side of the merchant and his clerk. They hurried
to the middle of the bridge, and looked eagerly along the road. There
lay the colossal wagon, like a wounded white elephant resting on one
knee.

"A short time ago it had not been plundered," said the lieutenant; "the
canvas was stretched quite tightly over it; but they have been at it
now, for I see a corner fluttering."

"There does not appear to have been much mischief done," replied the
principal.

"If you could get over a wheel and a pair of horses, you might carry off
the whole affair," replied the lieutenant, carelessly. "Our men have had
a great hankering after it all day. They were very anxious to ascertain
whether there was any thing drinkable in it or not. Were it not that we
are commanded not to cross the borders, it would be a mere trifle to
bring the wagon here, if the commanding officer allowed you to pass the
sentinels, and if you could manage those fellows yonder." So saying, he
pointed to a crowd of peasants, who were camping behind some stunted
willows just out of reach of shot, and who had stationed an armed man on
the high road as sentinel.

"We will fetch the wagon if the officer in command permit us to do so,"
said the principal. "I hope we may find a way of dealing with those
people yonder."

Meanwhile Anton could not refrain from murmuring, "The whole day long
these gentlemen have allowed two thousand dollars' worth to lie there on
the highway; they have had plenty of time to get back the wagon for us."

"We must not be unreasonable in our demands upon the army," replied the
merchant, with a smile. "We shall be satisfied if they only allow us to
rescue our property from those boors;" and, accordingly, they turned
back to make their wishes known to the captain.

"If you can find men and horses, I have nothing to object," replied he.

As soon as the wagoners were reassembled, the principal inquired which
of them would accompany him, engaging to make good any harm that might
happen to the horses.

After some scratching and shaking of their heads, most of them declared
their willingness to go. Four horses were speedily harnessed, a child's
sledge belonging to the landlord produced, a wheel and some levers
placed thereon, and then the little caravan set off in the direction of
the bridge, pursued by the jocular approbation of the soldiers, and
accompanied by some of the officers, who showed as much interest in the
expedition as comported wit