"The birds singing, and the water rushing."
"But under us, within the rock, some strange power is at work. It stirs and groans."
"It is some animal from the wood," said the Professor; "a fox or a rabbit."
The noise about their seat became louder; something was pushing against the stone bench; it was working and sighing like a man who carries a heavy burden.
"Look," whispered Ilse, "it is coming out; it is slipping round our feet. There sits the strange thing; it has shining eyes and a glittering cloak."
The Professor supported himself on his hand and looked at the dark spot, where a small figure sat with hairy face, its body covered with a stiff, glittering garment.
They both looked motionless at the figure.
"Now do you believe in the spirits of this place?" asked her husband, in a low tone.
"I am afraid, Felix; I distinctly see the gold of the dress, and I see a small beard and a horrible face."
She raised herself.