Snail thought he would immediately receive the promised reward of a hundred crowns, but he was rudely mistaken.
The countess suspected that she was dealing with a rogue. In order to be quite satisfied on this point she decided to put him to a second test.
“I am lost in admiration at your ability,” she said in a forced manner. “I beg you not to go without giving me another proof of your skill.”
Snail, who knew full well what she meant, was very ill at ease. However, he boldly replied, “Madam, I am yours to command, one proof more or less is nothing to me.”
The Countess had Two Dishes placed before him
In the evening, when seated at table for supper, the countess had two dishes placed before him, one on the top of the other.
They fitted so exactly that no one could suspect that a little snail had been placed between them.
“Wizard,” said the countess, “listen to me; if you can tell me what lies between these two dishes, I will give you fifty crowns over and above those you were promised! If, however, you do not know, you will be turned out of the castle, after receiving as many lashes with the whip as you would have received crowns.”
You can imagine how his heart sank within him. He was struck dumb, and could not hide his confusion. He was over an hour cudgelling his brains for an answer, but without success. He dared not open his lips for fear of guessing wrong.