Spielkässer on the Iddelsfeld Hardt
Spielkässer, whose memory is still held in high esteem in the Rhineland, and whose fiddling made every festivity more splendid, once drove from his abode on the Birkhahnenberg hill near Steinbüchel towards a marksmen’s festival in Siegburg. Around midnight, he drove over the Iddelsfeld Hardt, which is said to be an uncanny place. But he drove without fear, since he had loaded his rifle and put it on his little cart with him.
As he wanted to pass by a small wood in this manner, a dark figure suddenly appeared on the path in front of him. The horses shied and reared up so that the virtuoso was only able to control them with great effort.
“Who is standing there in the middle of the road?” “I am”, said the dark one, “I must get to Urbach and Troisdorf before the rooster crows. The way is still far, and you could take me with you!” “Well then, so clear the path in front of me and climb up in the back!” shouted Kässer.
Immediately, the black one vanished in front, and jumped on the back of the wagon. The steeds, which had reared up just moments before, now ran so fast that the musician was scarcely able to slow them down. But when he began to swear, they suddenly became tame, and followed the usual road under his direction.
Soon, the fellow he had picked up started a conversation with him, and asked: “What are you carrying in your hand during this nightly drive?” “Well”, replied the musician, “this is an aspergillum, which I sometimes use to dispense the blessings. This helps humans and animals alike, and it is a pity that some fellows don’t receive more of them.” “Now then,” said his companion, “what have you wrapped into that bundle?” “This is a cross of marvelous potency which I carry with me. When I put it to my neck and touch it with my fingers in reverence, I can drive away all evil spirits.”
The black one, who had almost reached out with his hands towards the bundle, now shied away from it. Then he pointed towards the rifle which rested at the left side of the musician and asked: “What is the meaning of this tool?” “That thing,” said Kässer, “is my pipe, from which I smoke my tobacco.”
“Tobacco?” said the black one. “I have heard much of it, but have not yet tried smoking, even though I deal a lot with fire and smoke!” Tobacco was a lot rarer in those days than today, and many people were only familiar with smoking from hearsay.
Meanwhile, Spielkässer had certainly realized who was in front of him, and wanted to play a prank on the black one. Thus, he said: “If you want to try it, the pipe will be at your service, and it has already been stuffed to the fullest. Merely put the tube into the mouth. I shall then assist you and make fire.”
The black one didn’t have to be told twice, and wrapped his teeth around the muzzle of the rifle while Kässer pulled the trigger. After this terrible bang the Devil had to sneeze mightily. After he pushed the bullet around his teeth a few times, he spat it out and subsequently spoke: “You have strong tobacco and are a stalwart fellow! I thought to heckle you for a bit, but I can see that I have found my measure with you. By all means, continue with your journey.” With these words, the black one jumped off the cart and no longer bothered the fiddler.
Source: Waldbrühl - Die Vorzeit der Länder Cleve-Mark Jülich-Berg und Westphalen. p. 135f