George W M Reynolds

Wagner, the Wehr-Wolf George W M Reynolds

Book Excerpt: ...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. In a magnificen...