"Where—where is the wild boar?"
"There, lady," said the huntsman, pointing to the grizzly monster. "His career is ended."
"And it is you who have saved my life," exclaimed Anna, with a grateful smile.
"I did my duty, lady," answered the huntsman.
"But who are you, sir? Let me, at least, know your name that I may remember you in my prayers."
"My name is Michael Erlitz; though your eyes, lady, may never have dwelt on one so lowly as myself, I am ever in your father's train when he goes to the chase. I am Count Tekeli's slave," he added, casting his eyes on the ground.
"A slave? and so brave—so handsome!" thought the lady Anna; but she gave no utterance to the thought.
At this moment the count rode up, followed by two or three of his retainers, and throwing himself from his horse, clasped his daughter in his arms.
"My child, my child!" he exclaimed; "thank God, you are alive! I saw your horse dash past me riderless, and flew to your assistance. But there is blood upon your dress."
"It is my blood!" said the slave, calmly.