. 'God bless you, my loves!' cried Goertz
with a stronger voice, and followed his guards.

CHAPTER XXV.

Nine days had passed, since the ground under the Swedish gallows had
drunk the blood of the worthy German. The evening was closing in, all
the bells of the capital were tolling, and the thunder of cannon was
heard from the Ritterholm, in honor of the royal hero who at this hour
was committed to the tomb of his fathers. Arwed entered Georgina's
room. He found her with Magdalena and her only maid, (whom she still
retained,) in their traveling dresses.

'I thank you for coming so punctually,' said Georgina. 'You are now to
render me the last service. It is not without danger, but I know you,
and therefore demand it without hesitation.'

'Every thing for thee!' cried Arwed passionately.

'Then accompany me,' said she, 'upon my way to the performance of a
difficult duty, in which I need a man's aid. Have every thing ready,'
said she to her maid servant. 'If heaven favor our attempt, we shall
soon return, directly to leave this horrible country!'

She took Arwed's arm and proceeded with him to the bank of the
Norderstrom. There a boat was in waiting, in which were Goertz'
Holstein servants. The oars moved and the boat soon floated forth upon
the peaceful lake. Georgina, wrapped in her cloak, sat upon the deck
observing the stars which here and there discovered themselves in the
deepening gloom of the evening.

'What project have you in hand, Georgina?' at length asked Arwed
anxiously.

'I will now make it known to you,' answered she. 'I am going for my
father's corpse. Ungrateful Sweden shall not hold his bones.'

'My God, you risk your life!' cried Arwed with alarm.

'I think not,' she calmly answered. 'Public duty and curiosity have
drawn all Stockholm to witness the funeral solemnities of the king, and
I hope to find the place deserted. And of what consequence would be my
life? I risk it joyfully in the performance of my filial duty! If you
fear the service, say where I shall land you.'

'You afflict me undeservedly!' complained Arwed. 'Sooner should the
royal council affix my name to the gallows from which you are about to
tear its prey, than I would desert your side. Only for you was I
anxious. Even if every thing succeed, this undertaking is unsuited to
your years and sex.'

'Ah, dear Arwed!' said Georgina, 'I have lived long in a short time,
and great afflictions