It was as if he were a lover and had found his sweetheart who had been lost.

Seppi was a smart and animated boy, and had enthusiasm and expression, and was a contrast to Nikolaus and me.

He was full of the last new mystery, now--the disappearance of Hans Oppert, the village loafer.

People were beginning to be curious about it, he said.

He did not say anxious--curious was the right word, and strong enough.