ct and walk around his miserable
prison. With a feeling of inexpressible joy he raised himself to his
full height--it enraptured him to move his arms, so long and painfully
confined--he extended them widely and powerfully, as if he wished to
clasp the whole outside world to his heart.

Could the commandant Bruckhausen have cast one glance into this
horrible, noiseless cell, he would have trembled with rage and
apprehension. The unchained giant stood with glad smiles, and flaming
eyes, and outstretched arms, as if adjuring the spirits of the
under-world to come to his assistance. But the commandant lay in
careless security upon his soft, white couch; his eyes were closed; they
could not pierce the dark cell where a fellow-man, with loudly-beating
heart, but silent lips, called rapturously to the fair goddess Liberty,
and hastened to clasp her in his arms.

Stepping forward, he sought the door of his prison, and kneeling before
it, he took out his knife. He tried to cut out a small piece and to
ascertain the thickness of the wall; this was short work--the door
opened inside, and it was easy to cut around and remove the lock. It
was made of simple oak boards. Once convinced of this, Trenck prudently
sought his mattress in order to obtain rest and strength. It was
impossible to commence his labor then. The night was far spent, and
every morning at eight o'clock the jailer came to inspect him and bring
his bread and water. His visit must be over before he could begin his
work--he must possess his soul in patience. What were a few hours'
waiting to him who had waited long, dreary years?--a fleeting moment,
scarcely sufficient to accustom him to his new happiness, to enable him
to collect his thoughts and bear quietly the rapturous conviction of
approaching freedom.

"Yes, I will be free; this is the last night of my imprisonment." But
while waiting in this dreary prison he could enjoy one pleasure long
denied him--he could stretch his limbs upon his bed without being
martyred and crushed by his bonds--without hearing the clank of chains.
With what gladness he now stretched himself upon his poor couch!--how
grateful he was to God for this great happiness!--how sweet his
sleep!--how glorious his dreams!

Trenck awaked in the early morning, revived and strengthened. It was
time to prepare for the daily visitation--to replace his chains, and
take possession of his gravestone. His eyes accustomed to the darkness
soon discover