But on one journey he was belated. He found himself in an unknown way
in a great fir forest, where the dark pines shut out the lamps of the
stars. He began to fear, for the forests were reputed to be infested
with robbers, when suddenly a peculiar light appeared. It was a fire
that fumed with a steady flame; he perceived it was a charcoal pit.

The colliers are honest people, he reasoned; and with a light step he
approached the pit.

Near-by was a long house, two stories high, and the lower windows were
bright with the candles and fire within.

He approached the house, and knocked upon the door.

The door was opened cautiously by a middle-aged woman, with a bent
form and beautiful, but troubled face.

"What would thee have, stranger?"

"Food and lodging, madam."

"That can never be--not here, not here. It distresses me to say it,
but it would not be for your comfort to tarry here."

"But I am belated, and have lost my way. I must come in."

"I will call my husband. Herman, come here!"

She stepped aside, when an elderly man appeared, holding a light shaded
by his hand, and followed by a group of children.