might,
and, in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we
understand it."

Tears rose to Roland's eyes. He glanced up at the picture where the
slave was stretching out his fettered hands; and within him rose the
words, "Thou art free."

CHAPTER XIII.

IN THE BOND OF BROTHERHOOD.

"The bees we brought from Europe are flying out into the spring air,"
wrote Lilian from New York.

At Mattenheim, also, spring was close at hand. Out-door work became
pressing; sunshine and hail followed one another in swift succession;
but the buds were swelling, and verdure refreshed the eye. In the new
shoots, or _sleeping eyes_, as they are called, choice grafts were set,
that the tree henceforward might bear richer fruit. The same thing was
to take place elsewhere.

One evening, when they were all together at Mattenheim, Weidmann read a
letter from Doctor Fritz, in which he described the base league of the
so-called Knights of the Golden Circle. A network of their societies
extended over all the Southern States, and they had their accomplices
even in the North.

They conducted a kind of criminal court by means of signs; and murders
and secret executions without number were accomplished by their means.

He added that if one wanted to realize the entire range of man's
capabilities, both for virtue and vice, he had but to offset against
this band a character like Seward's.

While they were still pondering upon this intelligence, a letter with
the royal seal arrived, containing expressions of high consideration
for Weidmann, together with the Prince's request that he would inform
young Sonnenkamp Banfield that no obstacle existed to his entering the
military service, and that especial pains would be taken to show the
young man, personally, all due regard.

"It cannot be," said Roland with a fixed look. "Too late!"

He expressed his gratitude, however, for the kindness of the Prince,
and added with an accent of deep pain, that it was a comfort to know
that the privilege of fellowship was restored to him.

"You shall have one of a different kind," said Weidmann. "You shall be
received with your brother and friend, the Herr Captain, into our
Order. Strictly speaking, you are too young; but we will show you how
much we honor you."

In the evening, it rained steadily; and as Weidmann lay beside the
window, gazing out upon the landscape, he called Roland to hi