I did not call for the coffee immediately. I let him sleep, and went on quietly with my supper. Just as I had done, however, the brothers came back together, Friedrich bringing the coffee—two large cups on a tray. The elder, standing by the table, looked down at Bergheim with his unfriendly frown.
"Your friend is tired," he said.
"Yes, he has walked far to-day—much farther than I have."
"Humph! you will be glad to go to bed."
"Indeed we shall. Are our rooms ready?"
"Yes."
I took one of the cups, and put the other beside Bergheim's plate.
"Here, Bergheim," I said, "wake up; the coffee is waiting."
But he slept on, and never heard me.
I then lifted my own cup to my lips—paused—set it down untasted. It had an odd, pungent smell that I did not like.