"I will arouse thy lad," said he, "I have a word for his ear."
"But the watch-dogs are vicious."
"They will do me no harm."
The stranger would not be persuaded. On reaching the kitchen he wrapped himself in his mantle, and after inquiring whereabouts near the stables the 'prentice usually slept, took a lighted lamp in his hand and went forth into the courtyard.
The mastiffs when they beheld him slunk away, growling timidly and uneasily, and only began to bark with all their throats when they found themselves safely behind the house. Those strange eyes had the effect of a spell on man and beast. Meanwhile the headsman could be heard singing within his room the hymn:
"Ere slumber fall upon mine eyes."
The youth hastened towards the night-quarters of the headsman's 'prentice. On the way thither he encountered the young woman. He pinched her ear and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Get along with you, you naughty boy!" said she.
And then the virago sauntered back into the kitchen, leaving her guest to go where he liked.
His quest was an easy one now. He had only to proceed in the direction from whence the woman had come. Ivan feigned to be asleep.