“There is a Bible here,” he said.
“Bring it quickly, then,” ordered the elder.
“It can be brought only after an understanding,” answered the simple one. “Gerson Brandt’s lost Bible is hidden here. It belongeth now to the stranger in Zanah. If it is the will of him who made it gay with colors that it be given to the stranger I will bring the Bible forth.”
“Would the fool make terms with the elders of Zanah? Bring forth the Bible,” commanded the Herr Doktor.
Hans Peter did not stir.
“Dost thou defy me?” asked Adolph Schneider.
The simple one made no sign that he heard.
“Speak,” urged Gerson Brandt. “Stephen Everett shall have the Bible.”
“When the promise is given that the elders will let me deliver it to the owner I will find it,” said Hans Peter.
The promise was given, after a brief consultation of the elders. Hans Peter went back to Marta Bachmann’s gravestone, and from beneath it pulled out a stout wooden box. This he opened with some difficulty, and from it produced the Bible, which was wrapped in oil-cloth. Gerson Brandt’s heart gave a throb of joy when he saw it.