No one answered his call, and no longer caring if it were the home of
friend or foe, he opened the door, and staggering in he sank upon
the hearth.

As he looked about him he thought, "This is the home of some forest
chief."

A great fire burned in the rude fireplace, and, as he grew warm, being
worn and weary, he sank into a heavy sleep.


HUNDING'S WIFE

As Siegmund slept, the door of the inner room was gently opened and a
beautiful woman stole softly in.

She was clad in snowy white.

Her head was crowned with a wealth of golden hair.

She had heard Siegmund as he entered the room, and, thinking her
chieftain had returned from the hunt, she came to greet him.

Instead she saw a stranger on the hearth, and, drawing near, she saw
that his face looked sad and troubled.

"Who are you?" she asked, but Siegmund did not stir.

Then she knelt beside him and looked into his face.