Half an hour passed, when again some one knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Under his breath he added: "The gendarmes, likely." But it was only the proprietor of the hotel.

"Asking Herr's pardon," he said, "for this intrusion, but I have secured a man for you.

I have the honor to recommend Johann Kopf as a good guide and hunter." "Send him up.

If he pleases me, I'll use him." The proprietor withdrew.
Johann Kopf proved to be a young German with a round, ruddy face, which was so innocent of guile as to be out of harmony with the shrewd, piercing black eyes looking out of it.

The Englishman eyed him inquisitively, even suspiciously.
"Are you a good hunter ?" he asked.
"There is none better hereabout," answered Johann, twirling his cap with noticeably white fingers.