"Hermann started back with a look of fierce anger.
"'What mean you, young man!' he asked in stern tones.
"'I had no intention of giving offence, Mynheer Hermann.'
"'Your looks, at least, were impertinent,' muttered the old hunter, turning abruptly from him, and commencing to sort his game.
"The simple meal was soon ready, and the three persons partook of it without so much as a whisper. When it was finished, and while the young girl was
replacing her few utensils, Hermann produced a large Meerschaum pipe, and having filled it with tobacco, lit it with a chip from the fire-place; looking inquiringly at his guest as he smoked.
"'You were, doubtless, surprised to find me here?' said the latter, with some hesitancy in his manner.
"'I am not often so highly honored,' responded Hermann, quietly sending forth a wreath of smoke from between his teeth.
"'Do you understand my object, Mynheer Hermann?'
"'Certainly I do, Mynheer Wilhelm.'