which had been manoeuvring during the day, came marching
along, in rather disorderly fashion, on the highroad to the settlement.

"It is well the order to bivouac in this deluge has been countermanded,
for we would certainly have been drowned like rats," said one of the
two officers, who were marching a little in advance. "Yet almost
anything would have been preferable to taking up our quarters with
these pious people, whom I doubt will give us any sort of a welcome.
They look on us as cannibals and murderers, and I tremble to think how
their untiring zeal will urge them on to attempt our conversion."

His companion laughed. "It will not be so bad as you think, Hansen;
although I must admit I don't think our wild boys will be very welcome
guests to them. It will sadly disturb their extreme orderliness and
quiet routine of life."

"You are sure of being well received, Captain Trautenau," resumed the
first speaker, "having already been in this Bethany, and also having a
sister at school here among the saints. You must look out for us, and
get the best shelter you can."

Having now reached the suburbs of the village, Alexander von Trautenau
ordered a halt to be made and the soldiers fall in rank. "We will
march in with as imposing an appearance as possible," he said gayly;
and they passed through the streets, while many a terrified and
astonished form rushed to the windows and watched them go by.
Alexander, being familiar with the place, marched with his men directly
to the Brothers' house and entered the spacious yard; there he gave the
command to stack arms. That surely was a peaceful proceeding! The
Brothers' house was much larger than that of the Sisters, as here they
usually carried on their various branches of industry. The door was
now opened and, with a pale, terror-stricken countenance, Brother
Martin, the presiding elder, stepped out. Alexander immediately went
up to him, and asked politely: "Are you the elder in authority over
this house?" When he answered in the affirmative, Alexander continued:
"I have been ordered here with two companies to find shelter for the
night, as the heavy rain has rendered bivouacking impossible. Will you
be so good as to assign me quarters for the men?"

"We will, mein Herr. But, first of all, tell me, I pray, if these guns
are loaded," answered Brother Martin, pointing anxiously to the stacks
of arms.

"Of course the guns are loaded, but only with powder; and ther