Chapter III: In the Wide World

DEAR reader, have you ever seen a lovely forest flower whose delicate bloom and delicious fragrance has charmed your senses? Have you lifted it carefully from the ground, gently loosening each slender root, taken it home and planted it, nursing it with the most assiduous attention, in order that you might watch at your leisure its expanding loveliness? Did you not give it the finest mould, water it night and morning, and give it fresh air, sunshine or shade, as it might require it?

And see, at first the tender little head will droop, then it will raise itself again and shoot up quickly and strongly: blossom succeeds to blossom and leaf to leaf in unusual luxuriance, till all at once, in spite of every loving and tender care, it comes to a standstill, and a marked change begins to appear. The buds no longer burst into flower, the leaves and their stems shrivel up, fade, and fall off; the plant sickens, and all your efforts to breathe into it new, fresh, vigorous existence only serve to prolong for a brief space its waning life, for a week, a month, perhaps even a year.

But at last, notwithstanding your care, the little branches stand quite bare and withered, and your cherished plant is dead, without a hope of recovery. Surely, you thought, it must be better off for you here than in the forest, exposed to all weathers, the parching sunshine or the icy blast, with no one to care whether it was moist or dry. True, but then out there it was placed in just the right spot and the right soil, and no attention, or love, or care that you can bestow, can make up for that, and it will wither and die.

So it was with Bastel, when he was suddenly taken from the quiet loneliness of the depth of the forest, and plunged into the bustle and turmoil of the world—transplanted from the simple cottage that had been his home since he first saw the light, to the glitter and pomp of a rich man's house in a strange city.

At first, he forgot everything in the new and hitherto unknown experiences that crowded upon him at every turn. With wondering eyes he looked around, and gazed at all that seemed strange or rare; at the cultivated and fruitful plains, so different from the wild wooded mountains of his distant home; the great cities, with their magnificent palaces, churches, and museums; the soldiers with their polished arms and uniforms, and the thousands of gaily-dressed people who thronged the streets; the great rivers with their steamers and sailing vessels; and the railroad with its snorting iron horse that seemed to him to fly over the ground on the wings of the wind.

He became a different creature,—he was no longer the bold, fearless Bastel of the woods. The unwonted life made him shy, and confused his clear mind, pressing with heavy weight on his heart and senses. Secretly he envied Adelbert, who seemed so easy and confident in the midst of all this turmoil, and who was never surprised at anything. Indeed, he not only envied him, but watched him with shy wonder, and felt himself as much his inferior now, as he had imagined himself his superior in the woods, where he had laughed at and made fun of him. Their places were just reversed: Adelbert was now the wise, skilful, and clever one, whilst poor Bastel hung his head and became so excessively awkward and silly, that when Adelbert laughed at him, as he often did, for his complete ignorance of the ways of the world, he let it pass meekly and silently.

"Don't vex yourself about it, Bastel," Herr Brockmann would say to him encouragingly, "you will soon get used to these things, and he who has a brave spirit quickly masters them. You will get on better in Hamburg than you do now on the journey, where everything sweeps before your eyes and dazzles you."

Bastel sighed, and felt strong doubts on the point, spite of these assurances, whilst his heart yearned for his native woods and hills. There, he certainly did not see so much that was new, and beautiful, and magnificent, but then what he did see was familiar to him. At home he had not such good clothes as he now wore, but they were more useful to him; these only constrained and distressed him, pretty as they were; whereas, the old linen jacket and breeches were so easy and comfortable. If he had not been afraid of appearing weak and changeable, he would have asked Herr Brockmann, on the very first day of the journey, to let him go home again. But the sense of shame was stronger even than his longing for his native woods and hills, so he held his tongue, and betrayed as little as possible of his state of mind.

But Herr Brockmann had sharp eyes, and read his thoughts.

"Have patience, Bastel," said he. "In a year or so, you will think otherwise, I hope and believe."

"We are quits now, Bastel," said Adelbert laughing, as one day in Berlin he was rallying him for having mistaken a grandly-dressed footman for a nobleman at least, if not for the king himself, and had waved his hand to him. "If I was a silly boy in the forest, you are not the wisest boy in the city; we are quits now, eh, Bastel?"

"Oh yes," answered Bastel, still red with annoyance at his mistake, "I am quite ashamed of myself for having laughed at and made fun of you, and it is quite fair that I should be the one to be laughed at now. My father spoke truly when he said 'every one should keep his own place,' and certainly the city is not mine."

"You will soon get used to it, Bastel," said Adelbert good-naturedly. "You will find that it is not so difficult for you, as for a town child to get accustomed to a forest life. I found that out when I tried to hew the logs of wood in pieces. It is pleasant and easy to live in the city when it becomes familiar to you; only wait till we are in Hamburg."

A few days afterwards they arrived at Hamburg. And then Bastel soon perceived that Adelbert was not far wrong in what he had said. He found it very pleasant and easy to live in the great city as far as fatigue and bodily hardships were concerned. For during the first part of his stay, he had nothing whatever to do but to eat, drink, and sleep, go for walks and drives, and make acquaintance with the new world, under the care of his experienced friend Adelbert. That was not very difficult. But his wonder and astonishment did not all at once give place to presence of mind and perfect ease.

However, by degrees, unaccustomed things became familiar to him, and he held up his head again, as briskly and boldly as he had done at home; not, however, till he had overcome somewhat the feeling of shyness and depression; and not, indeed, before he had committed various blunders and mistakes. He opened his eyes and wondered more than ever, when Adelbert led him for the first time through the rooms in his father's house, then through the great warehouses, and lastly to the villa on the banks of the Elbe. He had seen a great many strange and beautiful things in the hotels on the journey, but nothing that could compare with the splendour, magnificence, and luxury he found in the dwelling of the rich merchant.

When he thought of his father's small, poor cottage in the Hartz mountains, what a contrast was there! The large, lofty rooms, the beautiful statues, the pictures and mirrors in their broad, gilded frames adorning the walls, the bright, gorgeously-coloured carpets, on which at first he hardly dared to tread; the softly-stuffed chairs and sofas, on which he almost feared to sit, lest he should sink entirely in them; the costly cabinets of rare woods, filled with all kinds of things for which he knew no use,—all dazzled and bewildered him, for he had had no idea of the existence even of such magnificence.

Even the few things he was accustomed to, were presented to him in a strange form,—for instance, the washstand when he went to his luxurious bedroom the first night at Hamburg. On the journey he had always slept by himself, washed himself as he had been used to do it, and then jumped into his clothes as quickly as possible. In Hamburg he shared Adelbert's room, and the washstand placed ready for each of them was furnished with all kinds of things he had never even seen. Combs and brushes of every conceivable shape and form; boxes and glasses filled with soaps, tooth powder, and fragrant oils and essences, stood there in convenient order; he could not possibly guess their different uses. Adelbert had either to tell him or show him what they were for, and had many a hearty laugh at his comical mistakes, such as taking a nail-brush for a toothbrush, or using pomade instead of tooth powder, and then making absurdly wry faces.

"If my mother only saw how folks wash and dress, and oil and soap themselves in the city," said he, "she would hold up her hands in wonder and amazement. We don't use all these things in our parts, Adelbert. In the morning we wash at the brook, pass a comb through our hair, and we are dressed for the day in five minutes."

"But surely you cleaned your teeth," said Adelbert, "how else are they so white and polished?"

"I don't know, I'm sure," replied Bastel, "they were always so; I suppose when one has to bite through the thick pieces of hard black bread we always have for breakfast, that cleans them."

"Perhaps so," said Adelbert with a knowing look, "but that won't do in the city. Here you must brush your teeth at after least three times a day,—in the morning, dinner, and before you go to bed. Did you not notice my doing so yesterday?"

"Oh yes, but I thought you had a nasty taste in your mouth you wanted to get rid of," said Bastel; "well, I never heard of such thing!"

At table, too, Bastel made many mistakes. He could not distinguish between large and small plates, knives, forks and spoons, nor find a proper use for all the numerous articles belonging to a well-ordered table in a rich man's house. It was all so new and strange to him, and although he admired it very much, yet he could not help thinking that it was much more comfortable at home, when one put one's spoon into the dish and ate out of it till one had had enough.

All the forms and ceremonies of city life were burdensome to him. However, after he had a few times taken oil for vinegar, poured gravy over the salad instead of over the meat, when he had awkwardly and clumsily broken a few plates and glasses, taken caviare for cartwheel grease, and declared and maintained that oysters were nasty snails, he fell at last into the new ways and forms, and learnt from Adelbert's example how a well-mannered boy should behave at table. Only he could not get accustomed to drinking wine and eating oysters, but kept to the boiled and roast meats and the water-jug.

Adelbert laughed at him about it, but Herr Brockmann approved.

"Be always contented with water, Bastel," said he, "it is far better than so much wine."

After about a week, when Bastel had become rather more at home, Adelbert thought it was time he should see something of the city. He begged leave to drive him himself, and his father consented, on condition that a steady, responsible servant accompanied them, to guard against accident.

So Adelbert ordered his little carriage and ponies, the boys seated themselves, the servant jumped up behind, and Adelbert drove gaily into the city towards the harbour, where his father's house of business stood. Bastel wondered at the skill with which he managed the mettlesome and high-couraged little animals, and was obliged to confess secretly that he had behaved somewhat foolishly to him in the forest.

"He knows so much, and can do so many things that I cannot," thought he to himself; "what a mistake it was to laugh at him because he was not familiar with my ways!"

Bastel admired him still more when they went into Herr Brockmann's great warehouses, and Adelbert pointed out the stores of rare goods that came from all parts of the world, and explained to him their purposes and use. It was only natural that Adelbert should be familiar with all this, for from his earliest youth he had been used to it, but Bastel marvelled at the extent of his knowledge, and felt very insignificant and ignorant in comparison.

"You are greatly to be envied, Adelbert, for knowing so much," said he; "I see plainly it will be very difficult for me to become like you, and, indeed, I do not think I shall ever be that as long as I live."

Adelbert laughed and said, "It seems a little difficult now, but in a month's time you will know as much as I do. But come along, we will go to the harbour and look at the ships; you will stare then, you have nothing like them in your mountains."

"More new and wonderful things yet!" sighed Bastel. "When will they come to an end? I feel already quite confused and bewildered."

However, Adelbert would not let him rest, but led him to a point whence he could see the whole harbour at a glance, and amused himself highly at his expressions of wonder.

And certainly his astonishment was greater here than it had been anywhere else. The large ships crowding together hull to hull, the forest of masts rising before him, the hundreds of gay pennons and flags, the sails flapping loosely from the yards, the small boats plying backwards and forwards, the business-like activity prevailing everywhere, the different dresses of the foreigners, the majestic ships in full sail gliding down the broad stream, the large steamers beating the water with their monstrous paddle-wheels, a thick black smoke streaming behind them like a dark banner,—the whole presented a picture, whose several details might well be enough to overwhelm the simple youth, who had so lately left the quiet loneliness of his distant mountain home.

Bastel stood silent for some time, with clasped hands and fixed eyes, and seemed as if he could never tire of gazing, and wondering at this remarkable scene.

"It is too much, it is too much," stammered he at length, "it overwhelms me; I shall never be able to master all these things."

"In a month you will," asserted Adelbert with confidence. "One gets used to all this much quicker than to chopping wood."

In a merry mood he led his friend to the harbour, stepped with him into a boat, and was rowed into the midst of the ships, where he gave Bastel many instructions and explanations.

"There, look," said he, "that is an east Indiaman, come from Bombay or Calcutta; you can tell that by the dark faces of the sailors, they are Lascars and natives of India. This schooner is a Maltese vessel; the sailors' red caps tell you that. Here is a Dutch whaler that has brought sperm-oil and whalebone from the Polar seas; you may know it easily by the greasy look of the vessel and the crew. Ah! Here is the 'Elizabeth,' my father's finest three-masted ship; it arrived last night from the West Indies, laden with sugar, coffee, and tobacco. We will go on board, for you ought to see a vessel like that. Pull alongside, my man. Halloa, on board there! Lower away the ladder!" Adelbert's loud call brought the mate to the side of the ship.

He looked angry at first, but when he saw it was the owner's son, his cross look gave place to a friendly one. "Young Master Adelbert!" cried he. "Welcome on board, sir! Here, my men, be quick with the ladder."

The ladder was lowered over the vessel's side, and Adelbert sprang nimbly up, whilst Bastel, who was generally a bold and active climber, followed cautiously and timidly. Adelbert laughed at him.

"You do well to laugh at me," said Bastel, laughing himself a little nervously, "here you are quite at home, whilst I feel uncertain and strange about everything; you did not laugh at me at my home."

"Very true, Bastel, but I did not mean it unkindly," answered Adelbert; "you know 'every man in his place;' you were my superior there, and here it is just the reverse; don't be cross about it, you have plenty more to see yet. Show us round, mate; this is my friend and brother Bastel, a good fellow, but he is from the country and knows nothing about ships."

The mate willingly and good-humouredly did as he was requested, and took the two boys all over the ship, from the upper deck to the hold, giving them at the same time short but clear explanations of all that must necessarily be new and strange to Bastel, who listened to him with marked attention, and gazed with interest at everything,—the neatly-fitted cabin of the captain, the high masts, the heavy anchors, the little compass, the confusion of sails and ropes, and the simple hammocks of the sailors. Everything was so entirely new to him that of course it possessed unusual interest.

"And now, what shall we do?" said Adelbert, as they came on deck again. "Shall we take a look at the masts up above?"

He hoped that Bastel would not venture upon it, and that he should enjoy a good laugh at his expense. But he forgot that where climbing was concerned Bastel was in his element, for often at home he had climbed to the highest branches of the oak, the beech, and the pine.

"If the masts were not so thick," answered Bastel as he measured the height with his eye, "from the first landing-place up there, I could manage very well, but down here no one could clasp them."

"If nothing else hinders you, young gentleman," said the mate, "yonder are the rattlins, you can run up them like ladders. But I would not advise you to try, it is very high up there at the mast-head."

"Yes, yes, he will think twice before he ventures," said Adelbert laughing. "I have never tried it myself even, although I am as much at home on board ship as in my father's house."

"You have never tried it?" asked Bastel with sparkling eyes, as he caught hold of a rope near at hand, glad of an opportunity of gaining a little admiration from him. "You have never ventured?"

"I do not care to risk my neck," answered Adelbert, "and you had better not do so either."

"Oho! We'll soon see about that," cried Bastel, quite pleased, as he quickly threw off his smart jacket. "In less than five seconds I shall be at the top."

"Don't, Bastel, it is dangerous," said Adelbert anxiously, "you will become giddy and fall."

"Nonsense," laughed Bastel, running nimbly aloft. "I will show you that I can do something, even if it is not much."

Almost before they could look round, he had reached the crosstrees, clasped the great mast above with both hands, climbed it like a squirrel, then on to the top gallant mast, the highest of all, and a moment after, stood on the highest point, where he hailed Adelbert on deck.

"Here I am, Adelbert!" cried he. "It is beautiful up here; come to me, if you dare."

"No, thank you," called Adelbert back to him, "I had rather let it alone, you had better come down here instead."

"That is easily done," answered Bastel.

And sliding down the mast, he stood the next moment on deck by Adelbert's side, with flushed cheek and sparkling eyes.

Adelbert grasped his hand. "Well, you are brave," he said heartily without the slightest envy, "I could not have done it, but I see you are accustomed to trees, whether they are in the forest or on board ship. What your father said is very true, 'every man has his place,' and certainly you are clever and skilful enough in yours."

"Why am I here, then?" asked Bastel thoughtfully.

Adelbert shrugged his shoulders. "Ah, that I cannot tell you; but my father will know, you must ask him; perhaps it is in order that you should become acquainted with other manners and customs."

"I shall never do that as long as I live; I feel it here, and here," said Bastel, laying his hand on his heart and on his forehead. "I feel here that the good God has created me for the forest, and nothing can change it."

"Ask my father, he is sure to give you good advice," returned Adelbert.

"Very well, so I will," said Bastel, "and directly too, as soon as we return to the house."

They were rowed next to a large American steamer, and then to an emigrant ship, over both of which they were shown, inspecting the arrangements, and having explained to them how the steam set in motion the great paddle-wheels.

Contrary to all expectation, Bastel understood far more quickly and clearly the locomotive power of the machinery, than did Adelbert, although his knowledge was so much more extensive. Besides, since Bastel had won the little victory over Adelbert in climbing the mast, he bore himself far more firmly and boldly, the self-confidence that had so long deserted him seemed to have returned, and it appeared to him as if a dull, heavy weight had been lifted from his head and his heart. He breathed freely again, his eyes sparkled brightly as in former days, and his mind became once more clear and penetrating, as though a dark cloud had passed away from it. He had required something to rouse him from his despondency, and it came in the shape of the little triumph he had obtained over Adelbert.

Hardly had they reached home, when he sought Herr Brockmann, and asked him, in his honest, open manner, why he had taken him from the forest and brought him to Hamburg.

Herr Brockmann regarded him for a moment with some astonishment, and a look of pleasant surprise showed itself on his benevolent countenance.

"Why, Bastel," said he, without at first answering his question, "how bright you look, something must have happened to please you."

"Yes, Herr Brockmann," replied Bastel, "I have come to myself again; my days were a burden to me, I had become so stupid and dull; everything new and beautiful that I saw, instead of pleasing me, oppressed me so much that often I have said to myself, 'Oh, that I were dead and at rest!'

"I could not speak, for it seemed so ungrateful to complain, when I received nothing but kindness and affection. I thought I was of no use at all in the world, and that worried and tormented me so much that I knew not how to contain myself. But it is past now; I feel that, after all, I may be fit for something in my own sphere, although it may not be in the city, and therefore, Herr Brockmann, I wished to ask you why you had taken me out of the forest? I know quite well you intended it for my good, but I would really wish to know in what position I am to be placed, that I may prepare myself for it."

Herr Brockmann looked kindly at him, and answered in an affectionate tone, "I will tell you in a very few words. You see that your father was perfectly right, when he gave it as his opinion that a man could only be happy in his own station; that is to say, according to the position and circumstances in which it has pleased God to place him. But, Bastel, listen well to what I say; although one ought to keep to one's own station in life, there are different ways of doing that.

"For instance, first of all, everyone should perfect himself as much as possible in that station, whether it be by learning, thought, or mechanical labour, and secondly, that everyone should take pains, when opportunities are offered to him, to become acquainted with the ways of other people, and learn from them whatever is most serviceable to himself. You, Bastel, had you remained with your father, would, in time, have become a strong and excellent charcoal-burner, for you are a child of the forest, and well fitted for it by your strength and natural turn of mind. But in that case, do you think that you would be doing your best to enlarge your mind and cultivate your talents? Your abilities enable you to acquire much that would be of advantage to you in your own sphere.

"My intention is, not to separate you entirely from your former mode of life, but to enable you to improve and benefit yourself in many ways. I would not make a hot-house plant of the forest flower, but I wish that it should thrive and prosper, and bear the blossoms and fruit that only learning and a knowledge of the world can produce. Do you understand me? You shall learn whatever can be learnt to fit you better for your particular life. Therefore learn all you can; you have powerful mind, and by industry and perseverance you can turn it to good account in your own line, if it be only to make you an enterprising, scientific charcoal-burner. Do you see what I mean?"

"Yes, Herr Brockmann, I understand you perfectly," replied Bastel thoughtfully. "It is just as I imagined from the beginning; that you meant most kindly towards me, and now that I see my way plainly, I will neglect nothing that can serve to advance my welfare and prosperity. I thank you from my heart, Herr Brockmann. Therefore, the sooner the better; I am tired of an idle life, and would begin to learn as soon as possible."

"That is right, Bastel," said Herr Brockmann, much gratified, "I see I was not deceived in you. From to-morrow you shall have every opportunity of learning what is best fitted for you, and will be most useful to you hereafter."

That same hour Herr Brockmann made the necessary arrangements.

And the next day, Bastel left the house and went to live in a small room in the School of Science.

Madame Brockmann and Adelbert wondered much at this arrangement.

"What is the reason of that, dear husband?" asked the former in astonishment. "You send Bastel away, although we promised his parents to care for him and treat him as our own child; he is so good and modest and well-behaved. Why, then, is he banished? He will not be half as well off in the school as here with us."

"Not as far as luxuries are concerned, perhaps, but it will be much better for his mind," answered Herr Brockmann. "I promised his father to make a great man of him, and a great man he shall be, but in his own line of life. Our ways are not suited to him, and you must surely have seen that he has not been at his ease here. He must not acquire wrong tastes and habits, for he is poor, and must hereafter gain his living by his own exertions. It is best for him as it is, depend upon it; and besides, he can be with us every Sunday, and will be as cordially received by us as hitherto. We shall then see if he does not feel happier living in the school, in industry and activity, than with us in idleness and luxury, in which he has not been brought up, and to which with my consent he never shall be accustomed."

Madame Brockmann shook her head, as though she were not quite satisfied with her husband's reasoning; however, she raised no further objection, but let the matter rest. Adelbert missed his playfellow for a few days, for he loved him dearly; but he felt his loss the less, when he spent every Sunday with him.

Meanwhile, Bastel seemed to be in his right place, for it was surprising to see how fast he developed both mentally and bodily. With an ease that astonished his teachers, he worked with steady industry and untiring energy, till he was reported to his parents as the best and most talented of all the scholars, and always carrying off the first prize at the yearly examination.

In a short time he was no longer afraid to compete with Adelbert; in knowledge he was his equal, nay, almost his superior, and the new world that had so confused and oppressed him at first, had now nothing fresh or strange, and he bore himself as easily and confidently as he had done of old in his woods and hills. He was no longer the bashful, awkward Bastel of former days, but a fine-looking youth, sound in body and mind, with large, clear eyes, and as clear a soul. He had become another creature, and was unchanged only in his brave and honest disposition. Modest, grateful, and full of respect towards his benefactors, he yet preserved the old tender love for his parents and the home of his childhood deep down in his heart.

And often, very often, there rose up within him a yearning for the shady valleys, the murmuring brooks, and the rustling forests of the far-off "Hartz," making his heart heavy and his eyes fill with tears, and mixing even with his dreams. But he would not give way to this feeling—he subdued it, and concealed it so completely from his kind friends that they had no idea that it existed.

Indeed, his cheerfulness on the days he spent with the family, his whole demeanour, apparently so devoid of care, and the circumstance of his never speaking of his home, caused Herr Brockmann to think that he had forgotten it entirely. He could not know that Bastel did not speak of his mountains and valleys because he would not betray himself, or appear ungrateful for the kindness of his friends. But he longed in secret for the day when he should return to his peaceful woods, and his heart beat loud and fast, when he thought that happy time might not be far distant.

But, as has been said before, Bastel, from a sense of delicacy, hid his real feelings so carefully that Herr Brockmann had no idea of their existence. And besides, he loved him so dearly that the wish often arose in his heart, and became stronger and stronger, to keep him always with him, to plan out his future for him, and give him an equal share with Adelbert of his large business. His affection for Bastel so influenced him that he was convinced such a lot was best for him, and that he would himself greatly prefer it to returning to the poor dwelling of his parents. But he said nothing of his plan, and contented himself with observing Bastel till the time should come when he would leave the school, covered with the highest honours.

Bastel himself had looked forward to this day with the most earnest longing, for it seemed to him as the day of his release from captivity.

"The goal is now reached that Herr Brockmann pointed out to me," said he to himself. "Now I can thank him for all the kindness I have received at his hands, and then—then, I will go back to my mountains, and once more breathe the pure forest air, and rejoice in the valleys and cliffs, and never, never leave them again."

With these thoughts he hastened to Herr Brockmann, who received him as usual with open arms.

"Now you will live with us for the future as one of the family," said he cordially, "for you must consider this house as your home, and very soon we will arrange your future plans. You will never think now of returning to the lonely, distant forest, or handling again the iron shovel. I have a brilliant future in prospect for you."

Herr Brockmann, full of his plans, and occupied with the kindest thoughts, did not notice how Bastel's blooming, happy countenance became ashy pale, and his eyes dim with emotion, the evidence of the struggle within.

"Yes, yes, Bastel, you shall soon know the good things I have in store for you," continued he, affectionately, whilst Bastel turned away, that he might hide his emotion from his benefactor. "You know that you have been as dear to me as my own son. I cannot bear the thought of a separation, and will devote myself to your future with fatherly care. I hope, therefore, you will permit me to choose your career for you say, my son, shall it be so?"

Bastel could have cried aloud in grief and anguish. "No, no, no! Send me back to my beloved mountains, to my peaceful home, where alone I can be happy." But gratitude towards so tender and affectionate a friend stifled the words, and with trembling lips he answered, "Your slightest wish, my father, is a command."

And so the words were spoken which bound him to slavery.

"Right, my son," said Herr Brockmann, embracing him, "only trust to me, and I hope soon to see you as happy and contented as I could wish, and you deserve. Now leave me, and to-morrow you shall hear what I intend."

"To make me miserable," sighed Bastel, as with breaking heart he left the room.

Full of grief and sorrow, he went out into the open air. He must reason with himself, and collect his scattered senses, before he could again present himself; and so he sought a quiet, lonely spot, where he could think undisturbed, and fight out the battle with his feelings. What should he do? His whole heart drew him homewards, but could he grieve his kind friend and reward him with ingratitude? No, a thousand times, no! He must submit to his wishes, must accept further benefits at his hands, and hide from his loving eyes the grief that bore him to the earth. It was a long time before he could come to this decision, for his longing for the mountains was so intense that he could scarcely overcome it, even out of consideration to Herr Brockmann.

The evening was far advanced before he returned to the house, and joined the family at the tea-table. Madame Brockmann pressed his hand, Adelbert embraced him warmly, and Herr Brockmann drew him to a chair at his side.

"It is all arranged," said he; "I have spoken to my wife and child, and they are as much pleased as I am at the thought of keeping you always with us. There is no need for further delay. To-morrow you will enter my counting-house, and receive the same salary as Adelbert; it will amply suffice you, as you will remain always a member of our house, and later, when it pleases God to take me, or I retire from business, you will continue it in partnership with Adelbert. In this manner I hope to fulfil the promise I made to your parents, for, as partner in the house of 'Brockmann,' you have, in my opinion, acquired an honourable position in the world."

"It is too much!" stammered Bastel, whilst a tear rolled down his cheek.

"To have you is a gain to us," said Herr Brockmann, smiling, "so we are quits."

Ah! If the generous soul had but known that Bastel's tears were not tears of delight, but of the bitterest grief. He wept, alas! for his vanished hopes, but kept firm to his resolution that he would conquer his feelings and preserve towards his adopted father the most devoted faith. He had done so much for him, he could not be ungrateful. With a powerful effort, he recovered himself, and no one knew what deep and bitter grief was hid under his smiling countenance.

According to his kind friend's wish, he entered on his business the next day, and devoted his whole energies to him from that hour.

Herr Brockmann wondered at his industry and perseverance, but he did not know that Bastel sought by hard work to distract his thoughts, and forget his cherished, but now lost hopes. In work alone did Bastel find relief, and he rested neither day nor night, till complete exhaustion obliged him to pause. His health failed under the continual struggle, and even Herr Brockmann begged him to spare himself, but Bastel only shook his head, smiling sadly, and flung himself with increased energy into the press of business.

For a few months he kept on, although his cheeks got daily paler and thinner, and a consuming grief dimmed his once sparkling eyes. But when spring came, when the trees put on again their green dress, and the thrush's flute-like notes were heard amongst the branches, then he could hold out no longer.

"Everything is pleasant and magnificent here," said he in his pain, "far better than the poor valleys at home; only one thing is wanting—taste and inclination to enjoy it."

At the return of May, the longing awoke again in Bastel's heart with irresistible force. The call of the thrush, to which he would listen with delight in former days, filled his breast with that most grievous malady, home-sickness. He could bear no more: the fetters with which he had bound his soul were wrenched asunder by the mightiness of his feelings, and his health at last gave way. A lingering, nervous fever attacked him, he hovered for weeks on the brink of the grave; only the most tender care, and constant attention on the part of his friends, saved him from death.

Many long nights Herr Brockmann watched by his bed-side, and listened to the wild ravings as they issued from his lips. Madame Brockmann and Adelbert listened also, and for the first time became aware what had overcome Bastel, and laid him on a bed of sickness.

"The good, noble, faithful heart," said Herr Brockmann, with strong emotion. "He sacrificed himself—and for my sake! Oh God, restore him to life and health, and then—then it shall be my aim to restore him to happiness in his own sphere. How blind we all were not to have seen and known this!"

And Bastel recovered,—recovered at last, after great suffering, and it was with deep thankfulness that he became aware of the tender, untiring, affectionate care that had been shown towards him.

"How they must love me, I cannot grieve them," said he.

These thoughts again took possession of him, and it was impressed on his mind, that though he might return to his mountain home if he wished, yet he would appear most ungrateful if he did, and he was silent still, as he had been before.

But those who loved him were no longer deceived: they had seen all, and loved him none the less that he again sought to conceal his grief and sorrow in patient silence.

One beautiful day in June, Bastel, strengthened and invigorated, sat for the first time in the gardens of the villa, surrounded by his friends, and with deep-drawn breath inhaled the refreshing and fragrant air. His cheeks were still pale and his eyes dim, but for the most part his health and strength had returned to him.

"Do you feel able to go back to work, dear Bastel?" said Herr Brockmann.

"O yes, I long to be up and doing again," answered Bastel eagerly; "how can I show my endless gratitude for your fatherly kindness except by work and industry?"

"Well, then, Bastel," said Herr Brockmann, "I will put your gratitude to the proof;—do you know I have quite different plans for you now?"

"In everything that lies in my power you can depend on me," answered Bastel, "you know well that I belong entirely to you."

"Yes, I know that," said Herr Brockmann with some emotion, "you are a good son, and have a faithful heart. But nevertheless, Bastel, I am not sure that your new calling will be agreeable to you, and I would not press you to enter it, if there were anyone else to whom I could entrust the business. We must part, Bastel, not for ever, certainly not, for I hope we shall see each other many times in the course of the year; nevertheless, it is a parting, and it is doubtful, after all, if you will readily undertake the charge."

"Oh, do not doubt my willingness," said Bastel entreatingly, "wherever you wish to place me, I will remain, if I can serve you in any way."

"Well, then, to the point," continued Herr Brockmann smiling; "whilst you were ill, I bought between 1000 and 1200 acres of forest land in the 'Hartz,' near your old home,—indeed, I think your father's house is in the midst of it,—at a very moderate price, as it lies some little distance from the high road of the inhabited districts. That, however, is no disadvantage to me, for I intend to level the forest in different places and turn the fallen trees into charcoal, tar, pitch, potash, and suchlike produce, the transport of which over the narrow forest paths will not be difficult. We have had such a demand in our business for these articles that for years we have hardly been able to supply it.

"On this account, I quickly decided on the purchase of the forest land, and you can understand why I reckon so much upon you and your technical knowledge, and thought that a year's residence in the woods would not be so dispiriting and disagreeable to you, as it would be to many others who have been accustomed to a city life from their youth. Speak freely, dear Bastel. If my plan does not suit you, it shall be abandoned and mentioned no more."

Bastel had been greatly agitated whilst Herr Brockmann was addressing him in such fatherly tones. His heart swelled almost to bursting, his cheeks grew white and red by turns, the large tears gathered in his eyes, and springing up, he clasped the hands of his benefactor.

"Oh, my father, my kind, tender father," he cried with emotion and trembling with excitement, "I understand you, you have read my thoughts, and now, instead of blaming me, you heap blessings on my head."

Smiling, but much moved, Herr Brockmann returned the embrace, and said softly,—

"Yes, Bastel, I must try to make up for that in which my blindness has caused me to fail, though I meant all for the best. I forgot that you could only be happy in your own sphere. That was my mistake: yours was, that you did not speak openly to me, and confirmed me in my error, till at last in your delirium your sorrows found words, and I learnt that, of which, but for your illness, I should still be ignorant. God be thanked that it was so, and that you were not sacrificed to your too great delicacy of feeling and mistaken gratitude.

"But enough, my son, I have appreciated your motives, and you have, by showing such constant fortitude and such a grateful heart, endeared yourself still more to us all. And now tell me quickly, does my plan please you? And will you agree to it?"

"Oh, most heartily, and with the deepest gratitude, if I may hope that I shall not be separated from you all for ever," cried Bastel.

"We will spend a few weeks at least together every year," answered Herr Brockmann; "you shall come to us and we will go to you, and I trust they will be very happy days we shall pass with each other. For the rest, my son, be satisfied, the business you have undertaken is really of the greatest importance, and you must not think that I bought the forest land only for your sake. I reckon on making considerable profit, as might be expected from so large an undertaking, so you do not owe me any such extreme gratitude. It is fortunate that the employment suits you, and my most earnest wish is, that you may at last find true happiness in your own station."

* * * * *

Two years were passed by Bastel in untiring but profitable activity, in the neighbourhood of his old home. How different the woods and valleys looked now, that in his childhood had been so quiet, so lonely, and so remote! Large and handsome manufactories were erected in the most convenient spots; countless kilns burned and smoked in various parts of the woods; tar, pitch, and potash-boiling was going on here and there, and hundreds of poor people were employed in turning the forest to the greatest possible advantage.

Bastel and his father managed everything. Ways were made through the forest, to open communication between the works and the high road, and on those roads, long trains of waggons journeyed backwards and forwards filled with charcoal, and laden also with huge packages and boxes, carrying northward to the storehouses of Herr Brockmann the produce of the woodland manufactories, whence they were again despatched into distant lands. Adelbert managed the business in Hamburg as Bastel did in the forest, and by this arrangement each one found, in the position for which nature had fitted him, true happiness and contentment.

The tracks of cleared forest became arable, and were prepared for cultivation; in many places the plough had already turned up the rich earth, which soon would bear an abundant crop of golden grain. So a future was marked out, that would present to Bastel's energetic and powerful mind a far better and more useful source of employment than he would ever have found in the old home of his childhood. Was he happy now?

"Yes, father," he said, with beaming face, when one day Herr Brockmann asked him this question, as he and his wife and Adelbert were spending a few weeks with him, "I am thoroughly happy, because I am so exactly in my proper place. I feel now that I am not quite a useless member of society, and I thank you, my benefactor, daily and hourly, for placing me in a position to do justice to myself. And Adelbert, is he also happy and contented?"

"Ask him," answered Herr Brockmann, laughing, "ask him if he will change places with you, and take the axe again? Here he comes."

Adelbert came up to them with such a beaming, happy face, that Bastel thought there was no need to ask the question. But Herr Brockmann did.

"No, no," said Adelbert, laughing heartily, "let it be as it is. We have each of us found our proper place, and let us keep to it. You go on charcoal-burning, Bastel, and I will continue to take care that the produce of your industry is disposed of to the best advantage."

"Yes," said Herr Brockmann, "it is best as it is. Let each one remain in his own place, upright, industrious, and contented, and then happiness will never fail him. Adelbert could never be truly happy here in the forest, nor Bastel in the city, therefore 'every man in his place' is the best arrangement, when that position is honourable, and pleasing to God: He has done all things well, and let us thank Him as long as we have breath, with humble and grateful hearts."

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