Page:Storys (sic) of The wild huntsman.pdf/16

16 and then darted into the thickest part of the forest.

'It is very strange,' said Otto, as he returned to Christain, whom he found still endeavouring to pacify the panting steed.

'Not at all, my lord,' muttered the servant,'that is begging your honour's pardon for being so bold as to contradict you. These creatures have ten times more sense than—we think that they have,' continued he, qualifying the boldness of his assertion, as he saw a cloud gathering upon his master's brow. 'They cannot bear the sight of a spirit. See, poor fellow, how he pants; and how he's covered with foam; and mine is not much better. They are terrified out of there senses, poor things, and, indeed, it isn't much wonder, for I am almost as bad myself.'

'Poor Æone!' said the count, patting his horse's neck, 'he is terribly frightened; however we must go on. It was my mother's dying command, that I should, immediately on her decease, seek Francis. I have obeyed her; and, as his dwelling is in the forest, we must proceed.'

'Heaven be praised!' said Christian,' I see a light, and it comes from something in the shape of a house. Grant they may be human beings, and not demons, that inhabit it.'