edges turned into a spacious court. A long, one-storied
farm-house, whitewashed, and roofed with shingles, looked upon the
wooden stables. Anton sprang out, and asked a servant in livery for the
dwelling of Herr von Tarowski.

"This is the palace," replied the Pole, with a low obeisance, and
proceeded to help the ladies out of the sledges. Lenore and the baroness
exchanged looks of amazement. They entered a dirty hall; several bearded
domestics rushed up to them, eagerly tore off their wraps, and threw a
low door open. A numerous party was assembled in the large sitting-room.
A tall figure in black silk came forward to meet them, and received them
with the best grace in the world. So did the daughters--slender girls,
with their mother's eyes and manners. Several of the gentlemen were
introduced--Herr von this, Herr von that, all elegant-looking men in
evening dress. At last the master of the house came in, his cunning face
beaming with cordial hospitality, and his pair of fox's eyes looking
perfectly harmless. The reception was faultless--on all sides the
pleasant ease of perfect self-possession. The baron and the ladies were
treated as welcome additions, and Anton too had his share of attention.
His business was soon transacted, and Herr von Tarow smilingly reminded
him that they had met before.

"That rogue of an inspector got off, after all," said he; "but do not be
uneasy, he will not escape his fate."

"I hope not," replied Anton; "nor yet his abettors."

Herr von Tarow's eyes tried hard to look dove-like as he went on to say,
"The fellow must be concealed somewhere about."

"Possibly somewhere very near," said Anton, casting a significant glance
at the mean-looking buildings around.

Our hero looked in vain among the gentlemen present for the stranger he
had previously seen, and charitably attributed to him good reasons for
wishing to remain unseen by German eyes. However, to make up for him,
there was another gentleman of a striking aspect, who seemed to be
treated with especial respect. "They come and go, assemble and
disperse," thought Anton, "just as the landlord said; there is a whole
band of them to feel anxious about, not merely a few individuals." At
that moment the stranger came up and began a courteous conversation.
However unstudied the speaker's manner might appear, yet Anton remarked
that he led the conversation, with the view of extracting his opinions
and feelings as a German. This made him re