He then left everything else as nearly
undisturbed as he could; and, knowing all the ways of the house, was soon
in the street, without leaving any signs of his exit.
"Karl soon found himself before the house in which his friend Hoellenrachen
resided. Knowing his studious habits, he had hoped to see his light still
burning, nor was he disappointed. He contrived to bring him to his window,
and a moment after, the door was cautiously opened.
"'Why, Lottchen, where do you come from?'
"'From the grave, Heinrich, or next door to it.'
"'Come in, and tell me all about it. We thought the old painter had made a
model of you, and tortured you to death.'
"'Perhaps you were not far wrong. But get me a horn of ale, for even a
vampire is thirsty, you know.'
"'A vampire!' exclaimed Heinrich, retreating a pace, and involuntarily
putting himself upon his guard.
"Karl laughed.
"'My hand was warm, was it not, old fellow?' he said. Vampires are cold,
all but the blood.'
"'What a fool I am!' rejoined Heinrich. 'But you know we have been hearing
such horrors lately that a fellow may be excused for shuddering a little
when a pale-faced apparition tells him at two o'clock in the morning that
he is a vampire, and thirsty, too.
Pages:
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195