Kuhleborn's head. But instead of severing it from his body, the
sword merely flashed through a torrent, which rushed foaming near
them from a lofty cliff; and with a splash, which much resembled in
sound a burst of laughter, the stream all at once poured upon them
and gave them a thorough wetting. The priest, as if suddenly
awakening from a trance, coolly observed: "This is what I have been
some time expecting, because the brook has descended from the steep
so close beside us--though at first sight, indeed, it appeared to
resemble a man, and to possess the power of speech."

As the waterfall came rushing from its crag, it distinctly uttered
these words in Huldbrand's ear: "Rash knight! valiant knight! I am
not angry with you; I have no quarrel with you; only continue to
defend your lovely little wife with the same spirit, you bold knight!
you valiant champion!"

After advancing a few steps farther, the travellers came out upon
open ground. The imperial city lay bright before them; and the
evening sun, which gilded its towers with gold, kindly dried their
garments that had been so completely drenched.

The sudden disappearance of the young knight, Huldbrand of
Ringstetten, had occasioned much remark in the imperial city, and no
small concern amongst those who, as well on account of his expertness
in tourney and dance, as of his mild and amiable manners, had become
attached to him. His attendants were unwilling to quit the place
without their master, although not a soul of them had been courageous
enough to follow him into the fearful recesses of the forest. They
remained, therefore, at the hostelry, idly hoping, as men are wont to
do, and keeping the fate of their lost lord fresh in remembrance by