Page:Storys (sic) of The wild huntsman.pdf/15

15 heightened the effect produced by the sombre appearance of the figue, and, altogether the scene formed a picture worthy of Salvator Rosa.

'Thank God! there is a man,' cried Otto, spuring his horse to reach the lake, 'no doubt he will be able to tell us the road'

'Dear Sir,' returned Christian, his teeth chattering in his head, 'your honour will not surely be so rash as to speak to that figure? It looks just for all the world like the wild woman of the forest, who tears people asunder with her eagle claws, and long, wolf-like teeth.'

'Peace fool!' exclaimed, his master, urging his horse-forward as he spoke. When he reached the lake, however, the animal started back from the figure, rearing so frightfully, that his master, though an excellent horseman, could scarcely keep his seat. Otto dismounted, when he had, in some degree, tamed his restive steed, and throwing his bridle to Christain, approached the figure alone. The man had stood perfectly still during the disturbance occasioned by the untowardness of the horse, apparently uninterested in the event. When the count addressed him, however, he threw back his hat, and, disclosing features which would have suited an Alpine bandit, gazed earnestly upon the Count, uttered a shriek,