He remembered them well. And on their knees the two remained, waiting for that which was to come. But there came neither dwarf nor giant, and the ground did not open either. The stars over their heads, glittered coldly, and the chill night-air blew into their faces ... Yet a faith so strong and deep, as that of the two children, ought not to be laughed at, even if it cannot remove mountains, or bring up treasures from the deep. Now a strange light was seen on the firmament. A shooting star, marking its way by a trailing line of light, fell down; followed by many others. "It is coming from above," whispered Audifax, convulsively pressing the little maiden to his side. "_Auri sacra fames_ ..." he called out once more into the night. Then the golden lines crossed each other; and soon one meteor after another became extinguished, and everything in the sky, was again quiet as before. Audifax looked with anxious eyes around; then he rose sorrowfully, and said in faltering tones: "'Tis nothing; they have fallen into the lake. They grudge us everything. We shall remain poor." "Hast thou said the words, which the holy man gave thee, quite right?" "Exactly so as he taught me." "Then he has not told thee the right spell. Probably he wants to find the treasure for himself. Perhaps he has put a net in the place where the stars fell down ..." "No, I don't believe that," said Audifax. "His face is mild and good, and his lips are not deceitful." Hadumoth was thoughtful. "Perhaps he does not know the right words?" "Why not?" "Because he has not got the right God. He prays to the new God. The old Gods were great and strong also." Audifax pressed his fingers on the lips of his companion. "Be silent." "I am no longer afraid," said Hadumoth. "I know someone else, who knows all about spells and charms." "Who is it?" Hadumoth pointed to a steep dark mountain, opposite. "The woman of the wood," replied she. "The woman of the wood?" repeated Audifax aghast. "She, who made the great thunder-storm, when the hailstones fell as big as pigeon's eggs, into the fields; and who has eaten up the count of Hilzingen, who never returned home?" "Just on account of that. We will ask her. The castle will still be closed for some hours, and the night is cold." The little goose-girl had become bold and adventurous; for her sympathy with Audifax was great, and she wanted so much to help him to the fulfilment of his wishes. "Come," said she eagerly, "if thou art frightened in the dark wood, thou canst blow on thy pipe; and the birds will answer thee, for it will soon be dawn." Audifax did not raise any further objection. So they walked on northwards, through the dark fir-wood. They both knew the path well. Not a human creature was stirring about; only an old fox, lying in ambush, for some rabbit or partridge, caught sight of them and was as little satisfied with their appearance, as they had been with the shooting stars.