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 which, when supported by the legs that were hinged to their other ends, were formerly used as tables; and after meals, or when room for other things was needed, they were quickly and easily removed by being hung on these hooks. A large fireplace filled with ashes occupied the center of the main wall. Three-legged chairs were arranged around the room in several rows, proving that in the olden time the assemblages in this hall were very large.

The harper scornfully glanced around the room. “Did the ancient masters of this Castle and their friends rival one another here in drinking? Was it then, as now, considered heroic to be the first to drown the intellect in wine? Does this unpleasant odor arise from wine spilled by the trembling hands of drunkards? Do echoes of drunkards’ songs and sayings, babbled with heavy tongues, still tremble here? Oh, away, away even from here; there, close by, is the smell of blood, and here—of dirt.”

And the harper violently pushing open the opposite door, stopped on the doorstep and