They stood and talked in whispers. At odd times some creature slunk past them into the forest depths, out of their way; but nothing human came near them. Feeling oppressed with the hopelessness of the position, they turned back into the forest, Herman leading the way to the hollow where the horse was tethered. Their idea was to go back to the city and tell the story of this disaster. After a while they felt the stress of hunger, and, seeing a light down one of the forest avenues, they went towards it and found a hut, from the window of which the light was streaming. "Who goes there?" came the cry when Herman knocked loudly on the door; then someone passed the window, and Herman, seeing the face, knew him. "'Tis Otto Engel!" he cried. "What if it be?" was the man's half-menacing answer, for he heard the words. "I asked who was there, not who was I!" "I am Herman Bengel." "What?" was the incredulous response. "Out in the forest at this time o' night? What art doing here?" "Knocking at Otto Engel's door, to ask if he will sell two hungry men some food." The ranger laughed. "That's good! to come to a friend to buy a meal!" By this time the bolt was drawn and the bar dropped, and now the ranger filled up the open doorway, a giant, so he seemed, by contrast, even to those outside, who were both beyond the average size. "Come in!" he cried, drawing back to make room for them to enter, and thus allowing the light to fall on the faces of his visitors. "One is Herman Bengel. I know that much," he said, as they passed into the hut. "But who is the other?" "I'll tell you when the door is shut," Herman said in a low tone. "It is not well to shout a man's name, nor even whisper it--not this man's, at all events, even in the depths of the forest." "Ha! some criminal escaped from jail, and you think to bring him here for me to hide him?" the ranger said jestingly, to tease Herman. "Just as you will. But can you lodge this horse?" "Yes. Come this way," was the hearty answer. Laying a hand on the queer bridle, but saying nothing, he led the horse to the other side of the hut, where he placed him in a snug stable and gave the tired creature a plentiful supply of food and water. Before long the two men were sitting to a meal which Engel set before them, so appetising that in spite of their anxiety they ate with keen relish, the ranger plying them with food till they could eat no more. "Now for this story--the reason why two men should be out in the forest at this time o' night," the ranger said, when he had cleared the table. Herman gazed about him before he answered. He got up from his stool and walked round the hut, looking into the corners, and opening an inner door to assure himself that no others but themselves were there.