“There is still a wish due to me, Mr. Glass-man,” answered Peter with downcast eyes. “Is it possible for a heart of stone to wish for anything?” said the little man. “You have everything a man of your bad disposition requires, and I shall not readily grant your request.” [Illustration: _That night Peter heard the voice whispering in his ear._ (P. 266.)] “But you promised me three wishes,” said Peter “and one I have not yet made use of.” “I have the right to withhold it if it is a foolish wish,” said the little man, “but say on, what do you want?” “Take this cold stone out of my breast and give me back my warm living heart in place of it,” Peter asked. “Had I aught to do with the exchange?” demanded the little man. “Am I Dutch Michael, who gives fortunes and stone hearts away? You must recover your heart from him.” “But he will never give it back to me,” answered Peter. “Bad as you are, I am sorry for you,” said the little man after a few moments’ consideration, “and as your wish is not a foolish one I will promise to assist you. Listen, you will never obtain your heart by force and so you must employ cunning, and it may not be a difficult task, for stupid Michael always was and stupid he will remain, although he prides himself upon being extremely clever. So go straight to him and do exactly as I tell you.” The Glass-man then gave Peter a little cross of pure transparent glass, and proceeded to give him minute instructions as to how he should act. “He cannot take your life,” said the little man, “and he will let you go free if you hold this out to him and whisper a prayer. As soon as you have obtained what you want come back here to me.” Peter Munk took the little cross, made sure he remembered every word the little man had told him, and went straight off to the spot where Michael was wont to be found. He called him three times by name and at once the giant appeared. “And so you have killed your wife,” he said with a horrible laugh. “Well, I should have done the same. Did she not waste your fortune on beggars? But it would be best for you to leave the country for a time, for there will be a fine fuss when it is found out; and so I suppose you want money and have come to fetch it from me?” “You have guessed it exactly,” replied Peter, “but I shall require a good big sum this time. It is a long way to America.” Michael went in advance and led the way to his home. As soon as he reached it he went to a chest and took out several packets of gold. Whilst he was counting it Peter said: “You are a rascal, Michael, for you deceived me, telling me that I had a stone in my breast, and that you had my heart.” “And is it not so?” asked the astonished Michael, “can you feel your heart beat? Do you know what fear or remorse is?”