to the flags, and surrounded by drunken men
and women. Every thing denoted that the authorities were not
sufficiently strong to enforce street-discipline. Even in the house of
the commandant there was agitation and restlessness, soldiers were
hurrying to and fro, and the messages which they brought were evidently
unfavorable, for there was much whispering going on in the great
ante-chamber, and anxious suspense was visible on every face.

As soon as the young Pole entered he was surrounded by his friends and
drawn into a corner. After some hasty questions, he seized a musket,
called off a few soldiers by name, and left the room, without troubling
himself any further about the travelers.

The merchant and Anton were shown into the next room, where the young
commander-in-chief received them. He too looked pale and dejected, but
it was with the bearing of a true nobleman that he addressed Mr.
Schroeter: "I have forwarded your wishes; here is a passport for you and
your wagons. I pray you to infer from this that we are anxious to treat
the citizens of your state with consideration, possibly even more than
the duty of self-preservation would dictate."

The merchant received the important document with shining eyes. "You
have shown me a remarkable degree of kindness," said he; "I feel myself
deeply indebted to you, and wish that I may one day be permitted to
prove my gratitude."

"Who knows?" answered the young commandant, with a melancholy smile; "he
who stakes all upon a cast may lose all."

"He may lose much," replied the merchant, courteously, "but not all, if
he has striven honorably."

At that moment a hollow sound was heard, a sound like the sweep of a
howling wind, or the roaring of a rushing flood. The commandant stood
motionless and listened. Suddenly a discordant scream of many voices
resounded close by, and some shots followed. Anton, made susceptible by
a night of wakefulness and long-continued excitement, started with
terror, and remarked that his principal's hand, in which was the
passport, shook violently. The door of the cabinet now burst open, and a
few stately-looking men rushed in, with garments torn, arms in their
hands, the traces of a street combat visible on their excited
countenances, and at their head the young escort of the travelers.

"Mutiny!" cried the youth to his commanding officer; "they are seeking
you. Save yourself. I will keep them off."

Quick as thought Anton sprang toward his