grandfather’s father, the very man whom thou seest painted in that picture there, who thus addressed the duke: ‘My gracious liege, if it is your pleasure, by God’s grace I will try my luck; my life is at your mercy, for I have neither money nor goods, but I much pity the poor man, and would have risked my life for him had I seen him in the hands of his enemies or robbers.’ This speech pleased the duke, and he bade Kuno try his luck, promising him also the reward, if he proved successful, though he did not mention the punishment, in case he failed. Then Kuno took his gun, levelled it in God’s name, and commending the ball to the guidance of the holy angels, fired right into the thicket, and in the twinkling of an eye out rushed the stag mortally wounded, but the poor peasant had received only a few slight scratches on his face and hands. The duke kept his word, and bestowed the forest-keepership on Kuno and his heirs for ever. But good luck never wanted envious neighbours; and Kuno soon felt this. There were many who would gladly have filled Kuno’s place; and what did they, think you, but persuaded the duke that he had succeeded by the devil’s favour only in hitting the stag, for, said they, it was a free shot, and must have been directed by the devil. And the duke listened to these malicious representations so far as to cause it to be ordained that in all time coming the descendants of Kuno should give proof of their skill before succeeding to their father’s office. I myself had to shoot the ring out of the popinjay’s mouth; so you see that my successor, whoever he may be, must at all events be a good shot.”
William had listened to the old forester’s narrative with intense interest. He now rose, pressed his hand warmly, and promised to make himself, in a short time, such a huntsman as great-grandfather Kuno would not blush to own for a friend.
