id that they would probably be
able to release him in a few days.

As the clerk folded his papers together, he cast a longing look at
the poured-out wine; but he had to content himself with licking the
ink-spots from his fingers.

"May I not send my husband a bed?" asked the farmer's wife. This was
the first word she had spoken. The judge replied with a compassionate
smile that it was not necessary.

Landolin took her hand, and, for the first time in many years, said in
an affectionate tone:

"Dear Johanna." Her face was illuminated as though a miracle had been
worked; and Landolin continued: "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to
me."

"Can't he take me with him?" asked his wife of the judge.

"I am sorry that it is impossible."

She was about to send a maid-servant for Thoma, but Landolin prevented
it, and said to the judge:

"I am ready to go now."

When Landolin had taken his seat in the carriage, a guard, who had been
standing before the house, sprang upon the box with the coachman. The
farmer's wife brought her husband's cloak, and he wrapped himself in
it, for he was shivering, although the air was mild. He pulled his hat
down to hide his face, and besides, it was night.

The carriage rolled away. The barking of the dog, and the rumbling of
the wheels over the plateau could long be heard. At last it died away,
and all was still.

CHAPTER XIX.

All was still in the yard. The moonbeams shone upon the house and
barns, and glistened on the spring, the splashing of which could still
be heard.

Under the broad eaves sat the head-servant and Peter. Tobias, in
delight, clapped his hands together, and rubbed his knees. He had not
only testified so as to help his master, but what, if possible, pleased
him more, he had succeeded in cheating the judge, and making a
laughing-stock of him. It was rare fun for him. He whispered to Peter:

"Only be sharp! You're smarter, slyer, than anybody guesses. You
mustn't go after Fidelis hammer and tongs; that will only make the
matter worse. He's a stiff-backed soldier of the new Prussian pattern.
Just keep your head on your shoulders. By degrees, we'll teach him what
he saw. If you turn him off now, then----Hold on! I've got it! Now
listen to me."

He stopped a moment; put his hands together, as though he had a bird
caged in them; chuckled to himself; and not until Peter questioned him
did he say:

"Listen! Before taking the oat