On the Night of the Seventh Moon Read Free Page A

had passed since the time for our rendezvous.
    It must have been half an hour after that. I had called until I was hoarse; and then I was alert for the sound of a displaced stone rolling and the crackle of undergrowth indicated that someone was near.
    â€œCooee!” I called with relief. “I’m here.”
    He loomed up out of the mist like a hero of the forest on his big white horse. I went toward him. He sat for one second regarding me, then he said in English: “It was you who called. So you’re lost.”
    I was too relieved to be surprised that he spoke in English. I began to talk quickly: “Have you seen the wagonette? And Schwester Maria and the girls? I must find them quickly.”
    He smiled slowly. “You’re from the
Damenstift.
”
    â€œWhy, yes, of course.”
    He leaped down from his horse. He was tall, broad, and immediately I was aware of what I could only describe then as authority. I was delighted. I wanted someone who could get me back to Schwester Maria with all speed and he gave an impression of invincibility.
    â€œI’m lost,” I said. “There was a picnic.”
    â€œAnd you strayed away from the fold.” His eyes gleamed. They were very bright topaz color, I thought, but perhaps that was the strange light due to the mist. His mouth which was firm and full turned up at the corners; he had not taken his eyes from me and I was a little embarrassed by his scrutiny.
    â€œSheep who stray from the fold deserve to be lost,” he said.
    â€œYes, I suppose so, but I didn’t exactly stray far. But for the mist I should have found them easily.”
    â€œOne must always expect mist at these heights,” he reproved.
    â€œWell, yes, of course, but will you take me back to them? I’m sure they are still searching for me.”
    â€œIf you can tell me where they are, most certainly. But if you knew that important fact you would not need my help.”
    â€œCouldn’t we try and find them? They can’t be far.”
    â€œHow could we find anyone in this mist?”
    â€œIt’s more than an hour since I was supposed to be there.”
    â€œDepend upon it. They’ve gone back to the
Damenstift.
”
    I looked at the horse. “It’s five miles. Could you take me there?”
    I was rather startled to be promptly lifted up and set sideways on the horse. He leaped into the saddle.
    â€œGo on Schlem,” he said in German.
    The horse walked cautiously forward while the stranger kept one arm about me; he held the reins with the other. I could feel my heart beating very fast. I was so excited I had stopped worrying about Schwester Maria.
    I said: “Anyone could get lost in the mist.”
    â€œAnyone,” he agreed.
    â€œYou were lost I suppose?” I asked.
    â€œIn a manner,” he said, “Schlem”—he patted the horse—“would always take me back.”
    â€œYou’re not English,” I said suddenly.
    â€œI am betrayed,” he replied. “Tell me what did it.”
    â€œYour accent. It’s very faint, but there.”
    â€œI was educated at Oxford.”
    â€œHow exciting! My home is there.”
    â€œI believe I have risen somewhat in your estimation. Am I right?”
    â€œWell, I hadn’t started to make an estimation yet.”
    â€œHow wise of you. One never should on a very short acquaintance.”
    â€œI’m Helena Trant, studying at the
Damenstift
near Leichenkin.”
    I waited for him to introduce himself, but all he said was: “How interesting.”
    I laughed. “When you loomed out of the mist I thought you were Siegfried or somebody like that.”
    â€œYou are very complimentary.”
    â€œIt was the horse. Schlem. He’s magnificent. And you looked so tall and commanding seated up there, just as he must have looked—Siegfried I mean.”
    â€œYou are well acquainted with our