ough the forest if your people
would help us, and if you would show us the way." "Good," said Fink;
"let us set about it." He then sent a message to the forester to the
effect that those in the castle should set out on the search from their
side, and discussed with the smith the best way of disposing the Kunau
men. He next dispatched Karl and the servants to join the Kunau horsemen
on the opposite side of the wood. "Don't stand upon ceremony with the
rascals," he called out after Karl, with a significant tap on his
pistols. "Now, then," said he to the smith, "I will go to Neudorf. When
you have searched your half of the wood, wait for us; you shall then be
joined by the Neudorf detachment."

The Kunau men set off accordingly to avenge the robbery committed. Fink,
accompanied by Lenore, rode off to the neighboring village. On the way
thither, he said, "At Neudorf we must part, lady." Lenore was silent.

Fink glanced sidelong at her. "I don't think," said he, "that the rogues
will do us the pleasure of awaiting our approach; and if they are minded
to run off, the evening is closing in, and we shall hardly hinder them;
but the chase will be good practice for our people, and therefore we
must make the most of it."

"Then I will go with you to the wood," said Lenore, resolutely.

"That is hardly necessary," replied Fink. "True, I fear no risk for you,
but fatigue, and probably rain."

"Let me go with you!" prayed Lenore, looking up at him. "I have given
you sensible advice; what more can be demanded from any one?"

"Between ourselves, I am rejoiced to find you so spirited. Gallop then,
comrade!"

Arrived at Neudorf, Fink left the horses in the bailiff's stable, and
led the band of villagers to the borders of the wood. There they
deployed into a <i>cordon</i>, and the march now began; Fink walked with
Lenore at the head of the right wing, which, according to the plan laid
down, would be the first to join the Kunau detachment. All went silently
onward, and looked with keen glance from tree to tree. As they got
farther into the wood, there was a rustling in the tops of the trees,
and looking through them, a leaden-colored sky was seen; but below, the
sultriness was undisturbed, the birds sat supinely on the branches, and
the beetles had crept into the heather.

"The very sky is on the side of these rogues," said Fink, pointing out
the clouds to his companion; "it is getting so dark up there that in
half an hour's time