which he at first took for that of the spectral hunter; but his fears were
relieved by a shout from the person, who at the same moment appeared
to catch sight of him.

Satisfied that, in the present instance, he had to do with a being of this
world, Surrey ran towards the tree, and on approaching it perceived
that the object of his alarm was a young man of very athletic
proportions, and evidently, from his garb, a keeper of the forest.

He was habited in a jerkin of Lincoln green cloth, with the royal badge
woven in silver on the breast, and his head was protected by a flat
green cloth cap, ornamented with a pheasant's tail. Under his right arm
he carried a crossbow; a long silver-tipped horn was slung in his
baldric; and he was armed with a short hanger, or wood-knife. His
features were harsh and prominent; and he bad black beetling brows, a
large coarse mouth, and dark eyes, lighted up with a very sinister and
malignant expression.

He was attended by a large savage-looking staghound, whom he
addressed as Bawsey, and whose fierceness had to be restrained as
Surrey approached.

Have you seen anything?" he demanded of the earl.

"I have seen Herne the Hunter himself, or the fiend in his likeness,"
replied Surrey.

And he briefly related the vision he had beheld.

"Ay, ay, you have seen the demon hunter, no doubt," replied the keeper