is
done; we have beer and schnapps enough, indeed, but what Christian can
wash his hands in beer? so take the buckets, and get us water. Run down
to the brook; you will get on very well with your countrymen. Don't stay
too long chattering, or we shall get a scolding. And, I say, just ask
our neighbors why they stand there still with their lances; their
horsemen have gone away; we have no objection to their moving off too."

The girl willingly caught up the buckets, the forester opening the yard
door for her, and down she went to the water. Anton watched her in
anxious suspense. She got to the brook without any hinderance, and
without troubling herself about the sentinels, who were some twenty
yards off, and who looked with much curiosity at her. At length one of
the men with scythes went up to her. The girl put down her buckets,
crossed her arms, and both began a peaceful conversation. Then the Pole
took up the buckets, filled them with water, and gave them to the girl,
who slowly returned to the castle, the forester opening the gate for
her, and saying, in a caressing tone, "Bravo, Susan! what did the
sentinel say to you?"

"Stupid things," replied she, blushing. "He told me that I must open the
door for him and his comrades when they return to the castle."

"As if that were all?" said the forester, slyly. "So they mean to return
to the castle?"

"To be sure they do," said the girl. "Their horsemen are gone to meet
the soldiers from Rosmin. When they return, the man said they would all
run together to the castle."

"We shall hardly admit them," replied the forester. "None shall enter
the gate but your sweetheart yonder. You have, I suppose, promised him
admittance, if he comes alone and late?"

"No!" answered Susan, indignantly; "but I dared not be uncivil."

"Perhaps we may try it once more," suggested the forester, glancing at
Anton.

"I don't think it," replied the latter. "An officer is riding round the
posts, and the poor fellow will get a rough return for his gallantry.
Come, and let us divide our little store. Half of this first bucket for
the family--half for us men; let the other make a breakfast for the
women and children."

Anton himself poured the water into the different vessels, and appointed
the smith to guard it. While so doing, he said to the forester, "This is
the hardest task that we have had as yet. I do not know how we are to
hold out during the day."

"Many things may happen," replied