ill!

JUST.
But only for three years. He made a bit of a plot amongst master's
company, to get six men through the outposts.

FRAN.
I am astonished; the knave!

JUST.
Ah! he was a useful fellow; a huntsman who knew all the foot paths and
by-ways for fifty miles round, through forests and bogs. And he could
shoot!

FRAN.
It is lucky the Major has still got the honest coachman.

JUST.
Has he got him still?

FRAN.
I thought you said Martin was off on a ride: of course he will come
back!

JUST.
Do you think so?

FRAN.
Well, where has he ridden to?

JUST.
It is now going on for ten weeks since he rode master's last and only
horse--to water.

FRAN.
And has not he come back yet? Oh! the rascal!

JUST.
The water may have washed the honest coachman away. Oh! he was a
famous coachman! He had driven ten years in Vienna. My master will
never get such another again. When the horses were in full gallop, he
only had to say "Wo!" and there they stood, like a wall. Moreover, he
was a finished horse-doctor!

FRAN.
I begin now to be anxious about the footman's promotion.

JUST.
No, no; there is no occasion for that. He has become a drummer in a
garrison regiment.

FRAN.
I thought as much!

JUST.
Fritz chummed up with a scamp, never came home at night, made debts
everywhere in master's name, and a thousand rascally tricks. In short,
the Major saw that he was determined to rise in the world
(pantomimically imitating the act of hanging),
so he put him in the right road.

FRAN.
Oh! the stupid!

JUST.
Yet a perfect footman, there is no doubt of that. In running, my
master could not catch him on his best horse if he gave him fifty
paces; but on the other hand, Fritz could give the gallows a thousand
paces, and, I bet my life, he would overhaul it. They were all great
friends of yours, eh, young woman?... William and Philip, Martin
and Fritz! Now, Just wishes you good day.
(Exit.)

SCENE III.
Franziska, _and afterwards the_ Landlord

FRAN. (looking after him seriously).
I deserve the hit! Thank you, Just. I undervalued honesty. I will not
forget the lesson. Ah! our unfortunate Major!
(Turns round to enter her mistress' room, when the Landlord comes.)

LAND.
Wait a bit, my pretty maid.

FRAN.
I have not time now, Mr. Landlord.

LAND.
Only half a moment! No furthe