She was so excited that she seemed to have forgotten most of her German. She was mixing German with some other language which I did not know at all. I was just able to understand her by asking many questions. When I told her that I must go at once, because my business was very important, she asked again: "Do you know what day it is?" I answered that it was the fourth of May. She shook her head and said again:

"Oh, yes! I know that! I know that, but do you know what day it is?"

I told her that I did not understand, so she told me: "It is the day before St. George's Day. Tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will be released. Do you not know that? Do you know where you are going, and the thing you are going to?" She was soc upset and excited that I tried to comfort her, but I could not help her. Finally, she went down on her knees and begged me not to go. She said I should at least wait a day or two before I left the inn.

It was all very ridiculous and I did not feel comfortable. However, there were things which I had to do, and I could allow nothing to stop me. I tried to lift the landlady from her knees. I thanked her for worrying about me, but I had a job I must do and I must go and do it. She then rose and dried her eyes. She took a crucifix from her neck and passed it to me. I did not know what to do, because as an Englishman I have not been taught to carry things like this on with me. Yet it seemed impolite to refuse a gift from an old lady who wanted to help and who was so upset.