"I am a belated traveler," said he to Herman, the collier, "and I have
lost my way. I see that you are an honest man, and I may tell you that
I have merchandise of value, and so it is not safe for me to go on.
Give me a shelter and a meal, and I will pay for all."

"It is loath I am to turn away a stranger, but this is no place for a
traveler. The house is haunted, yet it will not be so always, I hope;
but it is so now."

"But, good man, I am not afraid."

"You do not know, stranger."

"But I can sleep where you can, and where this good woman can live
with her innocent children."

"You don't know," said the woman, "You don't know."

"But I must rest here. There may be thieves without, wolves. There
cannot be worse things within. I must come in, and I will."

Berthold forced his way into the house, and sat down near the fire,
laying his portmanteau near him.

The family were silent, and looked distressed. But the woman set
before him a meal.

"Let us sing," said the collier at last.