must, take me, I entreat of you.'

Then when Undine saw that her cry was unheard, she ordered her palfrey
to be saddled instantly, and mounting it, she rode forth alone to
follow the knight into the Black Valley.




CHAPTER XIII

THE BLACK VALLEY


The Black Valley was a gloomy place. Fir-trees grew tall and dark on
the banks of the stream, casting strange shadows on the sunny waters.

As the knight entered the valley, evening had fallen and the stream
rushed, dark and sullen, between the rocks.

Huldbrand glanced anxiously from side to side, but no trace could be
found of the maiden whom he sought. He began to fear lest already she
were in peril, and thinking thus he urged his horse yet further into
the valley.

Peering through the bushes as he rode, he at length caught sight of
something white lying on the ground. Had he found Bertalda at last?

He spurred his horse onward toward the white gleam which had caught
his eye, but the animal no sooner saw the object which had gladdened