But the stranger, who, before this, had been the noisiest of the party, appeared to have become suddenly dumb, for he answered not a word.
"Come, sir," repeated Walther, "tell us who you are."
No answer.
Max now half jumped from his seat, exclaiming, "But we insist on knowing, sir, and, furthermore, I should like to know if you are taking us to Olè's or not."
The stranger turned at this, and with a smile that displayed his glittering teeth, replied:
"My good people, I am taking you just where you are destined to go. As to my name, that is my affair. Remember, your safety depends on me; certainly, you had better not provoke me, or——" here his speech suddenly came to an end, and a fresh series of yells followed to the excited horses, which all this time were tearing along as though a troop of fiends were in pursuit.
"It must be the Evil One himself!" cried the Burgomaster, trembling in every limb, while the ladies screamed and clung together.
"Not quite so bad as that, I hope," said Walther, half laughing, yet excited, and, to tell the truth, somewhat alarmed also.
"We are all fools if we allow this thing to go on!" shouted Max, who had suddenly recovered his spirits. "Walther, thou wilt stand by me. Give me the reins, sir, or hold them longer at your peril!"
As he spoke, he endeavored to seize the reins, while Walther stood up in the sleigh and grasped the whip.