l, a lasting and melodious monument to its
creator's skill.

Among those whose ambitious souls were stirred by the statement of the
city fathers was one, a bell-founder named Wolf, a man of evil passions
and overbearing disposition, whose heart was firmly set on achieving
success. In those days, let it be said, the casting of a bell was
a solemn, and even a religious, performance, attended by elaborate
ceremonies and benedictions. On the day which Wolf had appointed for
the operation it seemed as though the entire populace had turned out to
witness the spectacle. Wolf, having prepared the mould, made ready to
pour into it the molten metal. The silence was almost oppressive, and
on it fell distinctly the solemn words of the bell-founder, as in God's
name he released the metal. The bright stream gushed into the mould,
and a cheer broke from the waiting crowd, who, indeed, could scarce be
restrained till the bell had cooled, such was their curiosity to see the
result. At last the earthy mould was removed, they surged round eagerly,
and lo! from crown to rim of the mighty bell stretched a gaping crack!

Expressions of disappointment burst from the lips of the people, and to
Wolf himself the failure was indeed galling. But his ambitious
spirit was not yet completely crushed. "I am not beaten yet," he said
boastfully. "I shall make another, and success shall yet be mine."

Another mould was made, once more the people came forth to see the
casting of the bell, once more the solemn invocation of God's name
fell on awed ears. The glowing metal filled the mould, cooled, and was
withdrawn from its earthy prison. Once more cries of disappointment were
heard from the crowd; again the massive bell was completely riven!

Wolf was beside himself. His eyes glowed with fury, and he thrust aside
the consolations of his friends. "If God will not aid me," he said
fiercely, "then the Devil will!"

The crowd shrank back from the impious words; nevertheless on the third
occasion they attended in even greater numbers than before.

Again was all made ready for the casting of the huge bell. The mould
was fashioned as carefully as on the previous occasions, the metal was
heated in the great furnace, and Wolf, pale and sullen, stood ready to
release it. But when he spoke a murmur of astonishment, of horror, ran
through the crowd. For the familiar words "In the name of God!" he had
substituted "In the name of the Devil!" With fascinated eyes th