l my wishes concerning you, and when I am not with you trust
yourself to his advice and guidance as you would to mine. There, my
darling, do not break down. You must be brave for all our sakes. Should
the emperor hold me in durance your mother will try and join you ere
long at Nuremberg."

While the count was embracing Thekla, as she bravely but in vain tried
to suppress her tears, the countess opened the door, and glanced into
the anteroom to see that all was clear and the attendant in her own
apartment. Then she returned, kissed her daughter fondly, and placed her
hand in Malcolm's, saying to the latter, "God bless you, dear friend!
Take her quickly away for her sake and ours." One last adieu and Malcolm
and Thekla stood alone in the anteroom.

"Now, Thekla," he said firmly, "be brave, the danger is at hand, and
your safety and escape from your fate, and my life, depend upon your
calmness. Do you carry this basket of tools and play your part as my
apprentice. Just as we open the door drop the basket and I will rate you
soundly for your carelessness. Keep your head down, and do not let the
light which swings over the door fall upon your face."

For a minute or two Thekla stood struggling to master her emotions. Then
she said, in a quiet voice, "I am ready now," and taking up the basket
of tools she followed Malcolm down the stairs. Malcolm opened the door,
and as he did so Thekla dropped the basket.

"How stupid you are!" Malcolm exclaimed sharply. "How often have I told
you to be careful! You don't suppose that those fine tools can stand
being knocked about in that way without injury? Another time an' you are
so careless I will give you a taste of the strap, you little rascal."

"What is all this?" the sentry asked, barring the way with his pike,
"and who are you who are issuing from this house with so much noise? My
orders are that none pass out here without an order from the governor."

"And such an order have I," Malcolm said, producing the document.
"There's the governor's seal. I have been sent for to repair the clock
in the Count of Mansfeld's apartment, and a rare job it has been."

The sentry was unable to read, but he looked at the seal which he had
been taught to recognize.

"But there is only one seal," he said, "and there are two of you."

"Pooh!" Malcolm said scornfully. "Dost think that when ten persons are
admitted to pass in together the governor puts ten seals on the pass?
You see for yoursel