"I will."
"Let us make some memoranda, then, of men and places—"
Some humble writing implements were placed on the table; and Hofer, after trying the point of a stumpy pen on his thumb, offered it, with a crumpled piece of paper, to Father Joachim, who, however, produced his own pocket-book, while the Sandwirth and Speckbacher reckoned up to him the number of men they thought they might muster. Rudolf presently went round to Theresa, and whispered, "Can you give me some bits of wood? I might be cutting some billets and inscribing them."
She mutely nodded, went out, and returned with her apron full. He took out his clasp-knife and quietly set to work; and Franz, after a lazy fashion, helped him.
"Five thousand strong," at length said the Capuchin.
"There or thereabouts," said Hofer. "Speckbacher must count up the men about Halle."
His little boy here stole up to him.
"So, Johann," said his father, in a lowered voice, while Speckbacher reckoned up the men of Halle, "you set the stranger on his way. Did he say anything to you?"
"Only asked a heap of questions about the shooting match, father."
"Humph! Nothing else?"