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！\"
