r
you. In the prevailing confusion, I consider it a remarkable piece of
luck to have found you. There's Master Karl, too," cried he, as Karl
sprang forward with a shout of delight. "Now we have half the firm
assembled, and we might begin offhand to play at counting-house work;
but you seem to have a different way of amusing yourselves here." Then
turning to Lenore, he continued, "I have already presented myself to the
baron, and heard from your lady mother where to find the martial young
spirits. And now I have to implore your intercession. I have some
acquaintance with this man, and would willingly spend a few days with
him, but I am well aware how inconsiderate it would be to tax your
hospitable home at a time like this with the reception of a stranger.
But yet, for his sake--he is a good fellow, on the whole--allow me to
remain long enough clearly to understand the <i>facon</i> of the prodigious
boots which the boy has drawn over his knees."

Lenore replied in the same strain: "My father will look upon your visit
as a great pleasure; a kind friend is doubly valuable at a time like
this. I go at once to desire a servant to place all Mr. Wohlfart's boots
in your apartment, that you may be able to study their <i>facon</i> at your
leisure." She bowed, and went off in the direction of the castle,
leading her pony by the bridle.

Fink looked after her and cried, "By Jove! she is become a beauty; her
bearing is faultless--nay, she even knows how to walk. I have no longer
a shadow of doubt as to her having plenty of sense." Then, putting his
arm into Anton's, he led him off to the shade of the wild pear-tree, and
then, shaking him heartily by the hand, exclaimed, "I say again, well
met, my trusty friend. Understand that I have not yet got over my
astonishment. If any one had told me that I should find you painted red
and black like a wild Indian, a battle-axe in your hand, and a fringe of
scalp-locks round your loins, I should naturally have declared him mad.
But you--born, as it would seem, to tread in the footsteps of your
forefathers--to find you on this desolate heath, with thoughts of murder
in your breast, and, as I live, without a neckcloth! If we two are
changed, you, at all events, are not the least so. Perhaps, however, you
are pleased with your change."

"You know how I came here?" replied Anton.

"I should think so," said Fink. "I have not forgotten the
dancing-lessons."

Anton's brow grew clouded.

"Forg