The Press., 1898-07-14

killed, by the low branches of the trees which crisscrossed thickly above my head.
 In this position and clinging tightly to both mane and pommel could see behind me. The hounds continued their thunderous baying, when, suddenly bursting through the dense thicket, I saw tremendous wolf emerge, closely followed by the furious dogs Straight on it came after me. Could it be giving me chase? "The werewolfp' Imurmur- ed and closed my eyes in an agony of terror.
 How long that mad ride lasted nev- CT knew. When awoke as from long sleep, which was in reality 8 deep swoon, found myself in the midst of a clearing in an unknown part of the for est, while the moon poured its rays full into my face, lighting up the space around me with brilliancy. Horse, dogs and wolf had disappeared Twas alone.
 Slowly regaining my senses found, to my surprise, that I was absolutely uninjured, and as I started to my feet in bewilderment, wondering which way to turn, felt a gentle touch upon my shoulder. Turning, with suppressed shriek, saw an old man, beggar he seemed to be by the poverty of his clothing, standing tall and straight in the moonlight before me. I saw him plainly. I see him plainly today in memory. In one hand he held a gourd, and fastened to his shoulders was 8 knapsack Speeches. with terror, I started to run. tDo not flee, sweet an gel of France" he said in the gentlest of tones, speaking the familiar patois of Brittany. "You will only lose your way. Let me guide you home, for I know all the forests paths" He wait ed few moments for my reply, but l was too overcome by emotion to articu- late, and he continued, still in his na- tive tongue: "I have watched over your slumber for an hour, and in two hours .,nre it will be midnight Tell me your destination, pray, that may lead you thither without delay"
 stammered the name of the manor house.
 "Ah, that is your home, is it?'' he exclaimed. Follow me, then, little fairy of the manor, sweet little angel of Francep And obeyed, keeping close behind him in the darkness, with my fears allayed by the excessive gentle ness of his manner.
 It was only at the end of long, long hour that we emerged from the forest. Across the moor saw with joy the fa- miliar outline of the castle standing up in bold but ghostly wilderness against the deep black of the trees not 100 yards away.
 Come in with me-" said at last, timidly addressing my strange guide for the first time. "Come in with me and rest and be refreshed with meat for your kindness in taking this long, weary walk out of your way to oblige me-"
 The old mendicant shook his head as if ill anger.
 "No, no, no, " he repeated vehement ly. "I want nothing, Twill accept noth- ing" But after d few moments hesita- tion he added with almost angelic sweet ness, "Your eyes have given me so great a joy that need nothing more, '" and he turned hastily back toward the forest.
 Drawing 8 small silken purse from my pocket. in which I had that morn ing placed four gold coins, ran after the singular old man and begged his ac- ceptance of it as a remembrance, not as reward, and l placed it coaxingly in his hand.
 Tears stood in his eyes as he slowly lifted the silken meshes to his lips, and then, to nay amazement, he held it to- ward my mouth. Mechanically obeyed his silent gesture and in my turn l kissed the little purse. Swiftly placing it in his bosom then, without 8 word, without a sound, he sprang into the woods and disappeared as if by magic beneath the trees.
 The next day and for many days fol lowing Gruigny and I explored the coun- try for miles around in a vain search for the mysterious old man, whose pa thetic, even mystic, admiration had both touched and thrilled me the night before, but no one had ever seen or heard of such being. No one answer