“‘Very possibly. So good bye for the present, comrade!’
“‘Topp, comrade!’ he cried, as he drew a tin flask out of his hunting-pouch, took a good draught from it, and handed it to me. Flight and anguish had exhausted my energies, and nothing had passed my lips the whole day. I had already feared that I should have sunk from exhaustion in this wood, where no refreshment was to be expected for three miles round. Judge how joyfully I responded to this health. With the animating draught new strength flowed into my bones, new courage into my heart, and I felt hope and the love of life. I began to think that perhaps I was not quite wretched; so much at least was the welcome beverage all to do. Yes, I must even confess that my situation approached that of happiness, for at last, after a thousand vain hopes, I had found a creature who seemed similar to myself. In the condition to which I had fallen I should have drank good fellowship with the spirit of evil himself for the sake of having a confidant.
“The man had stretched himself out on the grass. I did the same.
“‘Your liquor has done me good,’ said I. ‘We must become acquainted.’
“He struck fire to light his pipe.
“‘Have you carried on this business long?’
“He looked hard at me. ‘What do you mean by that?’
“‘Has this often been stained with blood?’ I drew the knife from his girdle.
“‘Who are you?’ said he, in a fearful tone, and he laid down his pipe.
“‘A murderer like you, but only a beginner.’