" I extended to him the
purse: "At that price?"--"No!"
I sighed deeply, and added, "Be it so, then. I insist, sir, that we
part, and that you no longer obstruct my path in a world which, it
is to be hoped, has room enough in it for us both." He smiled, and
replied: "I go, sir; but first let me instruct you how you may ring
for me when you desire to see again your most devoted servant. You
have only to shake your purse, so that the eternal gold pieces therein
jingle, and the sound will instantly attract me. Every one thinks of
his own advantage in this world. You see that I at the same time
am thoughtful of yours, since I reveal to you a new power. Oh! this
purse!--had the moths already devoured your shadow, that would still
constitute a strong bond between us. Enough, you have me in my gold.
Should you have any commands, even when far off, for your servant, you
know that I can show myself very active in the service of my friends,
and the rich stand particularly well with me. You have seen it
yourself. Only your shadow, sir--allow me to tell you that--never
again, except on one sole condition."
Forms of the past time swept before my soul. I demanded hastily--"Had
you a signature from Mr. John?" He smiled. "With so good a friend it
was by no means necessary." "Where is he? By God, I wish to know it!"
He hesitatingly plunged his hand into his pocket, and, dragged thence
by the hair, appeared Thomas John's ghastly disfigured form, and the
blue death-lips moved themselves with heavy words: "_Justo judicio Dei
judicatus sum; justo judicio Dei condemnatus sum_.
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