udly. Those in front of the house will be diverted thither: meanwhile,
you can force an entrance and take them prisoners. As soon as you hear
the drum, let the captain rush through the court into the house and make
fast the door."

"I approve the plan," said the burly captain, his blood thoroughly up;
"only be quick about it."

The forester took six of the militia, beckoned to the bailiff and to
some of the country people, and went quietly down the side street. Soon
the beating of a drum was heard, and loud hurrahs. At that signal all
rushed through the court, the captain and Anton waving their swords, and
found themselves inside the house before any one was aware of them, for
all were looking out at door and window on the other side.

"Hurrah!" cried the captain; "we have them," catching hold of one of the
gentlemen. "Not one shall escape. Close the door!" he cried, and he held
his victim fast by the collar like a cow by its horns. Ten strong men
closed and locked the house door, so that all the more zealous of the
enemy who were standing on the steps found themselves shut out. Next
some of the band rushed up stairs, and the others spread themselves over
the ground floor. All the conspirators on that floor, however, jumped
out through the window, so that the Germans took nothing but a list of
names, a quantity of scythes, and half a dozen guns belonging to the
nobles. These the locksmith caught up, and ran, together with Anton and
a few others, to join the forester's detachment, which they found in a
critical position.

The beat of the drums and the shouting, together with the attack made
simultaneously upon the house, had thrown the enemy into confusion. The
men with scythes were standing about in disorder, while the bearer of
the scarf, himself unarmed, was busy trying to rally them. On the other
hand, all such as had guns--stewards, huntsmen, and a few young men of
rank, had marched against the forester's party. Both bands halted with
weapons raised, kept back for a moment by the thought of the fearful
consequences that must follow the word of command. At that moment, Anton
and the valiant locksmith joined them, and the guns they brought were
dispensed quick as lightning. A bloody conflict on the pavement now
seemed unavoidable.

Just then a loud voice sounded from the window of the wine-store.
"Brothers, we have them. Here is the prisoner. It is Herr von Tarow
himself." All lowered their guns and listened. The