"Sir," said he, "read into my heart. You know everything."
The stranger thereupon turned to the little girl and addressed her in a gentle tone which instantly inspired confidence.
"My good little child, go downstairs and tell them to put my horse, which I have left standing outside the gate, under cover, lest it be drenched by the storm."
"I myself will lead it to the stable and give it food and water."
"Thank you, my little girl."
Little Elise sought for something in the wardrobe, and, concealing it in her apron, went out.
The stranger looked after her till she had closed the door behind her. A solemn silence then prevailed in the room, the youth looked at the old man in silence as if he expected him to speak.
In a short time Peter Zudár approached the door and opened it—in the kitchen all was now dark.
"They are asleep now," he muttered, partly speaking to himself, partly addressing his words to the stranger. "The woman has gone to rest, the lad is with the horses, the child will remain in the kitchen, she has something to do there I know. This, my good sir, is the time for us to talk. Outside there is nought but storm and darkness, I cannot let you go further on your way while it is like this."
It was only after much persuasion that the old man consented to sit down beside the youth and began to speak.