"'I am not often so highly honored,' responded Hermann, quietly sending forth a wreath of smoke from between his teeth. "'Do you understand my object, Mynheer Hermann?' "'Certainly I do, Mynheer Wilhelm.' "'Indeed,' ejaculated the young hunter, with a look of inquiry. "'Of course,' said Hermann, ironically; 'you come to my cot, Mynheer Wilhelm, hoping to behold some diabolical orgie, or the working of some cabalistic spell, by which I secure success in the chase. You expect to see me in communion with the mountain spirits, and allowing a long-tailed demon to breathe upon my rifle. Look around you, my honored guest; is not my daughter some horrid witch in disguise? Is not this gentle fawn, a bloodthirsty spectre metamorphosed? Do you not see at least a dozen goblins climbing the barrel of my rifle? Ha, ha, ha! you will add another to the thousand and one legends about _Hermann the Demented_. And tell me, young man, what is to prevent my offering you as a sacrifice to my counsellor, the devil? People would say it served you right, for entering this unholy place. You had better depart before my familiar makes his appearance to sup with me, from the skulls of children. I assure you, mynheer, that yonder stone bottle contains human blood. Fly, before the spell begins to work.' "Although the old man frequently laughed while speaking, there was a hollowness, and unreal zest in his mirth, that made the young hunter shudder. "'You have made a great mistake, Mynheer Hermann,' he replied calmly. 'I came here with no such despicable intentions as those you attribute to me. To be plain and honest with you, I am here to ask a gift of you.' "'What is it, boy?' "'Your daughter, mynheer.' "Dropping the pipe, and springing to his feet, Hermann confronted his guest, glaring upon him with vindictive fury. "'Wretch! dare you insult me?' he howled, gnashing his teeth. "'Mynheer Hermann, be calm, I beseech you; you have obliged me to make the request thus abruptly, and I am willing to abide the consequences. I love Marcella, and she loves me. I would make her my wife.' "For a moment, the father held his hand to his brow and fixed a glance upon the young hunter, as though to read his inmost soul; then turning quickly to his child, who sat near him, trembling with fear, he asked excitedly: "'Is this true, Marcella?' "'Yes, dear father,' she replied, arising from her seat, and laying her head fondly upon his breast. "He looked down upon her beautiful face, suffused with tears, in silence; slowly the flash of anger faded from his countenance, leaving the gleam of idolatrous affection shining there. The feelings of a parent overcame all others, and a bright drop glistened on his cheek. "'My darling, my only treasure,' he murmured, pressing her closely to him. 'Your happiness is my only earthly object.'