“True,” said the credulous hunter; “I suppose he has changed his shape.”
And he turned aside with a shudder to cross himself secretly.
XXXIV.
The mask approaches; it is Angelo himself. The rascal knows his business well; he must be sure of his facts.—Lessing.
IN a dark grove of old oaks, whose dense leaves the pale light of dawn can scarcely penetrate, a short man approaches another man who is alone, and seems to waiting for him. The following conversation begins in low tones:—
“Your worship must excuse me for keeping you waiting; several things detained me.”
“Such as what?”
“The leader of the mountain men, Kennybol, did not reach the appointed place until midnight; and we were also disturbed by an unlooked-for witness.”
“A fellow who thrust himself like a fool into the mine in the midst of our secret meeting. At first I took him for a spy, and would have put him to death; but he turned out to be the bearer of a safe-conduct from some gallows-bird held in great respect by our miners, and they instantly took him under their protection. When I came to consider the matter, I made up my mind that he was probably a curious traveller or a learned fool. At any rate, I have taken all necessary precautions in regard to him.”