t there is a large estate
and a regular farm-establishment, which must either bring in or take
out. What do you live upon, then?"

"That is one of the mysteries of the ladies, which I hardly dare to
disclose. Our horses munch diamonds."

Fink shrugged his shoulders. "But is it possible that Rothsattel can
have come to this?"

Anton then sketched, with some reserve, the baron's circumstances,
speaking enthusiastically, at the same time, of the noble resignation
of the baroness, and the healthy energy of Lenore.

"I see," said Fink, "that things are still worse than I supposed. How is
it possible that you can carry on such a farm? The birds of the air are
rich compared to you."

"As things are," continued Anton, "we may contrive to struggle on till
quieter times--till the judicial sale of the family estate. The
creditors will not press now, and lawyers are almost without work. The
baron can not manage this estate without a large capital, but neither
can he give it up at present without forfeiting the little that its sale
may hereafter bring; and, besides, the family have no other roof over
their heads. All my endeavors, during the last week, to persuade them to
leave this province, have been in vain. They are desperately resolved to
await their fate here. The baron's pride objects to a return to his
former neighborhood, and the ladies will not leave him."

"Then at least send them to the neighboring town, and do not expose them
to the assault of every drunken band of boors."

"I have done what I could; I am powerless in this respect," replied
Anton, gloomily.

"Then, my son, allow me to tell you that your warlike apparatus is not
very encouraging. With the dozen or two that you can collect, you will
hardly keep off an invasion of rascals. You can not even defend the
premises with that handful, to say nothing of covering the ladies'
escape. Have you no prospect of procuring any soldiers?"

"None," replied Anton.

"A thoroughly comfortable, cheerful prospect!" cried Fink. "And, in
spite of it, you have sown your fields, and the little farm works on. I
have heard from Karl how it looked when you came, and what improvements
you have made; you have managed capitally. No American, no man of any
other country, would have done the same; in a desperate case, commend me
to the German. But the ladies and your infant establishment must be
better protected. Hire twenty able-bodied men; they will guard the
house."

"You