“And now it is dark,” said Berthold, to the sharp-visioned man, as they alighted from the eagle’s back, “you cannot help us any more with your sight.”
“Oh, yes; the crystals of the Devil’s apartment always glitter with the same red glare by night or day. I see the Devil rolled up in bed fast asleep, and his wife sits on a chair by his side, and weeps.”
“And what do you hear?” he said, addressing the first attendant.
“I hear snoring and weeping, as before,” said the man addressed.
“Now you, who are so clever at lifting weights without being heard,” said the prince, “lift the great door off its hinges.”
“That’s done,” replied the man, a minute later, for he had done it so quietly Berthold was not aware he had moved from the spot.
“Since you have done this so well, I’m sure you’ll do the next job. You have now to go up into the Devil’s room, and bring the lady down without the least noise; if you show her this token, she will recognize it for her father’s device, and will come with you.”
The sharp-visioned man told him how he would have to go, for he could see all the inside of the house, lighted up as it was with the glaring crystals. But just as he was about to start,—
“Stop!” cried the man with the sharp ears; “I hear the Devil turn in his bed; our talking must have disturbed him.” So they all stood stock still in great fear.
“He seems to be getting up,” whispered the man with the sharp sight. “No; now he has turned round and rolled himself up once more.”