through a torrent, which rushed foaming near them from a lofty cliff;
and with a splash, which much resembled in sound a burst of laughter,
the stream all at once poured upon them and gave them a thorough
wetting. The priest, as if suddenly awakening from a trance, coolly
observed: "This is what I have been some time expecting, because the
brook has descended from the steep so close beside us--though at first
sight, indeed, it appeared to resemble a man, and to possess the power
of speech."
As the waterfall came rushing from its crag, it distinctly uttered these
words in Huldbrand's ear: "Rash knight! valiant knight! I am not angry
with you; I have no quarrel with you; only continue to defend your
lovely little wife with the same spirit, you bold knight! you valiant
champion!"
After advancing a few steps farther, the travellers came out upon open
ground. The imperial city lay bright before them; and the evening sun,
which gilded its towers with gold, kindly dried their garments that had
been so completely drenched.
The sudden disappearance of the young knight, Huldbrand of Ringstetten,
had occasioned much remark in the imperial city, and no small concern
amongst those who, as well on account of his expertness in tourney and
dance, as of his mild and amiable manners, had become attached to him.
His attendants were unwilling to quit the place without their master,
although not a soul of them had been courageous enough to follow him
into the fearful recesses of the forest. They remained, therefore, at
the hostelry, idly hoping, as men are wont to do, and keeping the fate
of their lost lord fresh in remembrance by their lamentations.
Now when the violent storms and floods had been observed immediately
after his departure, the destruction of the handsome stranger became
all but certain; even Bertalda had openly discovered her sorrow, and
detested herself for having been the cause of his taking that fatal
excursion into the forest. Her foster-parents, the duke and duchess, had
meanwhile come to take her away; but Bertalda persuaded them to remain
with her until some certain news of Huldbrand should be obtained,
whether he were living or dead. She endeavoured also to prevail upon
several young knights, who were assiduous in courting her favour, to
go in quest of the noble adventurer in the forest. But she refused
to pledge her hand as the reward of the enterprise, because she still
cherished, it might be, a hope of its
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