Wagner, the Wehr-Wolf

manifest to thee my deep, my boundless gratitude for this boon which thou hast conferred upon me!"

"By thinking no more of thy lost grand-child Agnes, but by preparing to follow me whither I shall now lead thee," replied the stranger.

"Command me: I am ready to obey in all things," cried Wagner. "But one word ere we set forth--who art thou, wondrous man?"

"Henceforth I have no secrets from thee, Wagner," was the answer, while the stranger's eyes gleamed with unearthly luster; then, bending forward, he whispered a few words in the other's ear.

Wagner started with a cold and fearful shudder as if at some appalling announcement; but he uttered not a word of reply--for his master beckoned him imperiously away from the humble cottage.

CHAPTER I.

THE DEATH-BED--THE OATH--THE LAST INJUNCTIONS.

Our tale commences in the middle of the month of November, 1520, and at the hour of midnight.

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