ssistance; and that you send the money by a single messenger to the
forest inn in the Spessart. Otherwise I am threatened with a long and
severe imprisonment. Begging for the speediest deliverance,
I am your unhappy
WIFE."

He handed this remarkable letter to the robber chief, who read it
through and signified his approbation.

"It rests with you now to decide," said he, "whether you will be
accompanied by the huntsman or your maid. I shall send one of them to
your husband with this letter."

"The huntsman, and that gentleman there, will accompany me," answered
Felix.

"Very well," returned the robber, going to the door and summoning the
countess's maid. "Just give this woman her instructions."

The maid appeared, shivering and shaking. Felix too turned pale when he
reflected that here he was in danger once more of betraying himself.
Still the unexpected courage that had carried him safely through the
former ordeal, returned. "I have no further commands for you," said he,
"except that you desire the count to take me from this unfortunate
situation as quickly as possible."

"And," added the robber, "that you recommend the count most earnestly
and explicitly to keep silent about all this, and not to undertake any
action against us, before his wife is in his hands. Our spies would
give us timely warning of any such demonstrations on his part, and I
would not then be answerable for the consequences."

The trembling maid promised to obey these instructions. She was further
ordered to pack what dresses and linen the lady countess might need in
a small bundle, as they could not hamper themselves with much luggage;
and when this had been done, the robber chief, with a low bow,
requested the lady to follow him. Felix stood up, the huntsman and the
student followed, and, preceded by the robber, all three descended the
stairs.

Before the inn stood a large number of horses. One of them was
pointed out to the huntsman; another, a beautiful pony provided with a
side-saddle, stood ready for the countess; while a third was given to
the student. The leader lifted the young goldsmith to the saddle, fixed
him firmly in his seat, and then mounted a horse himself. He rode to
the right of the lady, while another of the robbers rode at her left
side. The student and huntsman were similarly guarded. As soon as the
band of robbers were mounte