low
was. He had devised a plan for going to Sonnenkamp, openly expressing
repentance for his deed, and offering to appear as a false witness, on
condition of being handsomely paid for it. He was beside himself,
therefore, when he learned that Sonnenkamp had fled, and his false
testimony was of no value.

An important consultation took place in Sonnenkamp's room, upon the
subject of a new enterprise which Weidmann had in contemplation. He was
about to purchase a large estate three leagues from Mattenheim, in the
direction of the mountains, and asked Roland and Eric if they would not
invest a considerable sum in the land. He wanted to make the attempt to
settle a new village there, in combination with an old design of his,
of attracting artisans by establishing them on small pieces of land of
their own.

Eric questioned whether they would have a right to use this money in a
foreign land for the benefit of foreigners; and, besides, at present
they were only stewards of the property.

Weidmann praised his caution, but convinced him that this was a safe
investment, and one that would be of benefit to many. He promised not
to act alone, but to take the advice of the Banker in the matter.
Security should be given that the amount of capital invested, should be
set free again in a certain number of years.

That evening, Weidmann departed for Mattenheim with a great chest of
gold.

Eric was to bring the papers to the city, and then deliver them into
the Banker's keeping.

CHAPTER III.

A SON OF HAM.

On no one of the persons interested in Villa Eden, had the startling
events that had taken place produced a greater impression than on the
Major. He could find no rest at home, and, since hearing Sonnenkamp's
statement, he had lost the best possession he had,--his sound,
healthful sleep. He wandered about restlessly all day, often talking
with Laadi, throwing the dog sometimes a mushroom fried in fat, and
then punishing her severely when she tried to eat it. At night, his
inward excitement was so great, that he kept talking in a low voice to
himself, and occasionally even roused Fraeulein Milch in the hope that
she would dispel the disturbing thoughts. Sonnenkamp's flight, and now
the news that Bella had gone with him, increased the distemper of his
mind.

He summoned all his strength when Knopf brought in the negro, received
him most cordially, and insi