Fortunately a small boat was lying quite near the shore: he loosened it, took the oars, and returned to Filsen.
When he reached the castle he said to the Count: “Sir, a Nix has barred me the way.”
The Count did not believe in Nixen. He sent out another messenger. But the same adventure befell him.
The wedding day had been fixed and the Count went on, although he feared his friends and followers would be few in number.
One morning, as he crossed the river from the right bank to the left, in order to pay a visit to his lady love, a sudden tempest broke out. He thought he saw a pale form arise from the waters, bending over the bow of the boat and trying to draw it down into the abyss beneath the waters. Thereupon he became thoughtful, sent for his steward, and ordered him to find out what had become of a certain girl of the neighborhood, Gott-friede from Braubach.
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"I met her a few days ago,” replied the steward, “as she was going to St. Marks Chapel, and I offered her holy water. Gottfriede asked me about your approaching wedding. She was very well, and seemed to be in good spirits.”