eavy. That sounded sad enough. But Johanna, who
brought the news, had a word of comfort. Consul Eschrich, she said,
was hastening to the scene with the life-saving apparatus and the
rocket battery, and success was certain. The distance was not quite as
great as in the year '75, and that time all lives had been saved; even
the poodle had been rescued. "It was very touching to see how the dog
rejoiced and again and again licked with his red tongue both the
Captain's wife and the dear little child, not much larger than little
Annie."

"Geert, I must go there, I must see it," Effi declared, and both set
out at once in order not to be too late. They chose just the right
moment, for as they reached the beach beyond the "Plantation" the
first shot was fired and they saw plainly how the rocket with the life
line sailed beneath the storm cloud and fell down beyond the ship.
Immediately all hands were astir on board and they used the small line
to haul in the heavier hawser with the basket. Before long the basket
returned and one of the sailors, a very handsome, slender man, with an
oilcloth hood, was safe on land. He was plied with questions by the
inquisitive spectators, while the basket made another trip to fetch
the second man, then the third, and so on. All were rescued, and as
Effi walked home with her husband a half hour later she felt like
throwing herself on the sand and having a good cry. A beautiful
emotion had again found lodgment in her heart and she was immeasurably
happy that it was so.

This occurred on the 3d. On the 5th a new excitement was experienced,
of an entirely different kind, to be sure. On his way out of the
council house Innstetten had met Gieshuebler, who, by the way, was an
alderman and a member of the magistracy. In conversation with him
Innstetten had learned that the ministry of war had inquired what
attitude the city authorities would assume in case the question of a
garrison were raised. If they showed their willingness to meet the
necessary conditions, viz., to build stables and barracks, they might
be granted two squadrons of hussars. "Well, Effi, what do you say
about it?" Effi looked as though struck dumb. All the innocent
happiness of her childhood years was suddenly brought back to her and
for a moment it seemed as though red hussars--for these were to be red
hussars, like those at home in Hohen-Cremmen--were the true guardians
of Paradise and innocence. Still she remained silent.

"Wh