he distance. Suddenly she found herself in a small clearing, and drew
her rein to rest her panting steed. She had not remained long in her
position, when she heard, opposite to her, a crashing among the
branches, and the next moment a huge wild boar, maddened with pursuit,
and foaming with rage, broke into the opening and sprang directly
towards her. Her horse, terrified at the apparition, reared so
suddenly that he fell backwards, throwing his rider heavily, and
narrowly missing crushing her. Springing to his feet, he dashed wildly
away with flying mane and rein, while the lady lay at the mercy of the
infuriated animal, faint and incapable of exertion.

At that critical moment, a young man, in the livery of the count,
dashed before the prostrate form of the lady, and dropping on one
knee, levelled his short spear, and sternly received the charge of the
boar. Though the weapon was well directed, it shivered in the grasp of
the young huntsman; and though he drew his short sword with the
rapidity of thought, the boar was upon him. The struggle was short and
fierce, and the young huntsman succeeded in slaying the monster, but
not until he had received a severe wound in the arm from the tusks of
the boar. Heedless of his sufferings, however, he ran to a neighboring
rivulet, and filling his cap with water, returned and sprinkled the
face of the fainting girl. In a few moments she revived.

Her first words, uttered with a trembling voice, were,--

"Where--where is the wild boar?"

"There, lady," said the huntsman, pointing to the grizzly monster.
"His career is ended."

"And it is you who have saved my life," exclaimed Anna, with a
grateful smile.

"I did my duty, lady," answered the huntsman.

"But who are you, sir? Let me, at least, know your name that I may
remember you in my prayers."

"My name is Michael Erlitz; though your eyes, lady, may never have
dwelt on one so lowly as myself, I am ever in your father's train when
he goes to the chase. I am Count Tekeli's _slave_," he added, casting
his eyes on the ground.

"A slave? and so brave--so handsome!" thought the lady Anna; but she
gave no utterance to the thought.

At this moment the count rode up, followed by two or three of his
retainers, and throwing himself from his horse, clasped his daughter
in his arms.

"My child, my child!" he exclaimed; "thank God, you are alive! I saw
your horse dash past me riderless, and flew to your assistance. But
there is b