I felt bewildered; as far as I could see in the bright moonlight the
rider was that very same crooked little man who had so pecked at me
with his hooked nose in the inn, and mounted, too, on the same
white horse. The driver shook his head and laughed aloud at such
horsemanship, then quickly turned to me and said a great deal very
eagerly, not a word of which did I understand, and then he drove on
more rapidly than ever.
I was rejoiced soon afterward when I perceived a light glimmering in
the distance. Gradually more and more lights appeared, and at last we
passed several smoke-dried huts clinging like swallows' nests to the
rocks. As the night was warm, the doors stood open, and I could see
into the lighted rooms, and all sorts of ragged figures gathered about
the hearths. We rattled on through the quiet night, along a steep,
stony road leading up a high mountain. Soon lofty trees and hanging
vines arched completely over us, and anon the heavens became visible,
and we could overlook in the depths a distant circle of mountains,
forests, and valleys. On the summit of the mountain stood a grand old
castle, its many towers gleaming in the brilliant moonlight. "God
be thanked!" I exclaimed, greatly relieved, and on the tiptoe of
expectation as to whither I was being conducted.
A good half-hour passed, however, before we reached the gate-way of
the castle. It led under a broad round tower, the summit of which was
half ruined.
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