Independently of the difficulty of accounting for its presence, the appearance of the figure was in itself sufficiently appalling. It was above the ordinary stature, and was enveloped in a long black cloak, while a tall, conical black cap, which added to its height, and increased the hideousness of its features, covered its head.
For a few minutes Surrey remained gazing at the figure in mute astonishment, during which it maintained the same motionless posture. At length he was able to murmur forth the interrogation, “Who art thou?”
“A friend,” replied the figure, in a sepulchral tone.
“Are you a man or spirit?” demanded Surrey.
“It matters not—I am a friend,” rejoined the figure.
“On what errand come you here?” asked Surrey.
“To serve you,” replied the figure; “to liberate you. You shall go hence with me, if you choose.”
“On what condition?” rejoined Surrey.
“We will speak of that when we are out of the castle, and on the green sod of the forest,” returned the figure.
“You tempt in vain,” cried Surrey. “I will not go with you. I recognise in you the demon hunter Herne.” The figure laughed hollowly—so hollowly that Surrey's flesh crept upon his bones.