Sternbald was to saddle the chesnut horse,
saying that he must ride to the city, where he had business to
transact, and hinting that when he returned he would speak more openly
about that which he must now keep secret. Then filling the glasses he
asked about the Poles and the Turks, who were then at war with each
other, entangled the farmer into all sorts of political conjectures on
the subject, and finally took a parting glass to the success of their
bargain, and dismissed him.

No sooner had the farmer left the room, than Lisbeth fell on her knees
before her husband. "If," she cried, "you still retain any feeling for
me, and for the children which I bore you; if we are not already cast
off--for what cause I know not--tell me what is the meaning of these
frightful preparations?"

"Nothing, dearest wife, that can trouble you, as matters stand,"
answered Kohlhaas. "I have received a decree, in which I am told that
my proceeding against Squire von Tronka is mere vexatious wrangling;
and because there must be some misunderstanding in this matter, I have
determined to commence my suit once more, personally, with the
sovereign of the country himself."

"But why sell your house?" she exclaimed, as she rose from the ground
in confusion.

The horse-dealer, gently embracing her, replied: "Because, dearest
Lisbeth, I will not abide in a country in which my rights are not
protected. If I am to be trampled under foot, I would rather be a dog
than a man. I am certain that, on this point, my wife thinks with me."

"But how do you know," she asked, wildly, "that they will not protect
you in your rights? If you approach our sovereign as modestly as you
ought, with your petition, how do you know that it will be cast aside,
or answered with a refusal to hear you?"

"Well then," answered Kohlhaas, "if my fear turns out to be groundless,
my house, at any rate, is yet unsold. Our sovereign himself, I know,
is just; and if I can succeed in approaching his person, through the
people who surround him, I have no doubt I can obtain my rights, and
before the week has passed, can return gladly to you and my old
business back again. May I then," he added, as he kissed her, "remain
with you till the end of my life! However," he continued, "it is
advisable that I should be prepared for every event, and hence I wish
you to leave this place for a time, if possible, and to go, with your
children, to your aunt at Schwerin, whom you have