h the
Old World.

The deaf-mute from the cement factory, to whom Roland had given a
knife, came on the eve of their departure, bringing him a mug, on which
was marked in very clumsy letters: "Comeback."

Roland made permanent provision for the care of the forsaken youth.

It was very hard for Roland to take leave of the horses and dogs. He
had wished to take Griffin with him, but gave up the idea when the
difficulties of so doing were represented to him. Laying his hand on
the dog's head, he said:--

"My old friend, I can't take you with me; I must leave much more than
you behind me. I don't myself know how it will end. Just stay quietly
here, and wait till I come back."

The dog looked up sadly at his master.

On the morrow there was a great pilgrimage from the Villa to the
steamboat-landing.

They sent the carriages on before. Weidmann walked with Eric, holding
his hand, the Major with Roland, and Knopf with the negro. Manna walked
between the Professorin and the Major's wife. The Aunt and Professor
Einsiedel had remained behind at the Villa. Roland wept; and Manna,
weeping also, leaned on the arms of those who led her. Looking up at
the churchyard, she said:--

"On the bank of this river we are at home: here rests our mother
in the earth. I remember an old saying, but where it came from I do not
know:--

"'The nomadic races wander and wander; but where they have dug a grave
for one of their number, there they must finally remain.'"

Her voice failed her. After a time she went on:--

"There stand the trees which father planted."

Tears choked all further utterance.

Arrived at the landing, they found a great assemblage of people. Claus
kept laughing and nodding, having made a merry night of it at the Carp,
wishing to have one more good time before he went forth into the wide
world.

The Cooper, now landlord of the Carp, and the Sevenpiper presented, in
behalf of a large number of donors, a keg of virgin wine, crowned with
fresh garlands.

Now the Screamer became animated, and speedily reckoned up what would
be the daily portion of each of the travellers until their arrival in
New York. It would be at least two bottles apiece; and he instantly
tendered his services in despatching the virgin wine, as probably Eric
would not drink his whole share, and perhaps Roland too would fall
short.

The Gauger told in doleful fashion how the voyagers would to-day have
the good luck of travelling with a young