everything was
ready for the countess's journey. The huntsman went down to them, and
declared that he could not leave the countess, and would rather go with
them, wherever they might lead, than to return to his master without
his mistress. The student also insisted that he should be allowed to
accompany the lady. The robbers discussed the matter for some time, and
finally consented to the arrangement, provided that the huntsman should
at once surrender his weapons. Then they gave orders that the other
travellers should remain perfectly quiet while the countess was being
taken away.

Felix pulled down the veil that was spread over his hat, sat down in a
corner with one hand supporting his head, and, with the manner of one
in deep grief, awaited the robbers. The travellers had withdrawn to the
other room, but left the door ajar so that they could see all that
occurred. The huntsman sat down with an appearance of sadness, but
keeping a sharp eye on the corner of the room that the countess had
occupied. After they had sat thus for a few moments, the door opened,
and a handsome stately man of about thirty-six years of age entered the
room. He wore a kind of military uniform, an order on his breast, a
long sabre at his side, and in his hand he carried a hat decorated with
beautiful feathers. Two of his men guarded the door immediately after
his entrance.

He approached Felix with a low bow; he seemed to be somewhat
embarrassed in the presence of a lady of rank, as he made several
attempts before he was able to speak connectedly.

"Gracious lady," said he, "cases happen now and then in which one must
have patience; such an one is yours. Do not think that I shall for even
a moment lose sight of the respect due to so superior a lady. You shall
have every comfort, and will have nothing to complain of except perhaps
the fright you have suffered this evening." He paused here, as if
awaiting an answer; but as Felix made no reply, he continued: "Do not
look upon me as a common thief. I am an unfortunate man, whom adverse
circumstances have forced into this life. We are desirous of leaving
this region forever, but need money for that purpose. It would have
been an easy matter for us to fall upon merchants and stages, but
thereby we should have brought lasting misfortune on many people. Your
husband, the count, inherited half a million thalers not six weeks ago.
We ask for twenty thousand guldens of this superabundance; certainly a