nded by such an
unusual order. Conrad was on the point of creeping out from his
hiding-place at all hazards, to go himself and fetch what was wanted.
He was only restrained by the thought that if he did, he would be very
likely to bring on his mother something a great deal worse than just
having to go across the street for a herring.

'Well, what's the matter now?' shouted Juechziger, bringing his fist
down with a thundering crash on the table. 'Are you going, or am I to
start you?'

The blind woman had hardly groped her way out at the door, before
Juechziger went on:

'Can't some Swedish bullet or falling stone rid me of this blind witch?
Nothing turns out as I want it to. Here are Schweinitz and Schoenleben
the best of friends again, and all the trouble I've been at with them
just so much labour lost. And then there's that brazen-faced
journeyman I haven't paid off yet for his impudence in the forest; it
seems as though I am not to get a hold on him. And never a kreuzer
have I seen the colour of, to pay me for my house they pulled down.
All right! It may turn out that what Freiberg won't pay for, the
Swedes will. I have to look after the prisoners, so I shall stand a
first-rate chance to kill two birds with one stone,--do the business of
the conceited Defensioner, and help myself to my money at the same
time. What, you ugly beast, are you there?'

This closing remark was addressed to the cat, which Juechziger now spied
sitting by the curtain, behind which Conrad was playing the part of an
unwilling listener. His stepfather picked up the heavy boot-jack, and
hurled it at the cat; it missed her, but struck Conrad so sharply on
the shin, that though the thick curtain broke the full force of the
blow, the lad could hardly suppress a cry of pain. When, a little
later, he saw his stepfather go into the inner room to hang up his
great-coat, the boy ventured out, and, creeping on tip-toe across the
living-room, managed to escape unobserved into the street. Just
outside the door he met his mother returning, carrying the herring in
her left hand, while with the right she groped her way along by the
houses.

'Oh, mother,' he said, in a low, earnest voice, 'don't stay a minute
longer! My mistress' house has lots of visitors in it, but I'm sure
they would find a corner for you somewhere. And you and puss wouldn't
be nearly so hungry if you lived with us as you are here.'

'It cannot be, my son,' replied the bl