unusually innocent brightness. But soon again his dark brows were
knit, and he asked, "How did my father receive you, Rolf? Did he say
a harsh word to you?"

"No, my dear young lord, he did not; indeed he did not speak to me at
all. At first he looked very wrathful; but he checked himself, and
ordered a servant to bring me food and wine to refresh me, and
afterwards to take me to your room."

"He might have kept his word better. But he is my father, and I must
not judge him too hardly. I will now go down to the evening meal."
So saying, he sprang up and threw on his furred mantle.

But Rolf stopped him, and said, entreatingly: "My dear young master,
you would do better to take your meal to-day alone here in your own
apartment; for there is a guest with your father, in whose company I
should be very sorry to see you. If you will remain here, I will
entertain you with pleasant tales and songs."

"There is nothing in the world which I should like better, dear
Rolf," answered Sintram; "but it does not befit me to shun any man.
Tell me, whom should I find with my father?"

"Alas!" said the old man, "you have already found him in the
mountain. Formerly, when I used to ride about the country with
Biorn, we often met with him, but I was forbidden to tell you
anything about him; and this is the first time that he has ever come
to the castle."

"The crazy pilgrim!" replied Sintram; and he stood awhile in deep