"And the wounded man?"
"They left no one behind, and had no wounded with them. See for yourself; there are none of your men in the village."
At this moment the door opened and George appeared, but, mindful of the rebuff just received, he paused on the threshold, saying:
"Herr Lieutenant, I only wanted to report that this business looks worse and worse. There is not a sentinel, not a comrade to be seen in the whole accursed den. Our rascally guide has made off, and here in this house"--he darted an extremely hostile glance at Danira--"here the witchcraft is doubtless in full swing. Don't send me away again, Herr Lieutenant; it is better for us two to keep together if trouble comes."
Danira suddenly started, and a look of mortal terror rested on Gerald as she repeated:
"Us two? For Heaven's sake! Herr von Steinach, you are here at the head of your men, or at least you have a sufficient escort?"
"No; I am alone with George, as you see."
The girl turned deadly pale.
"And you venture thus into a hostile place? At night? This is more than foolhardy."
"I expected to find our men here, and the message was so positive, so unequivocal----"