Their leader, a nobleman, Hugo by name, refused to follow the custom of the old country, which decreed that the forge fires should be extinguished once in seven years. The belief used to ol)tain that a salamander grew in the fire, and if allowed to remain unmolested for more than seven years would develop his perfect form and be able to issue from the flames and work incalculable mischief among men. But Hugo laughed at the superstitious murmurings of his men, till one day he and they saw the dreadful monster take shape, -- the shape

302 The Hudson River

of a serpent or dragon, -- with darting tongue and blazing eves, and body and tail that seemed like metal at a white heat.

Hugo's wife saved her husband and extinguished the fire with holy water, but lost her own life in doing so. Then seven years more, and his only son was snatched away. Again seven years, and Hugo, upon the summit of High Taur, was shown the treasures of the earth which he might win, only at the peril of his soul, but his daughter's prayer and touch saved him. There, in the depths, the salamander glowed, but his spell was powerless. Then appeared in the mountain a knightly man, between whom and the daughter of Hugo there sprang uv a pure passion. She in her innocence would have ex]:)ressed her love for him, but he repelled her gently, saying: "When you sle^^t, I came and put a crown of gems on vour head; that was because I was in the power of the earth S]:)irit. Then I had power only o\'er tlie element of fire, that either consumes or hardens to Stone, but now water and life are mine. Behold! wear these, for you are worthy." Then he touched the tears that fell from the girl's eyes and the}' turned into lilies in his hands, and he placed them upon her brow.