eim in prison! A shudder went through him with the
thought, and a wild desire to avert the evil. If only he had not
pledged his farm to that bondsman!

Friedrich's life had not been one to promote business knowledge. At
home he had known but little of affairs--in America, nothing. He did
not realize that he might have raised on his place ten times the amount
of his fine without affecting Mr. Gudger's interests. He thought that
his negotiation with that excellent person had put his estate out of
his hands for all similar uses. Vaguely he thought that the bondsman
would be released when his trial came on, and that at that time the
land would be free again, and that perhaps it might be arranged then.
But he did not see how, for they would not allow him to go out to do
it, and he did not know any one who would take a mortgage on it. And,
oh, how sleepy he was--and how hungry--and how the cold bit through
him!

He bestirred himself and walked around the square. He was studying the
window of a harness-shop which appealed to him as having to do with the
subject he knew most about--horses; and he was pondering in what
capacity he would offer his services to the proprietor, when he was
accosted by a negro boy.

"The boss wants you-all over yonder," he said, grinning affably.

"The--who?" asked the Baron, to whom the appellation was new.

"The boss in the revenue office, Mr. Weaver. He wants you. Ah'm his boy
Sam."

Friedrich supposed that some form had been omitted, and returned with
docility to the Federal Building. Mr. Weaver nodded pleasantly as he
entered.

"This German was brought in here just after you went out, von
Rittenheim. I want you to interpret, if you will."

Friedrich's breakfast seemed now more nebulous than ever, but even this
hour's tedium came to an end, and Weaver, with a "Thank you," pushed a
half-dollar along the table towards him.

"No, no. It is a pleasure, my dear sir," began the Baron, when suddenly
he brought his heels together, made his low bow, and took the money. "I
thank you, _mein Herr_. I need it. I will take it."

Mr. Weaver looked at him with the provincial American's amusement at
foreigners' ways, mingled with shrewdness.

"By the way, do you mind telling me how you-all got into this scrape?"

The German flushed and tossed back his head. Then he controlled
himself, and said, gently,--

"But perhaps you have a r-right to know. If you will excuse me for a
time, however, I will r