o will take you to a good place; and, in case of accident,
will assist you with a sure aim. Shall I send for them?"

Ireneus, who was anxious to be actively engaged during the few days he
expected to pass in Sweden, accepted the proposition with eagerness. The
two huntsmen, having been sent for, said that they knew the lair of an
old bear they had hunted during the last winter. It was arranged, that on
the next morning, they should come for Ireneus.

Ebba had heard this conversation with evident uneasiness; but had said
nothing. When the huntsmen left, she said, with an emotion which was
evident in every glance, tone and gesture.

"Cousin, bear-hunting here is a very serious affair, and none but the
boldest of the villagers undertake it. When one of these ferocious
animals is killed, it is borne home in triumph, and the victory is
celebrated with shouts of joy and traditional ceremonies. He who kills
one of these old northern forest-kings, drives a brass nail in the stock
of his gun. Our peasants have various superstitions about the bear. They
will not pronounce his name aloud for fear of offending him, but style
him the 'old man' and the 'grandfather.' When they have killed one, they
ask forgiveness, and speak kindly to him, and beg him to come with them,
where he will he gladly welcomed. All these customs, and many others,
which it would be too long to relate, evince the idea of danger attached
to the pursuit of the bear. I do not wish to divert you from a plan, the
very danger of which, perhaps, pleases you. Be prudent, however, my dear
Ireneus, and take care of yourself. I beg you."

These words were uttered with an accent, the tenderness of which the
young officer had not previously remarked. He looked at Ebba and saw that
she was troubled. A loud laugh, an exclamation of M. de Vermondans,
dissipated the vague impression which Ireneus had received.
"Pardon," said the old man, "women are strange things. If one yielded to
their terrors, the front-door would never be passed, and a gun would be
useless. Because our peasants will not call a bear, should a brave young
fellow hang up his gun, and never venture to pursue the animal? I trust,
Ireneus, that you will refute the dreams of this girl by success, and
bring me home tomorrow a fine skin, to make a new hearth-rug of."

Ireneus said, "I have listened to my cousin, but having a sure foot and a
quick eye, I shall be rash enough to wait until the bear reaches the
mu