features. Indeed, when I collected my thoughts and looked carefully
at him, it appeared to me--"

Low moanings and convulsive movements of the boy here interrupted the
narrative. Rolf and his chaplain hastened to his bedside, and
perceived that his countenance wore an expression of fearful agony,
and that he was struggling in vain to open his eyes. The priest made
the Sign of the Cross over him, and immediately peace seemed to be
restored, and his sleep again became quiet: they both returned softly
to their seats.

"You see," said Rolf, "that it will not do to describe more closely
those two awful beings. Suffice it to say, that they went down into
the court-yard, and that I proceeded to my lady's apartments. I
found the gentle Verena almost fainting with terror and overwhelming
anxiety, and I hastened to restore her with some of those remedies
which I was able to apply by my skill, through God's gift and the
healing virtues of herbs and minerals. But scarcely had she
recovered her senses, when, with that calm holy power which, as you
know, is hers, she desired me to conduct her down to the court-yard,
saying that she must either put a stop to the fearful doings of this
night, or herself fall a sacrifice. Our way took us by the little
bed of the sleeping Sintram. Alas! hot tears fell from my eyes to
see how evenly his gentle breath then came and went, and how sweetly
he smiled in his peaceful slumbers."

The old man put his hands to his eyes, and wept bitterly; but soon he
resumed his sad story. "As we approached the lowest window of the
staircase, we could hear distinctly the voice of the elder merchant;
and on looking out, the light of the torches showed me his noble