glorious
gift from the merciful hand of God;--but the monsters, who preach it to
us, have so perverted it according to their own wicked purposes, and
shed so much blood in its name, that its noble image can no longer be
recognized. A doctrine which empowers a Johannes to rage among mankind
like a famished wolf among defenceless lambs, cannot come from God. I
disclaim it. May God forgive me that I also have labored and fought for
a cause which must have been wicked, since it elevated the bad and
destroyed the good.'

'Thou wilt accompany me then!' asked Hanslein, giving his hand a
friendly pressure.

'If Clara can and will go with us,' answered Alf. 'I have loved her
uncle, whom they shot, and cannot leave her behind in a city upon which
all the horrors of war are soon to fall.'

At that moment Clara entered the room to set before the guest what the
house afforded at a time when provisions outweighed gold,--a cup of
water and a slice of bread with salt.

'You come to us too confidingly, young lady,' said Hanslein jestingly,
while he helped himself. 'We have evil thoughts concerning you,--we
have an idea of taking you out of Munster.'

'Ah, would to God!' sighed the maiden.

'The jest is earnest,' said Alf. 'This night I and my friend intend to
leave Munster, if you will accompany us, my little Clara.'

'Through the whole world!' cried Clara with heartfelt fervor. 'Whom
have I on earth beside you?'

'So then the thing is settled,' cried Hanslein. 'Prepare yourselves for
the journey; but do not encumber yourselves with needless baggage. No
armor, Alf. A short sword will be sufficient for all emergencies. Clara
had better put on male attire--there will be some places difficult to
climb, and I cannot allow any thing that might prove an obstacle to the
rapidity of our movements. Hold yourselves in readiness; for I shall
come for you precisely at midnight.' He departed. Intoxicated with joy
at the near approach of her deliverance, Clara threw her arms
affectionately around the youth and cried, 'with you out of this place
of torment, dear Alf! Now for the first time I have reason to hope that
there is earthly happiness in store for me yet.'

CHAPTER XXIV.

Softly creeping by the sleeping sentinels, climbing walls and wading
through ditches, the three fugitives proceeded in the dead of the
night, until they finally found themselves in freedom; and then with
fresh confidence they