"And how did you happen to come hither?"
"The young Countess Odile sent me to fetch you."
"Very good. When are we to start?"
"At once. It is an urgent matter; the old Count is very ill, and his daughter begged me to lose no time. The horses are waiting for us below."
"But, my dear Gideon, just look at the weather; it has been snowing for three days!"
"Pshaw! We are not starting on a boar hunt. Put on your fur coat, fasten on your spurs, and we are off! Meanwhile, I will order a bite for you to eat."
He disappeared, and, as I never could refuse the chosen companion of my childhood anything from my youngest days, I hurriedly dressed myself, and lost no time in following him into the dining-room.
"Ah, I knew you would not let me go back alone!" he cried delightedly. "Swallow down this slice of ham and drink a stirrup-cup, for the horses are growing impatient. I have strapped your valise to the saddle."
"What is that for?"
"You will be needed for some days at Nideck; that is indispensable. I will explain everything to you on the way."