-LSB- From Ungarische Volksmarchen . -RSB- The Treasure Seeker Once , long ago , in a little town that lay in the midst of high hills and wild forests , a party of shepherds sat one night in the kitchen of the inn talking over old times , and telling of the strange things that had befallen them in their youth . Presently up spoke the silver-haired Father Martin . ` Comrades , ' said he , ` you have had wonderful adventures ; but I will tell you something still more astonishing that happened to myself . When I was a young lad I had no home and no one to care for me , and I wandered from village to village all over the country with my knapsack on my back ; but as soon as I was old enough I took service with a shepherd in the mountains , and helped him for three years . One autumn evening as we drove the flock homeward ten sheep were missing , and the master bade me go and seek them in the forest . I took my dog with me , but he could find no trace of them , though we searched among the bushes till night fell ; and then , as I did not know the country and could not find my way home in the dark , I decided to sleep under a tree . At midnight my dog became uneasy , and began to whine and creep close to me with his tail between his legs ; by this I knew that something was wrong , and , looking about , I saw in the bright moonlight a figure standing beside me . It seemed to be a man with shaggy hair , and a long beard which hung down to his knees . He had a garland upon his head , and a girdle of oak-leaves about his body , and carried an uprooted fir-tree in his right hand . I shook like an aspen leaf at the sight , and my spirit quaked for fear . The strange being beckoned with his hand that I should follow him ; but as I did not stir from the spot he spoke in a hoarse , grating voice : `` Take courage , fainthearted shepherd . I am the Treasure Seeker of the mountain . If you will come with me you shall dig up much gold . '' ` Though I was still deadly cold with terror I plucked up my courage and said : `` Get away from me , evil spirit ; I do not desire your treasures . '' ` At this the spectre grinned in my face and cried mockingly : ' `` Simpleton ! Do you scorn your good fortune ? Well , then , remain a ragamuffin all your days . '' ` He turned as if to go away from me , then came back again and said : `` Bethink yourself , bethink yourself , rogue . I will fill your knapsack -- I will fill your pouch . '' '
`` Away XXXXX me , monster , '' I answered , `` I will have nothing to do with you . ''
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