o come; ride off to Rosmin, and seek
out the nearest detachment of our soldiers; tell them we implore them to
come to our aid, and, if possible, to bring cavalry with them."

"Our red-caps are about three miles beyond Rosmin," said Karl, turning
to go. "The Kunau smith called that out to me as I rode by."

"Bring any military you can. I'll write a line to the commanding officer
while you are saddling the horse."

Karl made a military salute, and hurried down stairs, Anton with him.
While he was fastening the girths, Anton said, "As you pass by, call out
to the men in the farm-yard that I will be with them at once. Poor
fellow, you have hardly had any breakfast to-day, and there is little
prospect of your getting any thing for some hours to come." He ran back
to the house, got a bottle of wine, some bread, and the remnant of a
ham, stuffed them into a bag, and, together with Fink's letter, gave
them to the hussar just as he was setting off.

"Thanks," said Karl, seizing Anton's hand; "you think of every one. But
I've one thing to ask: think of yourself too, Mr. Wohlfart; this Polish
set, here and yonder, are not worth your risking your life; there are
some at home with whom it would go hard if any thing happened to you."

Anton shook his hand heartily. "Good-by, Karl. I'll do my duty. Don't
forget to send us the forester, and, above all, rescue the farmer's
wife. Lead the military hither through the wood."

"No fear," said Karl, cheerily; "this gallant bay shall find out how
much a stout-hearted trooper can get through."

With these words he waved his cap, and vanished behind the
farm-buildings.

Anton bolted the gate, then hurried to the guard-room, and rang the
alarm-bell, giving orders to the superintendent to let in the men, to
invest the back door, and not to admit any one without questioning them,
not even fugitives.

"Eat heartily and drink moderately; we shall have enough to do to-day,"
he cried.

Meanwhile Fink stood at the table in Anton's room, loading the guns,
while Lenore reached him whatever he needed. She was pale, but her eyes
glowed with an excitement which did not escape Anton as he entered.
"Leave this serious game to us alone," said he, beseechingly.

"It is the home of my parents that you defend," cried she. "My father is
unable to act at your head. You shall not expose your lives for our
sakes without my sharing your danger."

"Forgive me," replied Anton; "your first duty most undoubt