t. The merchant advanced to meet Anton, and kindly
apologized for having summoned him so late, adding that he had not
expected him to be still up.

When Anton replied that he was far too excited to sleep, such a ray of
gratitude for his sympathy shone from Sabine's eyes that our hero was
mightily moved, and did not trust himself to speak.

The principal, however, smiled. "You are still young," he said;
"composure will come by-and-by. It will be necessary that I go and look
after our merchandise to-morrow. I hear that the Poles show special
consideration to our countrymen; possibly they imagine that our
government is not disaffected toward them. This illusion can not last
long; but there will be no harm in our trying to turn it to advantage
for the safety of our goods. You have conducted the correspondence, and
know all that is to be done for me. I shall travel to the frontier, and,
when there, shall decide what steps should next be taken."

Sabine listened in the utmost excitement, and tried to read in her
brother's face whether he was keeping back any thing out of
consideration for her. Anton understood it all. The merchant was going
over the frontier into the very heart of the insurrection.

"Can I not go in your stead?" said he, imploringly. "I feel, indeed,
that I have hitherto given you no grounds for trusting me in so
important an affair, but, at least, I will exert myself to the utmost,
Mr. Schroeter." Anton's face glowed as he spoke.

"That is kindly said, and I thank you," replied the principal; "but I
can not accept your offer. The expedition may have its difficulties, and
as the profits will be mine, it is but fair that the trouble should be
so too." Anton hung his head. "On the contrary, I purpose leaving
definite instructions with you, in case of my not being able to return
the day after to-morrow."

Sabine, who had been anxiously listening, now seized her brother's hand,
and whispered, "Take him with you."

This support gave Anton fresh courage. "If you do not choose to send me
alone, at least allow me to accompany you; possibly I may be of some
use; at least I would most gladly be so."

"Take him with you," again implored Sabine.

The merchant slowly looked from his sister to Anton's honest face, which
was glowing with youthful zeal, and replied, "Be it so, then. If I
receive the letters I expect, you will accompany me to-morrow to the
frontier; and now good-night."

The following morning, Ant