of the
drivers were at length brought forward; two, however, were in no way to
be recovered, and finally the landlord confessed that they had gone to
join the patriots.

The young Pole did not seem to attach much value to this instance of
patriotism. Turning to the merchant, he said, "Here you have the men,
now see to the freight; if a single article be found wanting, I will
have the whole of these fellows tried by court-martial." Then he
carelessly sat down on the pole of a carriage, and looked at the points
of his polished boots, which had got a good deal bemired.

A number of lanterns and torches were now brought, and after a few
encouraging words from the merchant, the wagoners proceeded to roll
away some empty carts, and to open out a passage to their own goods.
Most of these men had been employed by him before, and knew him and
Anton personally; some of them proved themselves trustworthy and
obliging; and while Mr. Schroeter was cross-questioning the most
intelligent of their number, Anton hastened to ascertain, as well as he
could, the condition of the freight, which mostly consisted of wool and
tallow. Some wagons were untouched; one was entirely unloaded, and many
had lost their canvas covering, and been otherwise plundered. The
merchant had once more recourse to the young Pole. "It is just as we
supposed," said he; "the landlord has persuaded some of the drivers
that, now the revolution has set in, their obligations have ceased, and
they have begun to unload the wagons. Had we been a day later, every
thing would have been carried off. The landlord and a few of his
associates have been the instigators, and some of the wagoners have been
frightened into compliance."

At this announcement a new volley of imprecations proceeded from the
lips of the small authority, and the landlord, from whose face all
ruddiness had vanished, was soon on his knees before the officer, who
pulled him by the hair, and treated him very roughly indeed. Meanwhile
Anton and some of the men laid siege to a locked-up coach-house, broke
open the door, and disclosed the bales of wool and the remainder of the
stolen goods.

"Let these people reload," said the merchant; "they may well work the
night through as a punishment." After some opposition, the wagoners set
to, overpowered by a combination of threats and promises. The Pole drove
the drunken guests out of the tavern, had the outer door closed, and all
the candles and lanterns of th