and call Fidelis," Tobias said to
Peter, who soon returned with him. The head-servant and the son now
urged Fidelis to let Anton convince him that he had been mistaken; but
Fidelis remained immovable, and repeated that he had no doubts in the
matter. He was sure that Anton's convictions were as honest as his own,
even though they differed from them ... but for his part, he could not
and would not say anything different from what he had seen. In court it
would appear who was right.

Anton returned home troubled. He said to himself: "Have I let Landolin
tell me what I saw? Shall I lose my heart to the daughter, and my
conscience to the father? It would be better if the marriage had not
been broken off, for then I could refuse to testify."

CHAPTER XXII.

The farmer's wife had often visited her husband in the presence of the
examining magistrate. Peter had several times accompanied his mother,
but Thoma did not come. Her father was too high-spirited to inquire for
her, or ask why she staid away. Perhaps she disapproved of his
obstinacy in staying in prison; perhaps she approved of his pride, for
Landolin had told the judge, "I will not go out with a halter round my
neck, for people to make sport of me; one to pull it tight, so as to
choke me a little, and another to graciously loosen it. I will only go
as a free man. And didn't you say that I am to appear in court next
week?"

So he staid in prison, and was not obliged to see any one but his wife,
his son, the examining magistrate, and his attorney. But one pair of
eyes he saw, that looked more friendly at him than the eyes of a child
or a sister. The district judge's wife had obtained permission to visit
the prisoners.

And the hearts must indeed have been hard that were not gladdened when
that lady entered the cell, while the guards waited at the open door.

Madame Pfann--for by this simple title did the judge's wife allow
herself to be called--Madame Pfann was exceedingly happy in her
marriage. Although her husband could not forbear occasionally laughing
at her missionary zeal, nevertheless he willingly allowed her her own
way in everything. He delighted in the many successes she achieved, but
above all other things, in the unwavering faithfulness with which she
fulfilled the duty she had taken upon herself.

They had an only son, who in July, 1870, entered the army as a
volunteer, was promoted to a lieutenancy on the field