How old did the
man appear to be?" asked the bailiff. "Between forty and fifty, sir. He
was an enormous man with black side whiskers, or maybe brown, I don't
exactly remember, with a long nose and green eyes." "Did he have any
birthmark or scars?" "I don't remember any. He only had a big hammer and
pistols." "Very good! And what did he say to you?" "He seized me by
the throat, but fortunately I screamed so loud it frightened him, and I
defended myself with my finger-nails. When any one tries to murder
you, you fight hard for your life, sir." "Nothing is more natural or
legitimate, madame. Take this down, Roth! The coolness of this good
woman is remarkable." The rest of the deposition was in the same strain.
They questioned Annette afterward, but she testified to having been so
frightened that she could remember nothing.

"That will do," said the bailiff; "if we need anything further, we will
return to-morrow morning." Everybody withdrew, and I asked Dame Gredel
for a room for the night. So great had been her fear that she had not
the slightest recollection of having seen me before. "Annette," said
she, "Show the gentleman to the little room on the third floor. I can
not stand on my legs. Oh! dear! what trials we have to bear in this
world." She began to weep.

Annette, having lighted a candle, led me up to the little chamber,
and when we found ourselves alone, she cried innocently: "Oh! Kasper,
Kasper! Who would have believed that you were one of the band! I can
never console myself for having loved a robber!" "What! you, too,
believe us guilty, Annette?" I exclaimed despairingly, dropping into a
chair; "that is the last straw on the camel's back." "No! no! you can
not be. You are too much of a gentleman, dear Kasper! And you were so
brave to come back." I explained to her that I was perishing with cold
and hunger, and that that was the only consideration which led me to
return.

We were left to ourselves for some time; then Annette departed, lest she
should arouse Madame Gredel's suspicions. Left to myself, after having
ascertained that the windows were not approached by any wall, and that
the sashes were securely fastened, I thanked God that I had thus far
been brought safely through the perils which surrounded me, and then
going to bed, I was soon fast asleep.

II

I got up at about eight o'clock the next morning. It was foggy and dark.
As I drew aside the hangings of the bed, I noticed that the snow was