f he takes a lesson from the bird in velocity,
and from the wild horse in speed, his present escape will cost him less
than his flight from Glatz. My officers cannot be always on the watch,
and God's world is large; it is impossible to guard every point. My
soldiers accompany him to the brook Coslin. I commend the officer who
will be discharged for neglect of duty to your highness. FERDINAND."

"He will have my help and my eternal gratitude," whispered Amelia; she
then pressed the letter of the duke passionately to her lips. "Oh, my
God! I feel to-day what I have never before thought possible, that one
can be happy without happiness. If fate will be merciful, and not thwart
the noble purpose of Duke Ferdinand, from this time onward I will never
murmur--never complain. I will demand nothing of the future; never more
to see him, never more to hear from him, only that he may be free and
happy."

In the joy of her heart she not only fulfilled her promise to give the
messenger a gold piece for every hour of his journey, but she added a
costly diamond pin for Pollnitz, which the experienced baron, even while
receiving it from the trembling hand of the princess, valued at fifty
louis d'or.

The baron returned with a well-filled purse and a diamond pin to his
dwelling, and with imposing solemnity he called John into his boudoir.

"John," said he, "I am content with you. You have promptly fulfilled
my commands. You returned the seventh day, and have earned the extra
thalers. As for your money, how much do I owe you?"

"Fifty-three thalers, four groschen, and five pennies."

"And the half of this is--"

"Twenty-seven thalers, fourteen groschen, two and a half pennies," said
John, with a loudly beating heart and an expectant smile. He saw that
the purse was well filled, and that his master was taking out the gold
pieces.

"I will give you, including your extra guldens, twenty-eight thalers,
fourteen groschen, two and a half pennies." said Pollnitz, laying
some gold pieces on the table. "Here are six louis d'or, or thirty-six
thalers in gold to reckon up; the fractions you claim are beneath my
dignity. Take them, John, they are yours."

John uttered a cry of rapture, and sprang forward with outstretched
hands to seize his gold. He had succeeded in gathering up three louis
d'or, when the powerful hand of the baron seized him and held him back.

"John," said he, "I read in your wild, disordered countenance that you
are a