"'"Varno of The Black Forest," he answered, in a voice of rolling thunder. I know not why it was, but at his reply my fear vanished, and my wrongs arose before me in their darkest coloring. "'"Can you aid me?" I asked, returning his piercing glance. Never shall I forget the fearful distinctness with which he said: "'"Hermann Vandervelt, I know what you would require of me, and you shall be satisfied, _but there is a price attached to my services_; three requests shall be granted, and then _you must be mine, soul and body_. Will you swear to this?" "'Like a maniac, I fell upon my knees before the stranger, shouting, in the height of passion: "Grant me but _revenge_ upon the betrayer of my honor, and I will be yours, eternally yours, soul and body yours; I swear by the God who--" "'"Silence!" thundered the stranger, his eyes glowing like coals of withering, devouring fire. "'"Hermann, you must swear by the _Spirits of Hartz Mountains_." Wrought up to frenzy, I obeyed him. He dictated a fearful oath, and when I had repeated it, he said, in tones that froze my blood: "'"Hermann Vandervelt, take your rifle and seek your enemy; he shall fall by your hand. I will leave you this animal (pointing to the fawn,) and when you would see me, let it return to the forest. Remember, I have granted _one_ request; _two_ more shall be granted, _and then you will be mine_." "'His horrid laugh is still ringing in my ears. In silence, I opened the door, and beheld, dimly through the darkness, a tall steed with blazing eyes, standing motionless upon the plain. As the stranger passed me, a momentary chill, like that of the grave, fell upon me; he mounted, and I saw him no longer. Grasping my rifle, I fled through the darkness like a fiend of blood, the White Fawn following my footsteps like a hound. No rest, no meat, did I take until I saw my enemy lying before me, bleeding to death, while the Fawn lapped his blood. "'"I am Hermann!" I shouted in his ears, and then flew back wildly, as I came. My child was nearly dead from neglect when I returned from the doubly-cursed spot; but I tended her faithfully, and she soon went forth with me to the forest; and the White Fawn never left her side. "'I was a successful hunter at first; but suddenly my fortune changed, and I could get no more food. Then was the spell of madness on me once more, and _I set the White Fawn free_. Again there came a knocking at the door; again the Fawn sprang in, followed by its master. _My second request was granted--there remains but one more!_ From that night my familiar has met me on the borders of the Black Forest nightly, and the darkest depths are filled with game for me. Such is my story, Wilhelm, and here, on my bosom, reposes the child of my affection. Speak boldly, as becomes a man; would you wed the daughter of _Hermann, the Demented_?'