During the course of the meal — but much more over the wine — you will hear talk of “Zeb Stump the hunter.”
You may not often see him. He will be gone from the hacienda, before you are out of your bed; and back only after you have retired. But the huge gobbler seen in the “smoke-house,” and the haunch of venison hanging by its side, are evidence he has been there.
While sojourning at Casa del Corvo, you may get hints of a strange story connected with the place — now almost reduced to a legend.
The domestics will tell it you, but only in whispers: since they know that it is a theme tabooed by the master and mistress of the mansion, in whom it excites sad souvenirs.
It is the story of the Headless Horseman.