He hastily readjusted his dress, so that he might be in readiness for whatever should happen, and feeling a little excited at this novel commotion.
"What can be the matter with poor old Miraut?
He usually sleeps from sunset to sunrise without making a sound, save his snores.

Can it be that a wolf is prowling about the place ?" said the young man to himself, as he buckled the belt of his sword round his slender waist.
A formidable weapon it was, that sword, with long blade, and heavy iron scabbard.
At that moment three loud knocks upon the great outer door resounded through the house.

Who could possibly have strayed here at this hour, so far from the travelled roads, and in this tempest that was making night horrible without?
No such thing had occurred within the baron's recollection.

What could it portend?
.