At that von Nauheim broke out with more pleas and entreaties, his voice shaking as he trembled in his fear. I did not know what to do. I had promised Praga his revenge; and in all truth I could see no reason for interfering to save the man's life. He had played the scoundrel all through, and if ever a man deserved death he did.
But at the same time it was Minna who asked for mercy, and I loved her for it, and my heart was moved by her appeal. I stood thus in hesitation, when an interruption came which, for the instant, I welcomed gladly.
We were to have more company on that lonely spot; and we all four heard at the same moment the sound of horses coming quickly up the hill. A minute later we caught sight of a couple of figures in the moonlight.
The effect on von Nauheim was electrical.
He sprang up and gave a loud shout for help.
"Help, help! Murder! Help!"
The cry rang over the country-side and awakened a thousand echoes in the still night air.
An answering shout came from the approaching men, and they dashed headlong toward us, reigning up their horses almost on to their haunches.
"What is this?" cried a voice which I seemed to recognize. "Who called for help?"
"It is Major Gessler, Hans," whispered Minna. "Take care."