Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/210

 filled his hat with water, which he sprinkled liberally on the faces of the ladies, and taking out a large smelling-bottle, refreshed their nostrils with its powerful contents, and at last brought them back to life. One after another they opened their eyes, and found, anxiously attending upon them, a well-shaped, gentlemanly-looking man, whose considerate kindness evidently merited their confidence. “I am much distressed, ladies,” said he, “that you should have been insulted in my domains by a fellow who, doubtless, intended to have robbed you; but you are now quite safe. I am Lord Giantdale, and, with your permission, will conduct you to my castle, which is at no great distance.” This invitation was most welcome to the Countess, who joyfully accepted it. The postillion was ordered to drive on, and he obeyed without reply, for he was horribly afraid. In order to leave the ladies at leisure to recover from their alarm, his Lordship went forward, and resumed his place by the side of the postillion, to whom he indicated the road he was to go, now to the right, now to the left; and the latter remarked, with increased agitation, that from time to time the Cavalier called to him one or other of the many bats that were flying about, and gave it some private message, which Flittermouse at once hastened to convey to its destination, wherever that might be.

In less than an hour a light became visible in the