red by
this war. So he rushed up to his principal, met him coming down, and
hastily related the news just heard; while Mr. Braun hurried to deliver
a second edition in the office, with as many further particulars as were
compatible with his love of truth.

The principal remained for a moment silent where he stood, and Anton,
who was watching him anxiously, fancied that he looked a shade paler
than usual; but that must have been a mistake, for the next moment,
directing his attention to the porters beyond, he called out, in the
cool, business-like tone which had so often impressed Anton with
respect, "Sturm, be good enough to remove that barrel: it's in the very
middle of the way; and bestir yourselves, all of you; the carrier will
set out in an hour." To which Sturm, with a sorrowful look upon his
broad face, replied, "The drums are beating, and our men marching off.
My Karl is there as a hussar, with gay lace on his little coat. It is
unlucky, indeed. Alas for our wares, Mr. Schroeter!"

"Make the more haste on that account," replied the principal, smiling.
"Our wagons are going to the frontier too, laden with sugar and rum; our
soldiers will be glad of a glass of punch in the cold weather." Then
turning to Anton, he said, "These tidings are not satisfactory, but we
must not believe all we hear." And then, going into his office, he spoke
rather more cheerfully than usual to Mr. Braun; and, having quietly
heard his whole story, made a few comforting observations as to the
probability of the wagons not having yet reached the frontier.

And so the great subject of interest was laid aside for the day, and
office-work went on as usual. Mr. Liebold wrote down large sums in his
ledger; Mr. Purzel piled dollar on dollar; and Mr. Pix wielded the black
brush and governed the servants with his wonted decision. At dinner the
conversation was as calm and cheerful as ever; and after it, the
principal went out walking with his sister and a few ladies of his
acquaintance, while all business men who met him exclaimed in amazement,
"He goes out walking to-day! As usual, he has known it all before the
rest of us. He has a good head of his own. The house is a solid house.
All honor to him!"

Anton sat all day at his desk in a state of nervous excitement till then
unknown to him. He was full of anxiety and suspense, and yet there was
something of enjoyment in his feelings. He was keenly alive to the
danger in which his principal and th