"Ay, handsomely, any one who will be so kind as be my guide," I added, surprised at Lis parenthetical remark; "will you do so?"
"That depends upon which way yours may be," replied the fellow gruffly, lowering his carbine.
"My way is the road to Bergedorf."
"Are you sure it is not Bredenburg? there were some of your countrymen in garrison there yesterday."
"Nay, Bergedorf, I tell you!" said I, becoming impatient at the fellow's incivility.
"You are nearly four miles from the direct road, and could never find it alone; but if you would choose to pass the night, or rather I should say the remainder of the morning, with me, I will gladly set you on the right road for a draught of beer at the first tavern."
"That would not be a very handsome reward," said I, entering; "so, you are not an Imperialist, then?"
"I am nothing but the humble servant of Mein Herr, and, being under the authority of Duke Rodolph Maximillian, care not a jot either for the King of Denmark or the Emperor Ferdinand."
"But your lord serves under the banner of Austria."
"I have no lord," replied the hunter gruffly, as he shut the door with a bang that shook the cottage; "I am an enemy to all lords—I am a free forester, and own no master. Der teufel! what between the taxes of the Duke, the knights of Ertemberg, who would hang us for shooting the deer, and the bishops of Anhalt and Bremen, who would burn us because we will not go to mass, life is not worth having save in the woods, where one is free."