But the Miserable: “Hark!” said he, “my Lord Echo dares to mock the Invincible.”
And he burst out laughing.
But the echo burst out laughing likewise, and laughed loud, long, and terribly.
And Halewyn appeared well pleased at the noise, and went on laughing, with the seven echoes after him.
And it seemed to Magtelt as it were a thousand men hidden in the forest.
And meanwhile the hound had taken fright and howled so desperately that it seemed to Magtelt as it were a thousand hounds in the forest crying out to death.
The Miserable’s horse had taken fright also, and was so terrified at his master’s laughter, the dog’s howls, and his own neighing, all ringing out together, that he plunged, reared, stood up on his hind legs like a man, laid back his ears with fear, and would, without doubt, have thrown Halewyn from his back, if, driving him onward with his spurs, he had not made him pass by force the place of the seven echoes.
But Schimmel had not moved at all, and this strangely enough, for he was a young horse, apt to be alarmed.
When the noise was over they rode on their way, speaking few words together as they rode.
And together they came to the Gallows-field.