"Because I am going to marry Mary to-morrow, please God, if she'll only say 'Yes'; and I believe she will. Master Byrckmann has forced two hundred golden crowns upon me for what he calls my splendid service. I didn't think of any payment, God knows! and I didn't want to take it, big though the temptation was to do so. But he gave me no alternative. See! It is here!"
He slapped his hand on the leathern pouch at his belt, and Herman heard the chink of gold.
"I wanted a hundred crowns, I told you, to buy a mill—and I know of one—but this leaves me with a hundred in reserve. Bid me joy, Herman! You said my ship would come home. It's come!"
"I do, with all my heart!" Herman cried.
And a moment later the forester was galloping along the street towards the city gate.
MORGAN AND SCOTT LD., 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON, E.C.