capital, industry, and judgment. But how is the baron to procure
these? To make any thing of this place should be the task of some fresh
and active life, and the baron is broken down; and thousands of dollars
would be needed, and years would pass away before the soil would do more
than pay the expenses of its culture, or yield any interest whatever on
the capital sunk in it."

Meanwhile Karl was contemplating two particular rooms in the upper story
with a knowing eye. "These take my fancy more than any of the others,"
said he to the landlord; "they have plastered walls, floors,
stoves--nay, even windows. To be sure, the panes are a good deal broken,
but, till we can get better glass, paper is not to be despised. We will
settle ourselves here. Could you get me somebody who knows how to handle
a broom and scrubbing-cloth? Good, you can; and now listen: try to bring
me a few sheets of paper; I have got glue with me; we will first get
some wood, then I will heat the stove, melt my glue, and paper up broken
panes. But, above all, help me to carry up our luggage from the
yard--and let us be quick about it."

His zeal communicated itself to the landlord; the luggage was got up
stairs; Karl unpacked a case full of tools of every kind, and the host
ran to call his maid from the public house.

Meanwhile horses' hoofs rang on the court-yard, and some well-dressed
men stopped before the late steward's dwelling, and knocked loudly at
the closed door. At a call from Anton, Karl hurried up to them.

"Good-morning," said one, in rather labored German; "is the steward at
home?"

"Where is the steward? where is Bratzky?" cried the others, impatient as
their prancing horses.

"If you mean the former steward," replied Karl, dryly, "he will not run
away from you though you do not find him here."

"What do you mean?" inquired the nearest horseman; "I beg that you will
explain yourself."

"If you wish to speak to Mr. Bratzky, you must take the trouble of
riding to the town. He is in custody."

The horses reared, and their riders closed round Karl, while Polish
ejaculations were heard on all sides. "In custody! On what account?"

"Ask my master," replied Karl, pointing to the doorway in the tower,
where Anton stood.

"Have I the pleasure of speaking to the new proprietor?" inquired one of
the party, taking off his hat. Anton looked down in amazement. The voice
and face reminded him of a white-gloved gentleman whom he had met once