双语故事 玻璃瓶中的妖怪(5)

　　"Do you know," he cried in an terrifying voice, "what your reward is for having let me out?"

　　"No," replied the student fearlessly. "How should I know that?"

　　"Then I will tell you," shouted the spirit. "I must break your neck for it."

　　"You should have said so sooner," answered the student, "for then I would have left you shut up inside. However, my head is going to stay where it is until more people have been consulted."

　　"More people here, more people there," shouted the spirit. "You shall have the reward you have earned. Do you think that I was shut up there for such a long time as a favor? No, it was a punishment. I am the mighty Mercurius. I must break the neck of whomsoever releases me."

　　"Calm down," answered the student. "Not so fast. First I must know that you really were shut up in that little bottle, and that you are the right spirit. If you can indeed get inside again, then I will believe it, and you may do with me whatsoever you want."