f Frau Ceres; and this was a most safe
and honorable position.

The more Herr Sonnenkamp spoke of the recommendation of Herr von
Pranken, so much the more attentive Fraeulein Perini seemed to become,
but she did not utter a single word; but when Herr Sonnenkamp asked her
what had been her feelings when she was first introduced to the family
at Nice, she answered, "I had the happiness to be introduced to you by
my noble guardian, the Dean."

Roland was impatient and beckoned to Fraeulein Perini to go with him:
but Sonnenkamp requested her to remain with the mother, and in order to
manifest some sympathy in his son's joy, he himself accompanied him.

Roland was the only one whom the dog allowed to come near her; and when
Herr Sonnenkamp ventured it, she growled, and snapped at him with her
teeth. He was very angry, but he restrained himself and went away.

Roland brought his cross-bow and shot at the doves and sparrows in the
courtyard. Suddenly the boy left off. A horseman, with horse well in
hand, galloped up to the gate.

CHAPTER II.

THE ARROW CAUGHT.

"Shoot away, my boy, I'll catch the arrow!" the rider called from his
horse, and the boy stood still, as if he had seen a miracle. Eric had
heard much of Roland's beauty, but he was astonished at the charming
grace of his figure. The boy's whole being seemed strained with
amazement and excitement, like the bow which he held bent in his hand.
The rider feasted his eyes on the picture. Roland's head was bare, his
jockey-cap lay near him on a great dog resting at his feet, and just
raising his head as if to ask whether he should start up and drive the
stranger away.

"Shoot away! Fire!" cried the rider, in a commanding tone. "Have you no
courage?"

The arrow whizzed from the bow, the rider bent sideways and caught it
with a sure hand.

"Either you are a bad marksman, or you tried not to hit me!" he
exclaimed.

Astounded and motionless, with his bow lowered, the boy gazed at him
while he was approaching and dismounting, and then asked,--

"Can you be the hero Siegfried?"

"Ah! then you know about him," replied Eric, gaily. "No, my young
friend." He offered his hand to Roland, who seized it.

"Hero Siegfried wore no uniform with a red collar. But now help me to
dispose of my horse."

"It is like one of Count Wolfsgarten's horses."

"It is his."

"Ivan!" shouted the boy.

A groom appeare