ed with water, consequently two-thirds of the aerolites
fall into it unnoticed; and of the last third, which falls on dry land,
not all are found."

This bright and skilfully devised figure led the company back into a
more agreeable frame of mind.

The school-teacher, who liked to deal in generalities, continued:

"I would like to present another subject for consideration. It would be
profitable to inquire in what different degrees, truthfulness, whether
due to nature or education, is found to exist in different nations.
This department of statistics would, I grant, be the most difficult."

The problem was not discussed; for the stationmaster entered, and said
that Landolin's wife had come with the carriage, and that Landolin was
expected by the evening train. Again the conversation turned upon
Landolin. The old district forester, who, until now had not spoken, but
had been steadily smoking his long pipe, said in his strong, grave
voice:

"Nothing can be more pernicious than that the best and most universal
belief, the belief in justice, should be shaken, or quite destroyed.
Public opinion will and must rebel against the verdict in Landolin's
case. The conscience of the people is still too strong and pure. But
the very fact that the popular conscience condemns both him and the
jury, undermines all stability."

The forester had scarcely finished speaking when the train arrived.
Landolin soon drove past. The company had risen from the table, and the
physician stood beside the judge's wife.

These two shared the noblest of vocations, and often met in their
common work of aiding the unfortunate.

"Do you think," asked the lady, "that the innocent young people, Thoma
and Anton, can now be happily united?"

The physician shrugged his shoulders, and she continued:

"I was going to Landolin's house, but our hostess advised me not. But
now I think it is time to do something, and that I can be of benefit to
them."

"You had better wait a few days, at least," counseled the physician.
"You know a wound must bleed awhile, before it is allowed to heal.
Besides, I am inclined to think that affairs have undergone a change.
At first Landolin yielded an unwilling consent, now the miller will be
obstinate. I should not be surprised if in the end the young people
themselves----"

"I think I can prevent that."

With a polite bow the physician replied: "Faith is supposed to be able
to remove mountains. I have great confidenc