"Monsieur," he said, with that pure Saxon accent that no dialect can imitate, "I come to ask you about the country hereabouts. Mademoiselle the Countess of Nideck assures me that no one can inform me as well as yourself in regard to the passes of the Wald Horn."
"I believe that is true, monsieur," replied Sperver with a low bow; "and I am entirely at your service."
"Imperative reasons compel me to set out in the midst of this storm," resumed the Baron, pointing to the eddying flakes outside; "I must reach the Wald Horn, six leagues from here, before nightfall."
"That will be a difficult matter, monsieur, for all the roads are blocked with snow."
"I know it, but it must be done."
"A guide will be indispensable in that case. I will go with you if you like, monsieur, or Sebalt Kraft, the master of the hounds; he knows every inch of the mountain from Unterwalden to the Hunsdruck."
"Thank you for your obliging offer; I appreciate it most fully, but I cannot accept it; your instructions will be sufficient."
Sperver bowed again, and going over to a window, threw it wide open. A quick gust of wind whirled the snow clear across the room and closed the door with a crash. I remained standing with one hand resting on the back of my chair; Tobias took refuge from the cold draught in a corner of the chamber. The Baron and his servant approached the window.
