Chapter Three.
At the time our story commenced Dr Martin Luther was still residing in the Castle of Wartburg, where he had been concealed by order of the Elector Frederick, for nearly a year after leaving Worms, to preserve him from the rage of his defeated enemies. His friends, however, well knew where he was, and he had lately been summoned back to Wittemburg, where his presence was much required.
Several months had passed away since Eric had quitted home, when one day a man, with a large pack on his back, presented himself at the Castle-gate, and demanded to see the Knight. He was admitted.
“Well, friend, what would you with me?” asked the Knight.
“I have books to sell, and will show them to you forthwith,” answered the colporteur, unslinging his pack. “Here is one lately printed—worth its weight in gold, and more.”
The Knight took it. It bore the simple title—“The New Testament. German. Wittemburg.”
“That is the very book I want,” exclaimed the Knight, eagerly. “Yes, I doubt not that it is worth its weight in gold. By whom has it been done into German?”
“By Dr Martin Luther,” answered the colporteur. “He began the work when shut up in the Wartburg, and has only lately finished it with the help of Dr Melancthon. Here are some other works by him. Will you take them?”
“Yes, three—four—one copy of each. There is payment,” said the Knight, laying down some gold pieces.
“I take but the proper price,” answered the colporteur, returning most of them to him.