s were separated by a wide expanse of sand and heath from
any Polish proprietors, Herr von Tarow being the nearest. To the west
and south of the estate the country was inhabited by a mixed population;
but the Germans there were strong, rich freeholders and large farmers
having settled among the Slavonic race. Beyond Kunau and Neudorf, to the
north, there was a Polish district peopled by small freeholders, for the
most part in very reduced circumstances, and over head and ears in debt.

"It is on that side that our greatest danger lies," said the baron to
Anton on the morning after the memorable market-day. "The villagers are
our natural outposts. If you can induce the people to establish a
systematic watch, let it be on the north; we will then try to maintain a
regular communication with them. Do not forget the beacons and places of
rendezvous. As you are already on such friendly terms with the rustics,
you will be able to manage that part of the business best. Meanwhile, I
shall drive, accompanied by young Sturm, to the next circle, and try to
come to the same understanding with the landed gentry there."

Accordingly, Anton rode off to Neudorf. There he found that fresh evil
tidings had arrived in the night; some German villages had been
surprised by armed bands, the houses searched for arms, and many young
people dragged away. No one was working in the fields at Neudorf. The
men sat in the bar of the public house, or stood about without any
purpose, every hour expecting an attack.

Anton's horse was immediately surrounded by a dense crowd, and in a few
minutes the bailiff had gathered the whole population together. Anton
proceeded to state what might be done to guard the village against the
danger of a sudden surprise; for instance, he advised the calling out of
a regular peasant militia, sentinels on the road along the border,
patrols, a rallying-place in the village, and other precautions which
the baron had pointed out. "In this way," said he, "you will be able to
procure our help in a short time, to defend yourselves against a weak
foe, or to summon the military to your aid against a strong. In this way
you will save your wives and children, your household goods, and,
perhaps, your cattle from plunder and ill treatment. It will be no small
labor, indeed, to keep watch thus night and day, but your village is a
large one. Perhaps these measures will soon be enjoined by the
government, but it is safer for all not to