s no
exception to this rule. But to-day the soldiers were welcomed with
loud and joyful shouts, which they, fully conscious of their own value,
acknowledged by friendly nods as they passed along the streets.

Conrad Schmidt, standing beside the miner's little daughter Dollie,
watched the warlike procession with the curious eyes of youth. From
time to time he stole a glance at the senior journeyman, observing his
movements with surprise and some amusement. The young man had taken
off his blue apron, and held it rolled up in his left hand, while his
right grasped the carpenter's square, exactly as the soldiers held
their halberds. His whole bearing was changed; he had become
positively warlike; his eyes flashed, and his feet rose and fell in
measured time, as though he could hardly restrain himself from marching
off at the sound of the drum. Conrad laughed and shook his head
merrily, but kept back a speech he had been on the point of making when
he saw the change in his old friend.

'I was right after all,' he said to himself. 'If he were just to let
his beard grow, he would be exactly like'-- His sentence was left
unfinished, for at this moment he heard his mistress' voice reproving
them for neglecting their duty, and they all hastened back into the
workshop.

The commandant made it his first business to inspect the condition of
the fortifications, strengthening them wherever that was possible, and
obstructing the approaches in every way that could offer impediments to
an enemy's successful advance. The approach of the foe was plainly
indicated by the number of country people who now poured steadily into
the town, seeking shelter behind the city walls for their household
goods, their wives, children, and cattle. Long trains of waggons and
droves of animals, accompanied by men, and beasts of burden bearing
heavy loads, were making their way towards the gates of Freiberg; and
the city authorities thought themselves bound in honour not to repulse
these suppliants for shelter, but rather to make their town what every
such town ought to be in time of war, a true city of refuge for all
needy ones. Moreover, many strong arms would be wanted to defend the
widespreading ramparts; and the former siege by General Bannier had
proved how well the country people could fight in defence of their
liberties.

'Hallo! ho there!' shouted a powerful voice one afternoon late in
December, beneath the window of Mistress Bluethgen