clearing, met a group from the other direction in which all
recognized Dionysius Banfy as leader, and astounded they cut short
their chase.

Banfy rode toward the group with a scornful smile. "Welcome, my lords,
to my estate! I am very glad that this good fortune is mine. Probably
you have lost your way, otherwise you are my guests and so welcome.
But why do you stare at me so wildly? you call to mind the Hindoo
proverb; 'He who hunts a deer in the forest often comes upon lions.'"

"We consider you neither deer nor lion," replied Csaki, blushing in
his confusion to his very ears;--"but we expected to find ourselves on
lawful ground."

"Quite right," replied Banfy, with an offended laugh. "You are on my
territory and that is comparatively lawful. I really do not know how I
can express my pleasure at this honor. Doubtless you are weary; I
invite you to my house at Bonczida to a friendly meal."

"Thank you," replied Csaki, angrily, "but at present we cannot
accept."

"That is my affair. I am not accustomed to allow those to go away
hungry and thirsty who have come to me as guests. I cannot treat you
as poachers so I must look upon you as my guests, I suppose."

"There is still a third condition possible."

"I recognize none."

"Your Excellency shall learn it at once from me."

"Very good, but there will be time for that over the midday meal. Let
us turn our horses toward Bonczida, my lords."

"I have already said that we would not accept the invitation."

"What do you say? have you then so poor an opinion of my hospitality
as to think that I will not myself drag you away by force? You must
not overlook Bonczida: since you already know my game, you must now
make acquaintance with my domestic animals. At all events, I shall
take you with me, even by force."

"Have done with jesting, Banfy; it is not in place here."

"I think that it is you who are jesting, for I am perfectly serious
when I say that I intend to take you with me even against your will."

"We will see."

"You may be assured that you will," said Banfy; he blew his horn and
from all sides appeared armed men out of the forest. Csaki's men were
surrounded.

"This is certainly treason!" cried Csaki, infuriated.

"Oh no, only a little Carnival fun," replied Banfy, laughing. "This
once the game catches the hunter. Forward, my men, take the horses of
these gentlemen by the bridle and follow me with them to Bonczida. If
any one of them does not go