Nearer And Nearer It Drew, And I Could Now Distinguish The Outline Of A Man Dressed In Coarse Brown Garments, A Kind Of Andalusian Hat, And Using As A Staff The Long Peeled Branch Of A Tree.

He had now arrived opposite the bench where I was seated, when, stopping, he took off his hat and demanded charity in uncouth tones and in a strange jargon, which had some resemblance to the Catalan.

The moon shone on grey locks and on a ruddy weather-beaten countenance which I at once recognized: "Benedict Mol," said I, "is it possible that I see you at Compostella?"

"Och, mein Gott, es ist der Herr!" replied Benedict. "Och, what good fortune, that the Herr is the first person I meet at Compostella."

Myself. - I can scarcely believe my eyes. Do you mean to say that you have just arrived at this place?

Benedict. - Ow yes, I am this moment arrived. I have walked all the long way from Madrid.

Myself. - What motive could possibly bring you such a distance?

Benedict. - Ow, I am come for the schatz - the treasure. I told you at Madrid that I was coming; and now I have met you here, I have no doubt that I shall find it, the schatz.

Myself. - In what manner did you support yourself by the way?

Benedict. - Ow, I begged, I bettled, and so contrived to pick up some cuartos; and when I reached Toro, I worked at my trade of soap-making for a time, till the people said I knew nothing about it, and drove me out of the town.

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