"I am Herman Bengel."
"What?" was the incredulous response. "Out in the forest at this time o' night? What art doing here?"
"Knocking at Otto Engel's door, to ask if he will sell two hungry men some food."
The ranger laughed.
"That's good! to come to a friend to buy a meal!"
By this time the bolt was drawn and the bar dropped, and now the ranger filled up the open doorway, a giant, so he seemed, by contrast, even to those outside, who were both beyond the average size.
"Come in!" he cried, drawing back to make room for them to enter, and thus allowing the light to fall on the faces of his visitors.
"One is Herman Bengel. I know that much," he said, as they passed into the hut. "But who is the other?"
"I'll tell you when the door is shut," Herman said in a low tone. "It is not well to shout a man's name, nor even whisper it—not this man's, at all events, even in the depths of the forest."
"Ha! some criminal escaped from jail, and you think to bring him here for me to hide him?" the ranger said jestingly, to tease Herman.