'That seemed like a farewell,' he murmured. 'What can it mean? What scheme can Edmund have in his head?'
He left the drawing-room, and was quickly passing through the antechamber when he met Everard, the old retainer, who had just left the courtyard.
'What caused the delay in starting?' asked Oswald hastily. 'What was the discussion about, and why did your master go off in his sledge alone?'
'It was about a wager,' said the old man, who looked greatly perturbed. 'The Count intends to drive over Stag's Hill.'
'Over that steep hill, just after a heavy downfall of snow? That must mean danger.'
'Yes; so most of the other gentlemen declared; but my master laughed at their fears. He said he would bet that by taking that road he should reach the rendezvous a good quarter of an hour before the rest of the party. It was of no use to remonstrate or retreat. Even Fräulein Hedwig tried in vain. The wager stands. If only he had any other horses to manage than those unruly black beasts....'
'By whose orders were those restive animals put to my cousin's sledge to-day? He generally drives the grays.'
'It was done by the Count's own order. He came down before breakfast to give the grooms their instructions.'
'And the man? Why was he left behind?'
'Also by the Count's directions. He said he wanted no attendant.'