The boy Lazarus must have been in a very strict school. There is
scarcely a trace left of his fiery temper; only, when he is excited, a
quiver, short and quick as lightning, passes over him. He is also
becoming cheerful and happy. Concerning his life during his year of
absence he will tell but little. Paulus had forbidden him to repeat more
than was necessary. Still occasionally he says something about it, but
his words are vague and confused, almost like those of one talking in a
dream. He tells of a stone hut, of a kind, grave man, of penances and
of a crucifix.
His words become excited and definite only when he is placed in a
position where he is obliged in any way to defend his own and the grave
man's honour.
In the parish much is said about the _Wonder-boy_. Some believe that
Lazarus has been apprenticed to a magician and will yet perform great
things.
The old forest singer is of the opinion that the Messiah must soon
appear; and that Lazarus is the forerunner, a new John the Baptist, who
has nourished himself in the wilderness with locusts and snails.
May God grant it! An active, warm-hearted priest would be the Messiah
for Winkelsteg. But it is as the priest from Holdenschlag has said. No
one will come into this remote forest valley.
I am the only one to take charge of the church, ring the bells, play the
organ, sing, and read the prayers on Sunday. The christenings and
funerals must go to Holdenschlag now as before.