say,” replied Bertram; “for it is written, ‘Judge not.’ But, let that be as it will, it can be no slight matter of a sin for a man to meddle with things that bring the Evil One about him; and may, for aught he knows, give him power over body and soul. Satan is ready enough to come of himself without any man’s needing to summon him, or to make bargains with him. Besides, what need of any such help for a good christian hunter? You know that, William, by your own experience; with a good gun and a skilful hand, the hunter wants no devil’s balls, but hits just where he should hit. For my part, if I had such balls, I would’nt fire them for any money; for the fiend is a wily devil, and might, upon occasion, give the ball a sly twist in its course, to serve his purposes instead of mine.”
VIII.
The forester went to bed, and left William in the most wretched state of agitation. In vain he threw himself on his bed; sound sleep fled from his eyes. The delirium of a heated
