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Show 48 "Ah yes, I have always had a special fondness for Albert. I have known him since the day he was born." Father Johann patted me on the head the way he would a small child. "You look nice, Albert," he said in surprise, noticing my new clothes. "As befits a hero," Gast declardd. "Now we must go for Albert's new shoes. Sigismund the shoemaker will be waiting for us." I was glad to get away from Father Johann before he thought of asking me why I hadn't come to the special mass he'd said for me. Once we were out of the church the day seemed brighter, although a few clouds dulled the early sunlight. "It looks like it might rain again," I said. Gast tilted back his head to look at the sky. "The rain will hold off until tie have had our celebration." He said it as though there could be no doubt, and I felt a bit annoyed. Did Gast always know exactly what was going to happen? When we reached the shoemaker's shop, Sigismund had just taken down the shutters to let in the daylight. "Yes, yes, they are almost ready," he shouted when he saw us, grinning and bobbing as he would for noblemen coming to buy from him. "I heard what you did yesterday, Geist." I looked at him sharplyt thinking he meant to criticize me, but he went on, "It was good work, good work. I have had such a time keeping the rats from gnawing my leather, but now they are all gone, every one of them. Yes, they are all gone, thanks to you and Gast." He bustled into his shop and reached beneath a shelf. "Here are |