Several men, who came behind him in succession, and saluted him as they passed by to continue their hasty way into the mountains, by steep footpaths, sometimes interrupted his thoughts without attracting his attention to themselves. At last a communicative traveller joined him, and explained the reason of this general pilgrimage.
“At Hochdorf,” he said, “there is a play to be acted to-night; and the whole neighborhood is gathering to see it.”
“What!” cried Wilhelm. “In these solitary hills, among these impenetrable forests, has theatric art sought out a place, and built herself a temple? And I am journeying to her festivities!”
“You will wonder more,” said the other, “when you learn by whom the play is to be acted. There is in the place a large manufactory, which employs many people. Th
