my burden and stand guard, little Ilse."

"Yes, father."

"Thy sacred promise?"

"My promise."

* * * * *

The next day Dumont felt better than he had felt for a year.

"Ilse, who is the short and broadly constructed American who comes now
already every day to see thee and to hear thee sing?"

"His name is Eddie Brandes."

"He is of the fight _gesellschaft_, not?"

"He should gain much money by the fight. A theatre in Chicago may he
willingly control, in which light opera shall be given."

"Is it for that he hears so willingly thy voice?"

"It is for that.... And love."

"And what of Herr Max Venem, who has asked of me thy little hand in
marriage?"

The girl was silent.

"Thou dost not love him?"

"No."

* * * * *

Toward sunset, Dumont, lying by the window, opened his eyes of a dying
_Laemmergeier_:

"My Ilse."

"Father?"

"What has thou to this man said?"

"That I will be engaged to him if thou approve."

"He has gained the fight?"

"Today.... And many thousand dollars. The theatre in Chicago is his
when he desires. Riches, leisure, opportunity to study for a career
upon his stage, are mine if I desire."

"Dost thou desire this, little Ilse?"

"Yes."

"And the man Venem who has followed thee so long?"

"I cannot be what he would have me--a _Hausfrau_--to mend his linen
for my board and lodging."

"And the Fatherland which placed me here on outpost?"

"I take thy place when God relieves thee."

"_So ist's recht!... Grues Gott_--Ilse----"

* * * * *

Among the German settlers a five-piece brass band had been organised
the year before.

It marched at the funeral of Albrecht Dumont, lately head gamekeeper
to nobility in the mountains of a long-lost province.

Three months later Ilse Dumont arrived in Chicago to marry Eddie
Brandes. One Benjamin Stull was best man. Others present included
"Captain" Quint, "Doc" Curfoot, "Parson" Smawley, Abe Gordon--friends
of the bridegroom.

Invited by the bride, among others were Theodor Weishelm, the Hon.
Charles Wilson, M. P., and Herr Johann Kestner, a wealthy gentleman
from Leipsic seeking safe and promising investments in Canada and the
United States.

* * * * *

A year later Ilse Dumont Brandes, assuming the stage name of Minna
Minti, sang the role of _Bettina_ in