After travelling for some hours, as nearly in a straight line as I could, I arrived at a lonely tower, built on the top of a little hill, which overlooked the whole neighbouring country.

As I approached, I heard the clang of an anvil; and so rapid were the blows, that I despaired of making myself heard till a pause in the work should ensue.

It was some minutes before a cessation took place; but when it did, I knocked loudly, and had not long to wait; for, a moment after, the door was partly opened by a noble-looking youth, half-undressed, glowing with heat, and begrimed with the blackness of the forge.

In one hand he held a sword, so lately from the furnace that it yet shone with a dull fire.
As soon as he saw me, he threw the door wide open, and standing aside, invited me very cordially to enter.

I did so; when he shut and bolted the door most carefully, and then led the way inwards.