astonished at Eric's escape, until he heard how he and Tuscar
had become acquainted; and then Wolf heard the voice in his heart say
that there was nothing better than kindness and love shewn to man or
beast. They both after this pursued their journey with light and hopeful
hearts, for they had got out of what was called the wild robber country,
and Eric knew that he was drawing near home. The thread was stronger
than ever, and every hour it helped more and more to support him. Wolf
trotted along with his short stick, and sometimes snorting and blowing
with the fatigue like one of his own pigs. They talked as best they
could about all they had seen. "Did you see big Thorold the lion?" asked
Wolf. "I did," said Eric; "he is very awful, but he was chained." "Lucky
for you!" said Wolf, "for Ralph hunts with him and kills travellers. He
will obey none but Ralph. I heard him roaring. He is hungry. He once ate
one of my pigs, and would have ate me if he had not first caught the
poor black porker. I escaped up a tree." And thus they chatted, as they
journeyed on through woods, and across green plains, and over low hills,
until Wolf complained of hunger. Eric at once gave him what remained
of his large cake; but it did not suffice to appease the hunger of the
herd, who was, however, very thankful for what he got. To their delight
they now saw a beautiful cottage not far from their path, and, as they
approached it, an old woman, with a pretty girl who seemed to be her
daughter, came out to meet them. "Good day, young gentlemen!" said the
old woman with a kind smile and a courtesy; "you seem to be on your
travels, and look wearied? Pray come into my cottage, and I shall
refresh you." "What fortunate fellows we are!" said Wolf. "We are much
obliged to you for your hospitality," replied Eric. But, alas! the
thread drew him in an opposite direction; so turning to Wolf, he said,
"I cannot go in." "Come, my handsome young gentleman," said the young
woman, "and we shall make you so happy. You shall have such a dinner as
will delight you, I am sure; and you may remain as long as you please,
and I will dance and sing to you; nor need you pay anything." And she
came forward smiling and dancing, offering her arm to Eric. "Surely you
won't be so rude as refuse me! you are so beautiful, and have such
lovely hair and eyes, and I never saw such a belt as you wear: do come!"
"Come, my son," said the old woman to Wolf, as she put her hand round
his