The curiosity of the
beholders was roused to the highest pitch, but an undefinable awe
prevented them from rushing forward.
Suddenly the demon hunter waved a pike with which he was armed,
and uttered a peculiar cry, resembling the hooting of an owl. At this
sound, and as if by magic, a couple of steeds, accompanied by the two
hounds, started from the brake. In an instant the demon huntsman
vaulted upon the hack of the horse nearest to him, and the keeper
almost as quickly mounted the other. The pair then galloped off
through the glen, the owl flying before them, and the hounds coursing
by their side.
The two friends gazed at each other, for some time, in speechless
wonder. Taking heart, they then descended to the haunted tree, but
could perceive no traces of the strange being by whom it had been
recently tenanted. After a while they retraced their course towards the
castle, hoping they might once more encounter the wild huntsman. Nor
were they disappointed. As they crossed a glen, a noble stag darted
by. Close at its heels came the two black hounds, and after them the
riders hurrying forward at a furious pace, their steeds appearing to
breathe forth flame and smoke.
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