“Will you answer me now, you old witch?”
The open eye closed again.
“Ah, this is too much,” cried the others. “Give her the candle again—she shall answer us.”
I put the flame again under her chin.
Then she opened both eyes slowly, and gazed upon us all round; then, bending her head abruptly, she blew out the candle with a breath that froze like ice; and at the same instant I felt, in the darkness, three sharp teeth pierce my hand.
I woke trembling, and bathed in a cold perspiration. The good old priest was seated by my side reading his prayer-book.
“Have I slept long?” asked I.
“My son,” replied he, “you have been sleeping an hour. They have brought your child to take leave of you, she is in the adjoining room. She is waiting for you, but I would not let them wake you.”
“My child, my child!” I exclaimed; “bring me my child!”