ntained, that the wickedness of
individuals should not be allowed to rob us of our faith in humanity;
for if thieves could inflict that loss upon us, they would be robbing
us of more than hands can touch."

Roland nodded assent. Long after he had fallen asleep, Eric stood by
the bedside, thoughtfully watching the boy, who had had to learn this
lesson thus early,--Of what use is all this subtle study; of what
advantage any conscious training? An invisible, irresistible power, the
great current of life's experience, educates a man far more than a
single human teacher can do, and in a different way.

Long did Eric stand at the window, gazing out upon the river and the
vine-covered hills. We all work according to the strength that is in
us; the result of our labors lies not in our hands, but in the control
of that invisible, all-embracing power whose origin we know not, and
which we can only call God.

Eric was deeply moved. This event could not afflict his young charge so
deeply as it did him, for he was conscious of a power mightier than any
effort of his own thoughts, drawing him back from the edge of an abyss.
He looked into the future, and a fixed resolve was formed within him.

He was summoned away by a messenger from the officer who had conducted
the examination, bringing a telegram from Sonnenkamp. It ran thus:--

"Journey to sea-shore given up; coming home; shall find thieves, under
whatever title."

BOOK VI.

CHAPTER I.

THE MASTER AT HOME AGAIN.

Herr Sonnenkamp returned to his villa like a ruler to his castle where
a mutiny has lately broken out. Every step in his house, every glance
at a servant, said, I am here again, and with me authority and order.

Eric did not lay upon Pranken the blame of what had happened, but
confessed that he himself had been guilty of neglect of duty.
Sonnenkamp seemed to take pleasure in seeing Eric humbled. He was one
of those who love to rule others. With enough humanity in him to make
him prefer a willing obedience, he yet had no rest, when that proved
impossible, till his man was subdued and brought to his feet; then, and
not till then, was he willing to raise him up, for not till then was he
sure of the mastery. This self-reliant Captain-doctor had assumed a
demeanor that was unbecoming in him; now he was humbled, and would have
to be grateful for every act of kindnes