d them into the belief that
Gotzkowsky's daughter had been captured.

"If we had not thought so, we would not have let you in," cried
Lieutenant von Matusch. "It was not worth while making so much fuss
about a little chambermaid."

"It was just for that very reason," replied Bertram, "and because I
knew that you would not otherwise help me, that I let you believe it
was Gotzkowsky's daughter whom you had captured; otherwise you would
never have let me come near Colonel von Brenda. And Mademoiselle
Gotzkowsky had expressly directed me to apply to that gentleman, and
I did so. You can understand my doing so, when I inform you that this
young girl is my sister!"

Feodor turned himself to Elise with an expression of anger on his
countenance. "Is this true?"

"It is true!" cried she, reaching her hand out to Bertram, with a look
of heartfelt gratitude. "He is my brother, my faithful brother!"

But, as she read in Feeder's darkened countenance the marks of
ill-concealed anger and jealousy, she turned toward her lover with a
rare, sweet smile. "Oh," said she, "there is nothing nobler, nothing
more sacred and unselfish, than the love of a brother."

Feodor's searching look seemed to penetrate into the inmost recesses
of her heart. Perhaps he read all the love, innocence, and strength
that lay therein, for his brow cleared up, and his looks resumed
their open cheerfulness. Quickly he took Bertram's hand and laid it
in Elise's. "Well, then," said he, "you happy pair, take each other's
hands, and thank God that the danger is over. We have nothing to do
with young and pretty girls--we only want rich ones. Go!"

"No, no," cried the officers, "not at all, not without ransom!" Saying
which, they pressed noisily and angrily nearer, raising their clinched
fists. "She must pay, or we will keep her!"

"Dare one of you touch her?" cried Feodor, drawing his sword, and
placing himself in front of Elise.

"I have come to fetch my sister," said Bertram, turning to the
officers, "but I knew very well that you would not let her go unless
her ransom were paid. I therefore brought all my little portion with
me. Take this purse full of ducats, and let it pay for her."

A cry of triumph was the answer from the soldiers as they drew Bertram
toward the table that he might count out the money. While they were
dividing it among themselves, talking loudly and laughing merrily,
Feodor remained standing at Elise's side, neither daring to break