Hisguestsstaredathimdoubtingly;andwithastrangeairofunconcern，asthoughthestormhadawakenedallthefiercenessofhissoul，hebeganthefollowinghistory：

"Iwasonceahappymanmyself;Icouldsmile，asyoudo，andIcouldrejoiceinthemorningasyoudo;thatwasbeforethehypocriticalchaplainhadsobewilderedthewisemindofmylovelywifewithhiscantingtalk，thatshewentintoacloister，andleftmealonewithourwildboy。ThatwasnotfairusagefromthefairVerena。Well，soitwas，thatinthefirstdaysofherdawningbeauty，beforeI

knewher，manyknightssoughtherhand，amongstwhomwasSirWeigandtheSlender;andtowardshimthegentlemaidenshowedherselfthemostfavourablyinclined。HerparentswerewellawarethatWeigand’srankandstationwerelittlebelowtheirown，andthathisearlyfameasawarriorwithoutreproachstoodhigh;sothatbeforelongVerenaandhewereaccountedasaffianced。Ithappenedonedaythattheywerewalkingtogetherintheorchard，whenashepherdwasdrivinghisflockupthemountainbeyond。Themaidensawalittlesnow-whitelambfrolickinggaily，andlongedforit。Weigandvaultsovertherailings，overtakestheshepherd，andoffershimtwogoldbraceletsforthelamb。Buttheshepherdwillnotpartwithit，andscarcelylistenstotheknight，goingquietlythewhileupthemountain-side，withWeigandcloseuponhim。AtlastWeigandlosespatience。Hethreatens;andtheshepherd，sturdyandproudlikeallofhisraceinournorthernland，threatensinreturn。SuddenlyWeigand’sswordresoundsuponhishead，——thestrokeshouldhavefallenflat，butwhocancontrolafieryhorseoradrawnsword？Thebleedingshepherd，withaclovenskull，fallsdowntheprecipice;hisfrightenedflockbleatsonthemountain。Onlythelittlelambrunsinitsterrortotheorchard，pushesitselfthroughthegarden-rails，andliesatVerena’sfeet，asifaskingforhelp，allredwithitsmaster’sblood。Shetookitupinherarms，andfromthatmomentneversufferedWeigandtheSlendertoappearagainbeforeherface。Shecontinuedtocherishthelittlelamb，andseemedtotakepleasureinnothingelseintheworld，andbecamepaleandturnedtowardsheaven，astheliliesare。Shewouldsoonhavetakentheveil，butjustthenIcametoaidherfatherinabloodywar，andrescuedhimfromhisenemies。Theoldmanrepresentedthistoher，and，softlysmiling，shegavemeherlovelyhand。HisgriefwouldnotsuffertheunhappyWeigandtoremaininhisowncountry。ItdrovehimforthasapilgrimtoAsia，whenceourforefatherscame，andtherehedidwonderfuldeeds，bothofvalourandself-abasement。Truly，myheartwasstrangelyweakwhenIheardhimspokenofatthattime。Aftersomeyearshereturned，andwishedtobuildachurchormonasteryonthatmountaintowardsthewest，whencethewallsofmycastlearedistinctlyseen。Itwassaidthathewishedtobecomeapriestthere，butitfelloutotherwise。Forsomepirateshadsailedfromthesouthernseas，and，hearingofthebuildingofthismonastery，theirchiefthoughttofindmuchgoldbelongingtothelordofthecastleandtothemasterbuilders，orelse，ifhesurprisedandcarriedthemoff，toextortfromthemamightyransom。Hedidnotyetknownortherncourageandnorthernweapons;buthesoongainedthatknowledge。Havinglandedinthecreekundertheblackrocks，hemadehiswaythroughaby-pathuptothebuilding，surroundedit，andthoughtinhimselfthattheaffairwasnowended。Ha！thenoutrushedWeigandandhisbuilders，andfelluponthemwithswordsandhatchetsandhammers。Theheathensfledawaytotheirships，withWeigandbehindtotakevengeanceonthem。InpassingbyourcastlehecaughtasightofVerenaontheterrace，and，forthefirsttimeduringsomanyyears，shebestowedacourteousandkindsalutationontheglowingvictor。Atthatmomentadagger，hurledbyoneofthepiratesinthemidstofhishastyflight，struckWeigand’suncoveredhead，andhefelltothegroundbleedingandinsensible。Wecompletedtheroutoftheheathens：thenIhadthewoundedknightbroughtintothecastle;andmypaleVerenaglowedasliliesinthelightofthemorningsun，andWeigandopenedhiseyeswithasmilewhenhewasbroughtnearher。Herefusedtobetakenintoanyroombutthesmalloneclosetothiswherethearmourisnowplaced;forhesaidthathefeltasifitwereacelllikethatwhichhehopedsoontoinhabitinhisquietcloister。Allwasdoneafterhiswish：

mysweetVerenanursedhim，andheappearedatfirsttobeonthestraightestroadtorecovery;buthisheadcontinuedweakandliabletobeconfusedbytheslightestemotion，hiswalkwasratherafallingthanawalking，andhischeekswerecolourless。Wecouldnotlethimgo。Whenweweresittingheretogetherintheevening，heusedalwaystocometotteringintothehallthroughthelowdoorway;

andmyheartwassadandwrathfultoo，whenthesofteyesofVerenabeamedsosweetlyonhim，andaglowlikethatoftheeveningskyhoveredoverherlilycheeks。ButIboreit，andIcouldhaveborneittotheendofourlives，——when，alas！Verenawentintoacloister！"

Hisheadfellsoheavilyonhisfoldedhands，thatthestonetableseemedtogroanbeneathit，andheremainedalongwhilemotionlessasacorpse。Whenheagainraisedhimselfup，hiseyesglaredfearfullyashelookedroundthehall，andhesaidtoFolko："YourbelovedHamburghers，GotthardLenz，andRudliebhisson，theyhavemuchtoanswerfor！Whobidthemcomeandbeshipwreckedsoclosetomycastle？"

Folkocastapiercinglookonhim，andafearfulinquirywasonthepointofescapinghislips，butanotherlookatthetremblingGabriellemadehimsilent，atleastforthepresentmoment，andtheknightBiorncontinuedhisnarrative。

"Verenawaswithhernuns，Iwasleftalone，andmydespairhaddrivenmethroughoutthedaythroughforestandbrookandmountain。

InthetwilightIreturnedtomydesertedcastle，andscarcelywasI

inthehall，whenthelittledoorcreaked，andWeigand，whohadsleptthroughall，crepttowardsmeandasked：’WherecanVerenabe？’ThenIbecameasmad，andhowledtohim，’Sheisgonemad，andsoamI，andyoualso，andnowweareallmad！’MercifulHeaven，thewoundonhisheadburstopen，andadarkstreamflowedoverhisface——ah！howdifferentfromtherednesswhenVerenamethimatthecastle-gate;

andherushedforth，ravingmad，intothewildernesswithout，andeversincehaswanderedallaroundasacrazypilgrim。"

Hewassilent，andsowereFolkoandGabrielle，allthreepaleandcoldlikeimagesofthedead。Atlengththefearfulnarratoraddedinalowvoice，andasifhewerequiteexhausted："Hehasvisitedmesincethattime，buthewillneveragaincomethroughthelittledoor。HaveInotestablishedpeaceandorderinmycastle？"

CHAPTER14

Sintramhadnotreturnedhome，whenthoseofthecastlebetookthemselvestorestindeepbewilderment。Noonethoughtofhim，foreveryheartwasfilledwithstrangeforebodings，andwithuncertaincares。EventheheroicbreastoftheKnightofMontfauconheavedindoubt。

OldRolfstillremainedwithout，weepingintheforest，heedlessofthestormwhichbeatonhisunprotectedhead，whilehewaitedforhisyoungmaster。Buthehadgoneaverydifferentway;andwhenthemorningdawned，heenteredthecastlefromtheoppositeside。

Gabrielle’sslumbershadbeensweetduringthewholenight。Ithadseemedtoherthatangelswithgoldenwingshadblownawaythewildhistoriesoftheeveningbefore，andhadwaftedtoherthebrightflowers，thesparklingsea，andthegreenhillsofherownhome。Shesmiled，anddrewherbreathcalmlyandsoftly，whilstthemagicaltempestragedandhowledthroughtheforests，andcontinuedtobattlewiththetroubledsea。Butintruthwhensheawokeinthemorning，andheardstilltherattlingofthewindows，andsawtheclouds，asifdissolvedinmistandsteam，stillhidingthefaceoftheheavens，shecouldhaveweptforanxietyandsadness，especiallywhensheheardfromhermaidensthatFolkohadalreadylefttheirapartmentcladinfullarmourasifpreparedforacombat。Atthesametimesheheardthesoundoftheheavytreadofarmedmenintheechoinghalls，and，oninquiring，foundthattheKnightofMontfauconhadassembledallhisretainerstobeinreadinesstoprotecttheirlady。

Wrappedinacloakofermine，shestoodtremblinglikeatenderflowerjustsprungupoutofthesnow，totteringbeneathawinter’sstorm。ThenSirFolkoenteredtheroom，inallhisshiningarmour，andpeacefullycarryinghisgoldenhelmetwiththelongshadowyplumesinhishand。HesalutedGabriellewithcheerfulserenity，andatasignfromhim，herattendantsretired，whilethemen-at-armswithoutwereheardquietlydispersing。

"Lady，"saidhe，ashetookhisseatbesideher，onacouchtowhichheledher，alreadyre-assuredbyhispresence："lady，willyouforgiveyourknightforhavingleftyoutoenduresomemomentsofanxiety;buthonourandsternjusticecalledhim。Nowallissetinorder，quietlyandpeacefully;dismissyourfearsandeverythoughtthathastroubledyou，asthingswhicharenomore。"

"ButyouandBiorn？"askedGabrielle。"Onthewordofaknight，"

repliedhe，"alliswellthere。"Andthereuponhebegantotalkoverindifferentsubjectswithhisusualeaseandwit;butGabrielle，bendingtowardshim，saidwithdeepemotion：

"0Folko，myknight，theflowerofmylife，myprotectorandmydearesthopeonearth，tellmeall，ifthoumayst。Butifapromisebindsthee，itisdifferent。ThouknowestthatIamoftheraceofPortamour，andIwouldasknothingfrommyknightwhichcouldcastevenabreathofsuspiciononhisspotlessshield。"

Folkothoughtgravelyforoneinstant;thenlookingatherwithabrightsmile，hesaid："Itisnotthat，Gabrielle;butcanstthoubearwhatIhavetodisclose？Wiltthounotsinkdownunderit，asaslenderfirgiveswayunderamassofsnow？"

Sheraisedherselfsomewhatproudly，andsaid："Ihavealreadyremindedtheeofthenameofmyfather’shouse。Letmenowadd，thatIamtheweddedwifeoftheBaronofMontfaucon。"

"Thensoletitbe，"repliedFolkosolemnly;"andifthatmustcomeforthopenlywhichshouldeverhaveremainedhiddeninthedarknesswhichbelongstosuchdeedsofwickedness，atleastletitcomeforthlessfearfullywithasuddenflash。Knowthen，Gabrielle，thatthewickedknightwhowouldhaveslainmyfriendsGotthardandRudliebisnoneotherthanourkinsmanandhost，BiornoftheFieryEyes。"

Gabrielleshudderedandcoveredhereyeswithherfairhands;butattheendofamomentshelookedupwithabewilderedair，andsaid：

"Ihaveheardwrongsurely，althoughitistruethatyesterdayeveningsuchathoughtstruckme。FordidnotyousayawhileagothatallwassettledandatpeacebetweenyouandBiorn？Betweenthebravebaronandsuchamanaftersuchacrime？"

"Youheardaright，"answeredFolko，lookingwithfonddelightonthedelicateyethigh-mindedlady。"ThismorningwiththeearliestdawnIwenttohimandchallengedhimtoamortalcombatintheneighbouringvalley，ifhewerethemanwhosecastlehadwell-nighbecomeanaltarofsacrificetoGotthardandRudlieb。Hewasalreadycompletelyarmed，andmerelysaying，’Iamhe，’hefollowedmetotheforest。Butwhenhestoodaloneattheplaceofcombat，heflungawayhisshielddownagiddyprecipice，thenhisswordwashurledafterit，andnextwithgiganticstrengthhetoreoffhiscoatofmail，andsaid，’Nowfallon，thouministerofvengeance;forIamaheavysinner，andIdarenotfightwiththee。’HowcouldIthenattackhim？Astrangetrucewasagreedonbetweenus。Heishalfasmyvassal，andyetIsolemnlyforgavehiminmyownnameandinthatofmyfriends。Hewascontrite，andyetnotearwasinhiseye，nogentlewordonhislips。HeisonlykeptunderbythepowerwithwhichIamenduedbyhavingrightonmyside，anditisonthattenurethatBiornismyvassal。Iknownot，lady，whetheryoucanbeartoseeustogetherontheseterms;ifnot，Iwillaskforhospitalityinsomeothercastle;therearenoneinNorwaywhichwouldnotreceiveusjoyfullyandhonourably，andthiswildautumnalstormmayputoffourvoyageformanyaday。OnlythisIthink，thatifwedepartdirectlyandinsuchamanner，theheartofthissavagemanwillbreak。"

"Wheremynoblelordremains，thereIalsoremainjoyfullyunderhisprotection，"repliedGabrielle;andagainherheartglowedwithraptureatthegreatnessofherknight。

CHAPTER15

Thenobleladyhadjustunbuckledherknight’sarmourwithherownfairhands，——onthefieldofbattlealonewerepagesoresquiresbiddenhandleMontfaucon’sarmour，——andnowshewasthrowingoverhisshouldershismantleofbluevelvetembroideredwithgold，whenthedooropenedgently，andSintramenteredtheroom，humblygreetingthem。Gabriellereceivedhimkindly，asshewaswont，butsuddenlyturningpale，shelookedawayandsaid：

"0Sintram，whathashappenedtoyou？Andhowcanonesinglenighthavesofearfullyalteredyou？"

Sintramstoodstill，thunderstruck，andfeelingasifhehimselfdidnotknowwhathadbefallenhim。ThenFolkotookhimbythehand，ledhimtowardsabrightpolishedshield，andsaidveryearnestly，"Lookhereatyourself，youngknight！"

AtthefirstglanceSintramdrewbackhorrified。HefanciedthathesawthelittleMasterbeforehimwiththatsingleuprightfeatherstickingoutofhiscap;butheatlengthperceivedthatthemirrorwasonlyshowinghimhisownimageandnoneother，andthathisownwilddaggerhadgivenhimthisstrangeandspectre-likeaspect，ashecouldnotdenytohimself。

"Whohasdonethattoyou？"askedFolko，yetmoregraveandsolemn。

"Andwhatterrormakesyourdisorderedhairstandonend？"

Sintramknewnotwhattoanswer。Hefeltasifajudgmentwerecomingonhim，andashamefuldegradingfromhisknightlyrank。

SuddenlyFolkodrewhimawayfromtheshield，andtakinghimtowardstherattlingwindow，heasked："Whencecomesthistempest？"

StillSintramkeptsilence。Hislimbsbegantotrembleunderhim;

andGabrielle，paleandterrified，whispered，"0Folko，myknight，whathashappened？Oh，tellme;arewecomeintoanenchantedcastle？"

"Thelandofournorthernancestors，"repliedFolkowithsolemnity，"isfullofmysteriousknowledge。Butwemaynot，forallthat，callitspeopleenchanters;stillthisyouthhascausetowatchhimselfnarrowly;hewhomtheevilonehastouchedbysomuchasonehairofhishead……"

Sintramheardnomore;withadeepgroanhestaggeredoutoftheroom。Asheleftit，hemetoldRolf，stillalmostbenumbedbythecoldandstormsofthenight。Now，inhisjoyatagainseeinghisyoungmaster，hedidnotremarkhisalteredappearance;butasheaccompaniedhimtohissleeping-roomhesaid，"Witchesandspiritsofthetempestmusthavetakenuptheirabodeonthesea-shore。Iamcertainthatsuchwildstormsneverarisewithoutsomedevilisharts。"

Sintramfellintoafainting-fit，fromwhichRolfcouldwithdifficultyrecoverhimsufficientlytoappearinthegreathallatthemid-dayhour。Butbeforehewentdown，hecausedashieldtobebrought，sawhimselftherein，andcutcloseround，ingriefandhorror，therestofhislongblackhair，sothathemadehimselflookalmostlikeamonk;andthushejoinedtheothersalreadyassembledroundthetable。Theyalllookedathimwithsurprise;butoldBiornroseupandsaidfiercely，"Areyougoingtobetakeyourselftothecloister，aswellasthefairladyyourmother？"

AcommandinglookfromtheBaronofMontfauconcheckedanyfurtheroutbreak;andasifinapology，Biornadded，withaforcedsmile，"Iwasonlythinkingifanyaccidenthadbefallenhim，likeAbsalom’s，andifhehadbeenobligedtosavehimselffrombeingstrangledbypartingwithallhishair。"

"Youshouldnotjestwithholythings，"answeredthebaronseverely，andallweresilent。Nosoonerwastherepastended，thanFolkoandGabrielle，withagraveandcourteoussalutation，retiredtotheirapartments。

CHAPTER16

Lifeinthecastletookfromthistimequiteanotherform。Thosetwobrightbeings，FolkoandGabrielle，spentmostpartofthedayintheirapartments，andwhentheyshowedthemselves，itwaswithquietdignityandgravesilence，whileBiornandSintramstoodbeforetheminhumblefear。Nevertheless，Biorncouldnotbearthethoughtofhisguestsseekingshelterinanyotherknight’sabode。WhenFolkooncespokeofit，somethinglikeatearstoodinthewildman’seye。

Hisheadsank，andhesaidsoftly，"Asyouplease;butIfeelthatifyougo，Ishallrunamongtherocksfordays。"

Andthustheyallremainedtogether;forthestormcontinuedtoragewithsuchincreasingfuryoverthesea，thatnoseavoyagecouldbethoughtof，andtheoldestmaninNorwaycouldnotcalltomindsuchanautumn。Thepriestsexaminedalltherunicbooks，thebardslookedthroughtheirlaysandtales，andyettheycouldfindnorecordofthelike。BiornandSintrambravedthetempest;butduringthefewhoursinwhichFolkoandGabrielleshowedthemselves，thefatherandsonwerealwaysinthecastle，asifrespectfullywaitinguponthem;therestoftheday——nay，oftenthroughwholenights，theyrushedthroughtheforestsandovertherocksinpursuitofbears。

Folkothewhilecalledupallthebrightnessofhisfancy，allhiscourtlygrace，inordertomakeGabrielleforgetthatshewaslivinginthiswildcastle，andthatthelong，hardnorthernwinterwassettingin，whichwouldicetheminformanyamonth。Sometimeshewouldrelatebrighttales;thenhewouldplaytheliveliestairstoinduceGabrielletoleadadancewithherattendants;then，again，handinghislutetooneofthewomen，hewouldhimselftakeapartthedance，wellknowingtoexpresstherebyaftersomenewfashionhisdevotiontohislady。Anothertimehewouldhavethespacioushallsofthecastlepreparedforhisarmedretainerstogothroughtheirwarlikeexercises，andGabriellealwaysadjudgedtherewardtotheconqueror。Folkooftenjoinedthecircleofcombatants;sothatheonlymettheirattacks，defendinghimself，butdeprivingnooneoftheprize。TheNorwegians，whostoodaroundasspectators，usedtocomparehimtothedemi-godBaldur，oneoftheheroesoftheiroldtraditions，whowaswonttoletthedartsofhiscompanionsbeallhurledagainsthim，consciousthathewasinvulnerable，andofhisownindwellingstrength。

Atthecloseofoneofthesemartialexercises，oldRolfadvancedtowardsFolko，andbeckoninghimwithanhumblelook，saidsoftly，"TheycallyouthebeautifulmightyBaldur，——andtheyareright。

ButeventhebeautifulmightyBaldurdidnotescapedeath。Takeheedtoyourself。Folkolookedathimwondering。"NotthatIknowofanytreachery，"continuedtheoldman;"orthatIcanevenforeseethelikelihoodofany。GodkeepaNorwegianfromsuchafear。Butwhenyoustandbeforemeinallthebrightnessofyourglory，thefleetingnessofeverythingearthlyweighsdownmymind，andIcannotrefrainfromsaying，’Takeheed，noblebaron！oh，takeheed！Eventhemostbeautifulglorycomestoanend。’"

"Thosearewiseandpiousthoughts，"repliedFolkocalmly，"andI

willtreasuretheminapureheart。"

ThegoodRolfwasoftenwithFolkoandGabrielle，andmadeaconnectinglinkbetweenthetwowidelydifferingpartiesinthecastle。ForhowcouldhehaveeverforsakenhisownSintram！Onlyinthewildhuntingexpeditionsthroughthehowlingstormsandtempestshenolongerwasabletofollowhisyounglord。

Atlengththeicyreignofwinterbeganinallitsglory。OnthisaccountareturntoNormandywasimpossible，andthereforethemagicalstormwaslulled。Thehillsandvalleysshonebrilliantlyintheirwhiteattireofsnow，andFolkousedsometimes，withskatesonhisfeet，todrawhisladyinalightsledgeovertheglitteringfrozenlakesandstreams。Ontheotherhand，thebear-huntsofthelordofthecastleandhissontookastillmoredesperateandtothemjoyouscourse。

Aboutthistime，——whenChristmaswasdrawingnear，andSintramwasseekingtooverpowerhisdreadoftheawfuldreamsbythemostdaringexpeditions，——aboutthistime，FolkoandGabriellestoodtogetherononeoftheterracesofthecastle。Theeveningwasmild;thesnow-

cladfieldswereglowingintheredlightofthesettingsun;frombelowtherewereheardmen’svoicessingingsongsofancientheroictimes，whiletheyworkedinthearmourer’sforge。Atlastthesongsdiedaway，thebeatingofhammersceased，and，withoutthespeakersbeingseen，ortherebeinganypossibilityofdistinguishingthembytheirvoices，thefollowingdiscoursearose：——

"Whoisthebravestamongstallthosewhoseracederivesitsoriginfromourrenownedland？"

"ItisFolkoofMontfaucon。"

"Rightlysaid;buttellme，isthereanythingfromwhicheventhisboldbarondrawsback？"

"Intruththereisonething，——andwewhohaveneverleftNorwayfaceitquitewillinglyandjoyfully。"

"Andthatis——？"

"Abear-huntinwinter，overtracklessplainsofsnow，downfrightfulice-coveredprecipices。"

"Trulythouanswerestaright，mycomrade。Hewhoknowsnothowtofastenourskatesonhisfeet，howtoturninthemtotherightorleftatamoment’swarning，hemaybeavaliantknightinotherrespects，buthehadbetterkeepawayfromourhuntingparties，andremainwithhistimidwifeinherapartments。"Atwhichthespeakerswereheardtolaughwellpleased，andthentobetakethemselvesagaintotheirarmourer’swork。

Folkostoodlongburiedinthought。Aglowbeyondthatoftheeveningskyreddenedhischeek。Gabriellealsoremainedsilent，consideringsheknewnotwhat。Atlastshetookcourage，andembracingherbeloved，shesaid："To-morrowthouwiltgoforthtohuntthebear，wiltthounot？andthouwiltbringthespoilsofthechasetothylady？"

Theknightgaveajoyfulsignofassent;andtherestoftheeveningwasspentindancesandmusic。

CHAPTER17

See，mynoblelord，"saidSintramthenextmorning，whenFolkohadexpressedhiswishofgoingoutwithhim，"theseskatesofoursgivesuchwingstoourcourse，thatwegodownthemountain-sideswiftlyasthewind;andeveningoingupagainwearetooquickforanyonetobeabletopursueus，andontheplainsnohorsecankeepupwithus;andyettheycanonlybewornwithsafetybythosewhoarewellpractised。Itseemsasthoughsomestrangespiritdweltinthem，whichisfearfullydangeroustoanythathavenotlearntthemanagementofthemintheirchildhood。

Folkoansweredsomewhatproudly："DoyousupposethatthisisthefirsttimethatIhavebeenamongstyourmountains？YearsagoIhavejoinedinthissport，and，thankHeaven，thereisnoknightlyexercisewhichdoesnotspeedilybecomefamiliartome。"

Sintramdidnotventuretomakeanyfurtherobjections，andstilllessdidoldBiorn。TheybothfeltrelievedwhentheysawwithwhatskillandeaseFolkobuckledtheskatesonhisfeet，withoutsufferinganyonetoassisthim。Thisdaytheyhuntedupthemountaininpursuitofafiercebearwhichhadoftenbeforeescapedfromthem。Beforelongitwasnecessarythattheyshouldseparate，andSintramofferedhimselfascompaniontoFolko，who，touchedbythehumblemanneroftheyouth，andhisdevotiontohim，forgotallthathadlatterlyseemedmysteriousinthepalealteredbeingbeforehim，andagreedheartily。Asnowtheycontinuedtoclimbhigherandhigherupthemountain，andsawfrommanyagiddyheighttherocksandcragsbelowthemlookinglikeavastexpanseofseasuddenlyturnedintoicewhilsttossedbyaviolenttempest，thenobleMontfaucondrewhisbreathmorefreely。Hepouredforthwar-songsandlove-longsintheclearmountainair，andthestartledechoesrepeatedfromrocktorockthelaysofhisFrankishhome。Hespranglightlyfromoneprecipicetoanother，usingstronglyandsafelyhisstaffforsupport，andturningnowtotheright，nowtotheleft，asthefancyseizedhim;sothatSintramwasfaintoexchangehisformeranxietyforawonderingadmiration，andthehunters，whoseeyeshadneverbeentakenoffthebaron，burstforthwithloudapplause，proclaimingfarandwidefreshgloryoftheirguest。

ThegoodfortunewhichusuallyaccompaniedFolko’sdeedsofarmsseemedstillunwillingtoleavehim。Afterashortsearch，heandSintramfounddistincttracesofthesavageanimal，andwithbeatingheartstheyfollowedthetracksoswiftlythatevenawingedenemywouldhavebeenunabletoescapefromthem。Butthecreaturewhomtheysoughtdidnotattemptaflight——helaysulkilyinacavernnearthetopofasteepprecipitousrock，infuriatedbytheshoutsofthehunters，andonlywaitinginhislazyfuryforsomeonetobeboldenoughtoclimbuptohisretreat，thathemighttearhimtopieces。

FolkoandSintramhadnowreachedthefootofthisrock，therestofthehuntersbeingdispersedoverthefar-extendingplain。Thetrackledthetwocompanionsuptherock，andtheysetaboutclimbingontheoppositesidesofit，thattheymightbethemoresureofnotmissingtheirprey。Folkoreachedthelonelytopmostpointfirst，andcasthiseyesaround。Awide，boundlesstractofcountry，coveredwithuntroddensnow，wasspreadbeforehim，meltinginthedistanceintotheloweringcloudsofthegloomyeveningsky。Healmostthoughtthathemusthavemissedthetracesofthefearfulbeast;whenclosebesidehimfromacleftintherockissuedalonggrowl，andahugeblackbearappearedonthesnow，standingonitshindlegs，andwithglaringeyesitadvancedtowardsthebaron。

Sintramthewhilewasstrugglinginvaintomakehiswayuptherockagainstthemassesofsnowcontinuallyslippingdown。

Joyfulatacombatsolonguntriedasalmosttobenew，FolkoofMontfauconlevelledhishuntingspear，andawaitedtheattackofthewildbeast。Hesufferedittoapproachsonearthatitsfearfulclawswerealmostuponhim;thenhemadeathrust，andthespear-headwasburieddeepinthebear’sbreast。Butthefuriousbeaststillpressedonwithafiercegrowl，keptuponitshindlegsbythecross-ironofthespear，andtheknightwasforcedtoplanthisfeetdeepintheearthtoresistthesavageassault;andeverclosebeforehimthegrimandbloodyfaceofthebear，andcloseinhisearitsdeepsavagegrowl，wrungforthpartlybytheagonyofdeath，partlybythirstforblood。Atlengththebear’sresistancegrewweaker，andthedarkbloodstreamedfreelyuponthesnow;hetottered;andonepowerfulthrusthurledhimbackwardsovertheedgeoftheprecipice。AtthesameinstantSintramstoodbytheBaronofMontfaucon。Folkosaid，drawingadeepbreath："ButIhavenotyettheprizeinmyhands，andhaveitImust，sincefortunehasgivenmeaclaimtoit。Look，oneofmyskatesseemstobeoutoforder。

Thinkestthou，Sintram，thatitholdsenoughtoslidedowntothefootoftheprecipice？"

"Letmegoinstead，"saidSintram。"Iwillbringyoutheheadandtheclawsofthebear。"

"Atrueknight，"repliedFolko，withsomedispleasure，"neverdoesaknightlydeedbyhalves。WhatIaskis，whethermyskatewillstillhold？"

AsSintrambentdowntolook，andwasonthepointofsaying"No！"hesuddenlyheardavoiceclosetohim，saying，"Why，yes，tobesure;

thereisnodoubtaboutit。"

FolkothoughtthatSintramhadspoken，andsliddownwiththeswiftnessofanarrow，whilsthiscompanionlookedupingreatsurprise。ThehatedformofthelittleMastermethiseyes。Ashewasgoingtoaddresshimwithangrywords，heheardthesoundofthebaron’sfearfulfall，andhestoodstillinsilenthorror。Therewasabreathlesssilencealsointheabyssbelow。

"Now，whydostthoudelay？"saidthelittleMaster，afterapause。

"Heisdashedtopieces。Gobacktothecastle，andtakethefairHelentothyself。"

Sintramshuddered。ThenhishatefulcompanionbegantopraiseGabrielle’scharmsinsoglowing，deceivingwords，thattheheartoftheyouthswelledwithemotionshehadneverbeforeknown。Heonlythoughtofhimwhowasnowlyingatthefootoftherockasofanobstacleremovedbetweenhimandheaven：heturnedtowardsthecastle。

Butacrywasheardbelow："Help！help！mycomrade！Iamyetalive，butIamsorelywounded。"

Sintram’swillwaschanged，andhecalledtothebaron，"Iamcoming。"

ButthelittleMastersaid，"NothingcanbedonetohelpDukeMenelaus;andthefairHelenknowsitalready。SheisonlywaitingforknightParistocomforther。"Andwithdetestablecrafthewoveinthattalewithwhatwasactuallyhappening，bringinginthemosthighlywroughtpraisesofthelovelyGabrielle;andalas！thedazzledyouthyieldedtohim，andfled！Againheheardfaroffthebaron’svoicecallingtohim，"KnightSintram，knightSintram，thouonwhomI

bestowedtheholyorder，hastetomeandhelpme！Theshe-bearandherwhelpswillbeuponme，andIcannotusemyrightarm！KnightSintram，knightSintram，hastetohelpme！"

Hiscrieswereoverpoweredbythefuriousspeedwithwhichthetwowerecarriedalongontheirskates，andbytheevilwordsofthelittleMaster，whowasmockingatthelateproudbearingofDukeMenelaustowardsthepoorSintram。Atlastheshouted，"Goodlucktoyou，she-bear！goodlucktoyourwhelps！Thereisagloriousmealforyou！NowyouwillfeeduponthefearofHeathendom，himatwhosenametheMoorishbridesweep，themightyBaronofMontfaucon。Neveragain，0daintyknight，willyoushoutattheheadofyourtroops，’MountjoySt。Denys！’"ButscarcehadthisholynamepassedthelipsofthelittleMaster，thanhesetupahowlofanguish，writhinghimselfwithhorriblecontortions，andwringinghishands，andendedbydisappearinginastormofsnowwhichthenarose。

Sintramplantedhisstafffirmlyintheground，andstopped。Howstrangelydidthewideexpanseofsnow，thedistantmountainsrisingaboveit，andthedarkgreenfir-woods——howstrangelydidtheyalllookathimincoldreproachfulsilence！Hefeltasifhemustsinkundertheweightofhissorrowandhisguilt。Thebellofadistanthermitagecamefloatingsadlyovertheplain。Withaburstoftearsheexclaimed，asthedarknessgrewthickerroundhim，"Mymother！mymother！Ihadonceabelovedtendermother，andshesaidIwasagoodchild！"Arayofcomfortcametohimasifbroughtonanangel’swing;perhapsMontfauconwasnotyetdead！andheflewlikelightningalongthepath，backtothesteeprock。Whenhegottothefearfulplace，hestoopedandlookedanxiouslydowntheprecipice。

Themoon，justriseninfullmajesty，helpedhim。TheKnightofMontfaucon，paleandbleeding，washalfkneelingagainsttherock;

hisrightarm，crushedinhisfall，hungpowerlessathisside;itwasplainthathecouldnotdrawhisgoodswordoutofthescabbard。

Butneverthelesshewaskeepingthebearandheryoungonesatbaybyhisboldthreateninglooks，sothattheyonlycreptroundhim，growlingangrily;everymomentreadyforafierceattack，butasoftendrivenbackaffrightedatthemajesticairbywhichheconqueredevenwhendefenceless。

"Oh！whataherowouldtherehaveperished！"groanedSintram，"andthroughwhoseguilt？"Inaninstanthisspearflewwithsotrueanaimthatthebearfellwelteringinherblood;theyoungonesranawayhowling。

Thebaronlookedupwithsurprise。Hiscountenancebeamedasthelightofthemoonfelluponit，graveandstern，yetmild，likesomeangelicvision。"Comedown！"hebeckoned;andSintramsliddownthesideoftheprecipice，fullofanxioushaste。Hewasgoingtoattendtothewoundedman，butFolkosaid，"FirstcutofftheheadandclawsofthebearwhichIslew。IpromisedtobringthespoilsofthechasetomylovelyGabrielle。Thencometome，andbindupmywounds。Myrightarmisbroken。"Sintramobeyedthebaron’scommands。Whenthetokensofvictoryhadbeensecured，andthebrokenarmboundup，Folkodesiredtheyouthtohelphimbacktothecastle。

"0Heavens！"saidSintraminalowvoice，"ifIdaredtolookinyourface！oronlyknewhowtocomenearyou！"

"Thouwertindeedgoingoninanevilcourse，"saidMontfaucon，gravely;"buthowcouldwe，anyofus，standbeforeGod，didnotrepentancehelpus？Atanyrate，thouhastnowsavedmylife，andletthatthoughtcheerthyheart。"

Theyouthwithtendernessandstrengthsupportedthebaron’sleftarm，andtheybothwenttheirwaysilentlyinthemoonlight。

CHAPTER18

Soundsofwailingwereheardfromthecastleastheyapproached;thechapelwassolemnlylightedup;withinitkneltGabrielle，lamentingforthedeathoftheKnightofMontfaucon。

Buthowquicklywasallchanged，whenthenoblebaron，paleindeed，andbleeding，yethavingescapedallmortaldanger，stoodsmilingattheentranceoftheholybuilding，andsaid，inalow，gentlevoice，"Lookup，Gabrielle，andbenotaffrighted;for，bythehonourofmyrace，thyknightstilllives。"Oh！withwhatjoydidGabrielle’seyessparkle，assheturnedtoherknight，andthenraisedthemagaintoheaven，stillstreaming，butfromthedeepsourceofthankfuljoy！

Withthehelpoftwopages，Folkokneltdownbesideher，andtheybothsanctifiedtheirhappinesswithasilentprayer。

Whentheyleftthechapel，thewoundedknightbeingtenderlysupportedbyhislady，Sintramwasstandingwithoutinthedarkness，himselfasgloomyasthenight，and，likeabirdofthenight，shunningthesightofmen。Yethecametremblingforwardintothetorch-light，laidthebear’sheadandclawsatthefeetofGabrielle，andsaid，"ThenobleFolkoofMontfauconpresentsthespoilsofto-

day’schasetohislady。"

TheNorwegiansburstforthwithshoutsofjoyfulsurpriseatthestrangerknight，whointheveryfirsthuntingexpeditionhadslainthemostfearfulanddangerousbeastoftheirmountains。

ThenFolkolookedaroundwithasmileashesaid，"Andnownoneofyoumustjeeratme，ifIstayathomeforashorttimewithmytimidwife。"

Thosewhothedaybeforehadtalkedtogetherinthearmourer’sforgecameoutfromthecrowd，andbowinglow，theyreplied，"Noblebaron，whocouldhavethoughtthattherewasnoknightlyexerciseinthewholeworldinthewhichyouwouldnotshowyourselffaraboveallothermen？"

"ThepupilofoldSirHughmaybesomewhattrusted，"answeredFolkokindly。"Butnow，youboldnorthernwarriors，bestowsomepraisesalsoonmydeliverer，whosavedmefromtheclawsoftheshe-bear，whenIwasleaningagainsttherockwoundedbymyfall。"

HepointedtoSintram，andthegeneralshoutwasagainraised;andoldRolf，withtearsofjoyinhiseyes，benthisheadoverhisfoster-son’shand。ButSintramdrewbackshuddering。

"Didyoubutknow，"saidhe，"whomyouseebeforeyou，allyourspearswouldbeaimedatmyheart;andperhapsthatwouldbethebestthingforme。ButIsparethehonourofmyfatherandofhisrace，andforthistimeIwillnotconfess。Onlythismuchmustyouknow，noblewarriors——"

"Youngman，"interruptedFolkowithareprovinglook，"alreadyagainsowildandfierce？Idesirethatthouwiltholdthypeaceaboutthydreamingfancies。"

Sintramwassilencedforamoment;buthardlyhadFolkobegunsmilinglytomovetowardsthestepsofthecastle，thanhecriedout，"Oh，no，no，noblewoundedknight，stayyetawhile;Iwillservetheeineverythingthatthyheartcandesire;buthereinIcannotservethee。Bravewarriors，youmustandshallknowsomuchasthis;IamnolongerworthytoliveunderthesameroofwiththenobleBaronofMontfauconandhisangelicwifeGabrielle。Andyou，myagedfather，good-night;longnotforme。IintendtoliveinthestonefortressontheRocksoftheMoon，tillachangeofsomekindcomeoverme。"

Therewasthatinhiswayofspeakingagainstwhichnoonedaredtosethimself，notevenFolko。

ThewildBiornbowedhisheadhumbly，andsaid，"Doaccordingtothypleasure，mypoorson;forIfearthatthouartright。"

ThenSintramwalkedsolemnlyandsilentlythroughthecastle-gate，followedbythegoodRolf。Gabrielleledherexhaustedlorduptotheirapartments。

CHAPTER19

Thatwasamournfuljourneyonwhichtheyouthandhisagedfoster-

fatherwenttowardstheRocksoftheMoon，throughthewildtangledpathsofthesnow-cladvalleys。Rolffromtimetotimesangsomeversesofhymns，inwhichcomfortandpeacewerepromisedtothepenitentsinner，andSintramthankedhimforthemwithlooksofgratefulsadness。Neitherofthemspokeawordelse。

Atlength，whenthedawnofdaywasapproaching，Sintrambrokesilencebysaying，"Whoarethosetwosittingyonderbythefrozenstream——atallmanandalittleone？Theirownwildheartsmusthavedriventhemalsoforthintothewilderness。Rolf，dostthouknowthem？Thesightofthemmakesmeshudder。"

"Sir，"answeredtheoldman，"yourdisturbedminddeceivesyou。

Therestandsaloftyfir-tree，andtheoldweather-beatenstumpofanoak，half-coveredwithsnow，whichgivesthemasomewhatstrangeappearance。Therearenomensittingyonder。"

"But，Rolf，lookthere！lookagaincarefully！Nowtheymove，theywhispertogether。"

"Sir，themorningbreezemovesthebranches，andwhistlesinthesharppine-leavesandintheyellowoak-leaves，andrustlesthecrispsnow。"

"Rolf，nowtheyarebothcomingtowardsus。Nowtheyarestandingbeforeus，quiteclose。"

"Sir，itiswewhogetnearertothemaswewalkon，andthesettingmoonthrowssuchlonggiant-likeshadowsovertheplain。"

"Good-evening！"saidahollowvoice;andSintramknewitwasthecrazypilgrim，neartowhomstoodthemalignantlittleMaster，lookingmorehideousthanever。

"Youareright，sirknight，"whisperedRolf，ashedrewbackbehindSintram，andmadetheSignoftheCrossonhisbreastandhisforehead。

Thebewilderedyouth，however，advancedtowardsthetwofigures，andsaid，"Youhavealwaystakenwonderfulpleasureinbeingmycompanions。Whatdoyouexpectwillcomeofit？Anddoyouchoosetogonowwithmetothestonefortress？ThereIwilltendthee，poorpalepilgrim;andastothee，frightfulMaster，mostevildwarf，Iwillmaketheeshorterbythehead，torewardtheeforthydeedsyesterday。"

"Thatwouldbeafinething，"sneeredthelittleMaster;"andperhapsthouimaginestthatthouwouldstbedoingagreatservicetothewholeworld？And，indeed，whoknows？Somethingmightbegainedbyit！Only，poorwretch，thoucanstnotdoit。"

Thepilgrimmeantimewaswavinghispaleheadtoandfrothoughtfully，saying，"Ibelievetrulythatthouwouldstwillinglyhaveme，andIwouldgototheewillingly，butImaynotyet。Havepatienceawhile;thouwiltyetsurelyseemecome，butatadistanttime;andfirstwemustagainvisitthyfathertogether，andthenalsothouwiltlearntocallmebymyrightname，mypoorfriend。"

"Bewareofdisappointingmeagain！"saidthelittleMastertothepilgriminathreateningvoice;buthe，pointingwithhislong，shrivelledhandtowardsthesun，whichwasjustnowrising，said，"Stopeitherthatsunorme，ifthoucanst！"

Thenthefirstraysfellonthesnow，andthelittleMasterran，muttering，downaprecipice;butthepilgrimwalkedoninthebrightbeams，calmlyandwithgreatsolemnity，towardsaneighbouringcastleonthemountain。Itwasnotlongbeforeitschapel-bellwasheardtollingforthedead。

"ForHeaven’ssake，"whisperedthegoodRolftohisknight——"forHeaven’ssake，SirSintram，whatkindofcompanionshaveyouhere？

OneofthemcannotbearthelightofGod’sblessedsun，andtheotherhasnosoonersetfootinadwellingthantidingsofdeathwailafterhistrack。Couldhehavebeenamurderer？"

"Idonotthinkthat，"saidSintram。"Heseemedtomethebestofthetwo。Butitisastrangewilfulnessofhisnottocomewithme。

DidInotinvitehimkindly？Ibelievethathecansingwell，andheshouldhavesungtomesomegentlelullaby。Sincemymotherhaslivedinacloister，noonesingslullabiestomeanymore。"

Atthistenderrecollectionhiseyeswerebedewedwithtears。Buthedidnothimselfknowwhathehadsaidbesides，fortherewaswildnessandconfusioninhisspirit。TheyarrivedattheRocksoftheMoon，andmounteduptothestonefortress。Thecastellan，anold，gloomyman，themoredevotedtotheyoungknightfromhisdarkmelancholyandwilddeeds，hastenedtolowerthedrawbridge。Greetingswereexchangedinsilence，andinsilencedidSintramenter，andthosejoylessgatesclosedwithacrashbehindthefuturerecluse。

CHAPTER20

Yestruly，arecluse，oratleastsomethinglikeit，didpoorSintramnowbecome！FortowardsthetimeoftheapproachingChristmasfestivalhisfearfuldreamscameoverhim，andseizedhimsofiercely，thatalltheesquiresandservantsfledwithshrieksoutofthecastle，andwouldneverventurebackagain。NooneremainedwithhimexceptRolfandtheoldcastellan。Afterawhile，indeed，Sintrambecamecalm，buthewentaboutlookingsopallidandstillthathemighthavebeentakenforawanderingcorpse。NocomfortingofthegoodRolf，nodevoutsoothinglays，wereofanyavail;andthecastellan，withhisfierce，scarredfeatures，hisheadalmostentirelybaldfromahugesword-cut，hisstubbornsilence，seemedlikeayetdarkershadowofthemiserableknight。RolfoftenthoughtofgoingtosummontheholychaplainofDrontheim;buthowcouldhehavelefthislordalonewiththegloomycastellan，amanwhoatalltimesraisedinhimasecrethorror？Biornhadlonghadthiswildstrangewarriorinhisservice，andhonouredhimonaccountofhisunshakenfidelityandhisfearlesscourage，thoughneithertheknightnoranyoneelseknewwhencethecastellancame，nor，indeed，exactlywhohewas。Veryfewpeopleknewbywhatnametocallhim;butthatwasthemoreneedless，sinceheneverenteredintodiscoursewithanyone。HewasthecastellanofthestonefortressontheRocksoftheMoon，andnothingmore。

RolfcommittedhisdeepheartfeltcarestothemercifulGod，trustingthathewouldsooncometohisaid;andthemercifulGoddidnotfailhim。ForonChristmasevethebellatthedrawbridgesounded，andRolf，lookingoverthebattlements，sawthechaplainofDrontheimstandingthere，withacompanionindeedthatsurprisedhim，——forclosebesidehimappearedthecrazypilgrim，andthedeadmen’sbonesonhisdarkmantleshoneverystrangelyintheglimmeringstarlight：

butthesightofthechaplainfilledthegoodRolftoofullofjoytoleaveroomforanydoubtinhismind;for，thoughthe，whoevercomeswithhimcannotbutbewelcome！Andsoheletthembothinwithrespectfulhaste，andusheredthemuptothehall，whereSintram，paleandwithafixedlook，wassittingunderthelightofoneflickeringlamp。Rolfwasobligedtosupportandassistthecrazypilgrimupthestairs，forhewasquitebenumbedwithcold。

"Ibringyouagreetingfromyourmother，"saidthechaplainashecamein;andimmediatelyasweetsmilepassedovertheyoungknight’scountenance，anditsdeadlypallidnessgaveplacetoabrightsoftglow。

"0Heaven！"murmuredhe，"doesthenmymotheryetlive，anddoesshecaretoknowanythingaboutme？"

"Sheisendowedwithawonderfulpresentimentofthefuture，"repliedthechaplain;"andallthatyououghteithertodoortoleaveundoneisfaithfullymirroredinvariouswaysinhermind，duringahalf-

wakingtrance。Nowsheknowsofyourdeepsorrow，andshesendsme，thefather-confessorofherconvent，tocomfortyou，butatthesametimetowarnyou;for，assheaffirms，andasIamalsoinclinedtothink，manystrangeandheavytrialsliebeforeyou。"

Sintrambowedhimselftowardsthechaplainwithhisarmscrossedoverhisbreast，andsaid，withagentlesmile，"MuchhaveIbeenfavoured——more，athousandtimesmore，thanIcouldhavedaredtohopeinmybesthours——bythisgreetingfrommymother，andyourvisit，reverendsir;andallafterfallingmorefearfullylowthanIhadeverfallenbefore。ThemercyoftheLordisgreat;andhowheavysoevermaybetheweightandpunishmentwhichHemaysend，Itrust，withHisgrace，tobeabletobearit。"

Justthenthedooropened，andthecastellancameinwithatorchinhishand，theredglareofwhichmadehisfacelookthecolourofblood。Hecastaterrifiedglanceatthecrazypilgrim，whohadjustsunkbackinaswoon，andwassupportedonhisseatandtendedbyRolf;thenhestaredwithastonishmentatthechaplain，andatlastmurmured，"Astrangemeeting！Ibelievethatthehourforconfessionandreconciliationisnowarrived。"

"Ibelievesotoo，"repliedthepriest，whohadheardhislowwhisper;"thisseemstobetrulyadayrichingraceandpeace。

Thatpoormanyonder，whomIfoundhalf-frozenbytheway，wouldmakeafullconfessiontomeatonce，beforehefollowedmetoaplaceofshelter。Doashehasdone，mydark-browedwarrior，anddelaynotyourgoodpurposeforoneinstant。"

Thereuponhelefttheroomwiththewillingcastellan，butheturnedbacktosay，"SirKnightandyouresquire！takegoodcarethewhileofmysickcharge。"

SintramandRolfdidaccordingtothechaplain’sdesire：andwhenatlengththeircordialsmadethepilgrimopenhiseyesonceagain，theyoungknightsaidtohim，withafriendlysmile，"Seestthou？thouartcometovisitmeafterall。Whydidstthourefusemewhen，afewnightsago，Iaskedtheesoearnestlytocome？PerhapsImayhavespokenwildlyandhastily。Didthatscaretheeaway？"

Asuddenexpressionoffearcameoverthepilgrim’scountenance;butsoonheagainlookedupatSintramwithanairofgentlehumility，saying，"0mydear，dearlord，Iammostentirelydevotedtoyou——

onlyneverspeaktomeofformerpassagesbetweenyouandme。Iamterrifiedwheneveryoudoit。For，mylord，eitherIammadandhaveforgottenallthatispast，orthatBeinghasmetyouinthewood，whomIlookuponasmyverypowerfultwinbrother。"

Sintramlaidhishandgentlyonthepilgrim’smouth，asheanswered，"Saynothingmoreaboutthatmatter：Imostwillinglypromisetobesilent。"

NeitherhenoroldRolfcouldunderstandwhatappearedtothemsoawfulinthewholematter;butbothshuddered。

Afterashortpausethepilgrimsaid，"Iwouldrathersingyouasong——asoft，comfortingsong。Haveyounotalutehere？"

Rolffetchedone;andthepilgrim，half-raisinghimselfonthecouch，sangthefollowingwords：

"Whendeathiscomingnear，WhenthyheartshrinksinfearAndthylimbsfail，ThenraisethyhandsandprayToHimwhosmoothsthywayThroughthedarkvale。

Seestthoutheeasterndawn，HearstthouintheredmornTheangel’ssong？

Oh，liftthydroopinghead，ThouwhoingloomanddreadHastlainsolong。

Deathcomestosettheefree;

Oh，meethimcheerilyAsthytruefriend，Andallthyfearsshallcease，AndineternalpeaceThypenanceend。"

"Amen，"saidSintramandRolf，foldingtheirhands;andwhilstthelastchordsofthelutestillresounded，thechaplainandthecastellancameslowlyandgentlyintotheroom。"IbringapreciousChristmasgift，"saidthepriest。"Aftermanysadyears，hopeofreconciliationandpeaceofconsciencearereturningtoanoble，disturbedmind。Thisconcernsthee，belovedpilgrim;anddothou，mySintram，withajoyfultrustinGod，takeencouragementandexamplefromit。"

"Morethantwentyyearsago，"beganthecastellan，atasignfromthechaplain——"morethantwentyyearsagoIwasaboldshepherd，drivingmyflockupthemountains。Ayoungknightfollowedme，whomtheycalledWeigandtheSlender。Hewantedtobuyofmemyfavouritelittlelambforhisfairbride，andofferedmemuchredgoldforit。

Isturdilyrefused。Over-boldyouthboiledupinusboth。Astrokeofhisswordhurledmesenselessdowntheprecipice。

"Notkilled？"askedthepilgriminascarceaudiblevoice。

"Iamnoghost，"repliedthecastellan，somewhatmorosely;andthen，afteranearnestlookfromthepriest，hecontinued，morehumbly："I

recoveredslowlyandinsolitude，withthehelpofremedieswhichwereeasilyfoundbyme，ashepherd，inourproductivevalleys。WhenIcamebackintotheworld，nomanknewme，withmyscarredface，andmynowbaldhead。Iheardareportgoingthroughthecountry，thatonaccountofthisdeedofhis，SirWeigandtheSlenderhadbeenrejectedbyhisfairbetrothedVerena，andhowhehadpinedaway，andshehadwishedtoretireintoaconvent，butherfatherhadpersuadedhertomarrythegreatknightBiorn。Thentherecameafearfulthirstforvengeanceintomyheart，andIdisownedmyname，andmykindred，andmyhome，andenteredtheserviceofthemightyBiorn，asastrangewildman，inorderthatWeigandtheSlendershouldalwaysremainamurderer，andthatImightfeedonhisanguish。SohaveI

feduponitforalltheselongyears;Ihavefedfrightfullyuponhisself-imposedbanishment，uponhischeerlessreturnhome，uponhismadness。Butto-day——"andhottearsgushedfromhiseyes——"butto-

dayGodhasbrokenthehardnessofmyheart;and，dearSirWeigand，lookuponyourselfnomoreasamurderer，andsaythatyouwillforgiveme，andprayforhimwhohasdoneyousofearfulaninjury，and——"

Sobschokedhiswords。Hefellatthefeetofthepilgrim，whowithtearsofjoypressedhimtohisheart，intokenofforgiveness。

CHAPTER21

Thejoyofthishourpassedfromitsfirstoverpoweringbrightnesstothecalm，thoughtfulaspectofdailylife;andWeigand，nowrestoredtohealth，laidasidethemantlewithdeadmen’sbones，saying："I

hadchosenformypenancetocarrythesefearfulremainsaboutwithme，withthethoughtthatsomeofthemmighthavebelongedtohimwhomIhavemurdered。ThereforeIsoughtforthemroundabout，inthedeepbedsofthemountain-torrents，andinthehighnestsoftheeaglesandvultures。AndwhileIwassearching，Isometimes——couldithavebeenonlyanillusion？——seemedtomeetabeingwhowasverylikemyself，butfar，farmorepowerful，andyetstillpalerandmorehaggard。"

AnimploringlookfromSintramstoppedtheflowofhiswords。Withagentlesmile，Weigandbowedtowardshim，andsaid："Youknownowallthedeep，unutterablydeep，sorrowwhichpreyeduponme。Myfearofyou，andmyyearningloveforyou，arenolongeranenigmatoyourkindheart。For，dearyouth，thoughyoumaybelikeyourfearfulfather，youhavealsothekind，gentleheartofyourmother;anditsreflectionbrightensyourpallid，sternfeatures，liketheglowofamorningsky，whichlightsupice-coveredmountainsandsnowyvalleyswiththesoftradianceofjoy。But，alas！howlongyouhavelivedaloneamidstyourfellow-creatures！andhowlongsinceyouhaveseenyourmother，mydearly-lovedSintram！"

"Ifeel，too，asthoughaspringweregushingupinthebarrenwilderness，"repliedtheyouth;"andIshouldperchancebealtogetherrestored，couldIbutkeepyoulongwithme，andweepwithyou，dearlord。ButIhavethatwithinmewhichsaysthatyouwillverysoonbetakenfromme。"

"Ibelieve，indeed，"saidthepilgrim，"thatmylatesongwasverynearlymylast，andthatitcontainedapredictionfullsoontobeaccomplishedinme。But，asthesoulofmanisalwayslikethethirstyground，themoreblessingsGodhasbestowedonus，themoreearnestlydowelookoutfornewones;sowouldIcraveforonemorebefore，asIhope，myblessedend。Yet，indeed，itcannotbegrantedme，"addedhe，withafalteringvoice;"forIfeelmyselftooutterlyunworthyofsohighagift。"

"Butitwillbegranted！"saidthechaplain，joyfully。"’Hethathumblethhimselfshallbeexalted;’andIfearnottotakeonepurifiedfrommurdertoreceiveafarewellfromtheholyandforgivingcountenanceofVerena。"

Thepilgrimstretchedbothhishandsuptowardsheavenandanunspokenthanksgivingpouredfromhisbeamingeyes，andbrightenedthesmilethatplayedonhislips。

Sintramlookedsorrowfullyontheground，andsighedgentlytohimself："Alas！whowoulddareaccompany？"

"Mypoor，goodSintram，"saidthechaplain，inatoneofthesoftestkindness，"Iunderstandtheewell;butthetimeisnotyetcome。Thepowersofevilwillagainraiseuptheirwrathfulheadswithinthee，andVerenamustcheckbothherownandthylongingdesires，untilallispureinthyspiritasinhers。ComfortthyselfwiththethoughtthatGodlooksmercifullyuponthee，andthatthejoysoearnestlysoughtforwillcome——ifnothere，mostassuredlybeyondthegrave。"

Butthepilgrim，asthoughawakingoutofatrance，rosemightilyfromhisseat，andsaid："Doyoupleasetocomeforthwithme，reverendchaplain？Beforethesunappearsintheheavens，wecouldreachtheconvent-gates，andIshouldnotbefarfromheaven。"

InvaindidthechaplainandRolfremindhimofhisweakness：hesmiled，andsaidthattherecouldbenowordsaboutit;andhegirdedhimself，andtunedthelutewhichhehadaskedleavetotakewithhim。Hisdecidedmannerovercameallopposition，almostwithoutwords;andthechaplainhadalreadypreparedhimselfforthejourney，whenthepilgrimlookedwithmuchemotionatSintram，who，oppressedwithastrangeweariness，hadsunk，half-asleep，onacouch，andsaid："Waitamoment。Iknowthathewantsmetogivehimasoftlullaby。"Thepleasedsmileoftheyouthseemedtosay，Yes;andthepilgrim，touchingthestringswithalighthand，sangthesewords：

"Sleeppeacefully，dearboy;

ThymothersendsthesongThatwhispersroundthycouch，Tolulltheeallnightlong。

InsilenceandafarFortheesheeverprays，AndlongsoncemoreinfondnessUponthyfacetogaze。

Andwhenthywakingcometh，Theninthyeverydeed，Inallthatmaybetidethee，Untoherwordsgiveheed。

Oh，listenforhervoice，Ifitbeyeaornay;

Andthoughtemptationmeetthee，Thoushaltnotmisstheway。

Ifthoucanstlistenrightly，Andnoblyonwardgo，ThenpureandgentlebreezesAroundthycheekshallblow。

ThenonthypeacefuljourneyHerblessingthoushaltfeel，Andthoughfromtheedivided，Herpresenceo’ertheesteal。

0safest，sweetestcomfort！

0blestandlivinglight！

That，stronginHeaven’spower，Allterrorsputtoflight！

Restquietly，sweetchild，AndmaythegentlenumbersThymothersendstotheeWaftpeaceuntothyslumbers。"

Sintramfellintoadeepsleep，smiling，andbreathingsoftly。Rolfandthecastellanremainedbyhisbed，whilstthetwotravellerspursuedtheirwayinthequietstarlight。

CHAPTER22

Thedawnhadalmostappeared，whenRolf，whohadbeenasleep，wasawakenedbylowsinging;andashelookedround，heperceived，withsurprise，thatthesoundscamefromthelipsofthecastellan，whosaid，asifinexplanation，"SodoesSirWeigandsingattheconvent-

gates，andtheyarekindlyopenedtohim。"Uponwhich，oldRolffellasleepagain，uncertainwhetherwhathadpassedhadbeenadreamorareality。Afterawhilethebrightsunshineawokehimagain;andwhenheroseup，hesawthecountenanceofthecastellanwonderfullyilluminatedbytheredmorningrays;andaltogetherthosefeatures，oncesofearful，wereshiningwithasoft，nayalmostchild-likemildness。Themysteriousmanseemedtobethewhilelisteningtothemotionlessair，asifhewerehearingamostpleasantdiscourseorloftymusic;andasRolfwasabouttospeak，hemadehimasignofentreatytoremainquiet，andcontinuedinhiseagerlisteningattitude。

Atlengthhesankslowlyandcontentedlybackinhisseat，whispering，"Godbepraised！Shehasgrantedhislastprayer;hewillbelaidintheburial-groundoftheconvent，andnowhehasforgivenmeinthedepthsofhisheart。Icanassureyouthathefindsapeacefulend。"

Rolfdidnotdareaskaquestion，orawakehislord;hefeltasifonealreadydepartedhadspokentohim。

Thecastellanlongremainedstill，alwayssmilingbrightly。Atlastheraisedhimselfalittle，againlistened，andsaid，"Itisover。

Thesoundofthebellsisverysweet。Wehaveovercome。Oh，howsoftandeasydoesthegoodGodmakeittous！"Andsoitcametopass。Hestretchedhimselfbackasifweary，andhissoulwasfreedfromhiscare-wornbody。

Rolfnowgentlyawokehisyoungknight，andpointedtothesmilingdead。AndSintramsmiledtoo;heandhisgoodesquirefellontheirknees，andprayedtoGodforthedepartedspirit。Thentheyroseup，andborethecoldbodytothevaultedhall，andwatchedbyitwithholycandlesuntilthereturnofthechaplain。Thatthepilgrimwouldnotcomebackagain，theyverywellknew。

Accordinglytowardsmid-daythechaplainreturnedalone。Hecouldscarcelydomorethanconfirmwhatwasalreadyknowntothem。HeonlyaddedacomfortingandhopefulgreetingfromSintram’smothertoherson，andtoldthattheblissfulWeigandhadfallenasleeplikeatiredchild，whilstVerena，withcalmtenderness，heldacrucifixbeforehim。

"Andineternalpeaceourpenanceend！"

sangSintram，gentlytohimself：andtheypreparedalastrestingplaceforthenowpeacefulcastellan，andlaidhimthereinwithalltheduesolemnrites。

Thechaplainwasobligedsoonafterwardstodepart;butbiddingSintramfarewell，heagainsaidkindlytohim，"Thydearmotherassuredlyknowshowgentleandcalmandgoodthouartnow！"

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