The perplexed stranger endeavoured to propitiate the incensed dwarf, by offering to surrender his game, as he would to an earthly Lord of the Manor.

The proposal only redoubled the offence already taken by the dwarf, who alleged that he was the lord of those mountains, and the protector of the wild creatures who found a retreat in their solitary recesses; and that all spoils derived from their death, or misery, were abhorrent to him.

The hunter humbled himself before the angry goblin, and by protestations of his ignorance, and of his resolution to abstain from such intrusion in future, at last succeeded in pacifying him.

The gnome now became more communicative, and spoke of himself as belonging to a species of beings something between the angelic race and humanity.

He added, moreover, which could hardly have been anticipated, that he had hopes of sharing in the redemption of the race of Adam.