satisfy her refined taste, and she was looking contemptuously at them, when Herr Trene whispered to her,--
"I was asked to tell you that your faithful servant, the horseshoe-breaker, is in good health, and wanders free through God's world."
"Who told you this?" asked Cosel.
"He himself," answered Trene. "I met him in the neighbourhood."
When the Countess had heard those words she purchased a lot from him, and the pedlar was surprised at his good luck. He left the castle happy. He also did good business in the inn, and was obliged to stay overnight. The next day he met Zaklika on the road to Dresden. He greeted him cordially.
"Did you tell her about me?" asked the Pole.