TWILIGHT LAND

world. It was one golden angel. ‘‘ Look, friend,” said
he to the blacksmith; ‘if you will let me have your
' forge for one hour, I will give you this money for the use
of it.”

The blacksmith liked the tune of that song very well.
“You may have it,” said he; and he took off his leathern
apron without another word, and Simon Agricola put it
on in his stead,

Presently, who should come riding up to the black-
smith’s shop but a rich old nobleman and three servants.
The servants were hale, stout fellows, but the nobleman
was as withered as a winter leaf. “Can you shoe my
horse ?” said he to Simon Agricola, for he took him to be
the smith because of his leathern apron.

“No,” says Simon Agricola, ‘“‘that is not my trade; I
only know how to make old people young.”

“Old people young!” said the old nobleman; ‘can
you make me young again?” |

“Yes,” said Simon Agricola, “I can; but I must have
a thousand golden angels for doing it.”

“Very well,” said the old nobleman ; “make me young,
and you shall have them and welcome.”

So. Simon Agricola gave the word, and Babo blew the
bellows until the fire blazed and roared, Then the doctor
caught the old nobleman, and laid him upon the forge.
He heaped the coals over him, and turned him this way
and that, until he grew red hot, like a piece of iron.
Then he drew him forth from the fire, and dipped him in
the water-tank. Phizz! the water hissed, and the steam
rose up inacloud; and when Simon Agricola took the
old nobleman out, lo and behold! he was as fresh and
blooming and lusty as a lad of twenty.

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