When he was silent, and again began his walk, the frightful groanings and moanings were heard afresh, as if they came from a dying person.

Sintram overcame the horror which seemed to hold him back, and began in silence to climb down into the deep dry moat which was cut in the rock.

He was soon so low down that he could no longer see the stars shining; beneath him moved a shrouded form; and sliding with involuntary haste down the steep descent, he stood near the groaning figure; it ceased its lamentations, and began to laugh like a maniac from beneath its long, folded, female garments.
"Oh ho, my comrade! oh ho, my comrade! wert thou going a little too fast?
Well, well, it is all right; and see now, thou standest no higher than I, my pious, valiant youth! Take it patiently,--take it patiently!" "What dost thou want with me?
Why dost thou laugh?
why dost thou weep ?" asked Sintram impatiently.
"I might ask thee the same questions," answered the dark figure, "and thou wouldst be less able to answer me than I to answer thee.

Why dost thou laugh?
why dost thou weep ?--Poor creature! But I will show thee a remarkable thing in thy fortress, of which thou knowest nothing.

Give heed!" And the shrouded figure began to scratch and scrape at the stones till a little iron door opened, and showed a long passage which led into the deep darkness.
"Wilt thou come with me ?" whispered the strange being; "it is the shortest way to thy father's castle.