194 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



An hour before the young stranger had arrived, 

 another, and a very different visitor, had demanded 

 lodging for the night. He belonged also to another 

 country, and for some years had trafficked with the 

 mountain peasantry, and was known among them by 

 the appellation of the Red Pedler. He was a strong, 

 under-sized, and ill-visaged man ; mean in his dress, 

 and repulsive in his appearance. The Pedler directed 

 a keen and inquisitive look at the belated traveller, who, 

 to escape the sinister scrutiny of his small but piercing 

 eyes, turned to where the herdsman's wife was occupied 

 in preparing the simple supper. The peasant gazed 

 with wonder at her guest ; for never had so fair a face 

 been seen within the herdsman's dwelling. While 

 her eyes were still bent upon the stranger, a fortuitous 

 opening of the mantle displayed a sparkling cross of 

 exquisite beauty, which hung upon the youth's bosom ; 

 and more than once, as it glittered in the uncertain 

 light of the wood fire, she remarked the rich and sparkling 

 gem. 



When morning came, the Pilgrim took leave of the 

 hospitable peasants, and as he inquired the road to the 

 holy well, slipped a rose-noble into the hand of the 

 herdsman's wife. This was not unnoticed by the Red 

 Pedler, who proffered his services as guide, which the 

 youth modestly, but firmly, declined. The Pilgrim 

 hastened to the fountain, performed the customary 

 ceremonies before noon, and then took the mountain 

 path, leading through an opening in the hills, to a station* 

 which, though particularly lonely, was usually selected 

 by good Catholics for a last act of devotion, when return- 

 ing from visiting at the blessed well. The Pedler, 

 * A place of penance frequented by Catholic devotees. 



