Just as the Major was about to set off, a voice cried:—
"Herr Major, just stop. I'm coming."
With flushed face, and out of breath, Knopf came up.
"Do you know it?" asked the Major.
"Yes, indeed, and that's the reason I've come. Perhaps I can do something at the Villa."
"Good! I'm going, so come with me. No, you stay here, stay with the Fräulein. I'll have you sent for if you're needed."
And so the Major walked down the mountain, and the four who remained followed him with affectionate looks.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE OPPRESSED.
Roland entered the cottage, and found the Professorin, Eric, and Manna in grave conversation together; they had imparted the dreadful secret to each other, and what weighed the most heavily upon them was the thought how Roland would bear it when he should learn of it. He now came in and said:—