The Doctor did not appear to enter into the scheme of the young people, for he began to relate to the Techniker the various singular peculiarities of the inhabitants of the district. He had been long enough in other countries to perceive the eccentricities of his own, and was yet so imbued with home feelings, that he knew how to value the hidden qualities of his countrymen; he spoke pure German, but with the accent of the dialect of the Black Forest. "Good evening to you all," was the company greeted by a person passing by. "Oh! is that you, Pilgrim? wait a minute;" called out the Doctor. The man remained standing beside the hedge, and the Doctor asked, "How is Lenz?" "I don't know. I have not seen him since the funeral to-day; I have just come from the 'Lion,' where I stupidly got into a rage on his account." "Really! What was the matter?" "They say there that Lenz has been working all day at home, and they abuse him and declare he is miserly. Lenz miserly! it is enough to make a man go distracted." "Don't allow yourself to be annoyed; you and I, and many others besides, know that Lenz is an excellent man. Was Petrowitsch with Lenz to-day?" "No; I thought he was, and therefore I did not go to him. Herr Doctor, if you have time to-morrow, may I beg of you to come to see me in passing? I want to show you something that I have made." "Very well. I will come." "Good night, all!" "Good night, Pilgrim! a good night's rest to you." The pedestrian went on his way. "Send me my songs back to-morrow," called out Bertha to him. "I won't fail to send them," answered Pilgrim, and soon he was heard in the distance whistling with sweetness and skill. "There you have a strange enough person," said the Doctor to the Techniker. "He is a painter, and is Lenz's best friend, whose mother was interred today. This Pilgrim has talents, which have, however, never borne fruit. The history of his life is remarkable." "I wish you would relate it to me." "Another time, when we are alone." "Oh, no! we should like to hear it again," exclaimed the wife and daughters; and so the Doctor began. CHAPTER V. PILGRIM'S ADVENTURES.