disposed about its gaunt and tawny-coloured limbs. On its head was
seen a sort of helmet, formed of the skull of a stag, from which
branched a large pair of antlers; from its left arm hung a heavy and
rusty-looking chain, in the links of which burnt the phosphoric fire
before mentioned; while on its right wrist was perched a large horned
owl, with feathers erected, and red staring eyes.

Impressed with the superstitious feelings common to the age, the
young earl, fully believing he was in the presence of a supernatural
being, could scarcely, despite his courageous nature, which no
ordinary matter would have shaken, repress a cry. Crossing himself, he
repeated, with great fervency, a prayer, against evil spirits, and as he
uttered it the light was extinguished, and the spectral figure vanished.
The clanking of the chain was heard, succeeded by the hooting of the
owl; then came a horrible burst of laughter, then a fearful wail, and all
was silent.

Up to this moment the young earl had stood still, as if spell-bound; but
being now convinced that the spirit had fled, he pressed forward, and,
ere many seconds, emerged from the brake. The full moon was rising
as he issued forth, and illuminating the glades and vistas, and the
calmness and beauty of all around seemed at total variance with the
fearful vision he had just witnessed. Throwing a shuddering glance at
the haunted dell, he was about to hurry towards the castle, when a
large, lightning-scathed, and solitary oak, standing a little distance from
him, attracted his attention.

This was the very tree connected with the wild legend of Herne the
Hunter, which Captain Bouchier had warned him not to approach, and
he now forcibly recalled the caution. Beneath it he perceived a figure,