and followed. I will
then come for you, and conduct you down to the river, where you will
find numerous boats in which you can cross the Meer, and soon make your
way to the seaboard; and thence either proceed to Amsterdam by water, or
go across the Zuyder Zee to Hoorn, or any other place on its shore."

"Your plan just suits my fancy," said the Count. "But my friend and
companion, Baron Stilkin, what will become of him?"

"You can write and tell him to join you at whatever place you may happen
to reach," said Hans Gingel. "It would cause considerable delay were
you to go back to your inn."

The Count thought the matter over, and reflected that it would be very
pleasant to enjoy a few days of independent action.

"I have an idea," he said to the steward. "I will write a note to Baron
Stilkin desiring him to return to Amsterdam, and to wait for me there,
if you will undertake to have it delivered."

"Very gladly, Mynheer," answered Hans Gingel. "I will get you paper and
pens. Now, if you can rest in tolerable comfort propped up between
these chests, I will come for you at the hour named, and as you may grow
hungry, bring you some more food to stay your appetite." The note to
the Baron was written, the Count discussed the second supper, and,
having recovered from his fatigue, was perfectly ready, when the steward
appeared, to make his escape from the castle.

"Tread softly," said the steward, as he led the way up the steps. "It
is important not to awaken Mynheer Bunckum or any of the servants. I
have shut up the dogs, so that they will not bark unless they hear a
noise."

Cautiously they proceeded, the steward holding a lantern and the Count
following close at his heels. They were soon out of the dungeon, when
the steward, turning to the right, led the way along a narrow passage
which conducted them to the opposite side of the building. The steward
then, producing a key from his pocket, opened a door, the lock gliding
back smoothly as if it had been well oiled, they passed on, and the
Count found himself in the open air.

"We are now outside the castle," whispered the steward; "but should
Mynheer Bunckum look out of his window he might perhaps fancy that we
are thieves, and fire off his blunderbuss at our heads; so be cautious,
and do not speak above a whisper till we get to a distance."

"I am afraid that I shall not be able to find my way in the dark,"
whispered the Count.

"Do not be anxious on th