"Heaven only knows!" he cried.
"At precisely what time does she come within sight of Nideck?"
"I told you before! Just a week before Christmas every year."
"And she stays?"
"From a fortnight to three weeks."
"Is she ever seen except at that time, either going or coming?"
"No."
"Then we shall have to catch her!" I exclaimed. "This is not natural! We must find out what she wants, who she is, and where she comes from."
"Catch her!" said the master of the hounds, with an odd smile. "Catch her, indeed!" and he shook his head meaningly.
"My dear Gaston," began Sperver, "your suggestion is all well enough, but it is easier said than done. If I could send a bullet after her, that would be another matter, for I can always come within gunshot of her, but this the Count forbids; and as to taking her otherwise, you might as well try to catch a squirrel by the tail. Listen to Sebalt's story, and you shall see for yourself."