owering aloft on its own
self-supported basis, but resting on, and upheld by, some internal
principle of necessity. I regretted in it the total absence of what I
desired to find; and thus it seemed a mere work of art, serving only by
its elegance and exquisite finish to captivate the eye. Nevertheless I
listened with pleasure to this eloquently gifted man, who diverted my
attention from my own sorrows to the speaker; and he would have secured
my entire acquiescence, if he had appealed to my heart as well as to my
judgment.

In the meantime the hours had passed away, and morning had already
dawned imperceptibly in the horizon; looking up, I shuddered as I
beheld in the east all those splendid hues that announce the rising
sun. At this hour, when all natural shadows are seen in their full
proportions, not a fence or a shelter of any kind could I descry in
this open country, and I was not alone! I cast a glance at my
companion, and shuddered again--it was the man in the grey coat
himself! He laughed at my surprise, and said, without giving me time to
speak: "You see, according to the fashion of this world, mutual
convenience binds us together for a time: there is plenty of time to
think of parting. The road here along the mountain, which perhaps has
escaped your notice, is the only one that you can prudently take; into
the valley you dare not descend--the path over the mountain would but
re-conduct you to the town which you have left--my road, too, lies this
way. I perceive you change colour at the rising sun--I have no
objections to let you have the loan of your shadow during our journey;
and in return you may not be indisposed to tolerate my society. You
have now no Bendel; but I will act for him. I regret that you are not
over-fond of me; but that need not prevent you from accepting my poor
services. The devil is not so black as he is painted. Yesterday you
provoked me, I own; but now that is all forgotten, and you must confess
I have this day succeeded in beguiling the wearisomeness of your
journey. Come, take your shadow, and make trial of it."

The sun had risen, and we were meeting with passengers; so I
reluctantly consented. With a smile, he immediately let my shadow glide
down to the ground; and I beheld it take its place by that of my horse,
and gaily trot along with me. My feelings were anything but pleasant. I
rode through groups of country-people, who respectfully made way for
the well-mounted stranger.

T