"And you will go alone? When do you think of starting?"
"Not for an hour. I must wait until the moon rises, as I need its full light to show me the way to the heights.--Even though some unforeseen hindrance should arise, I have plenty of time."
"Well, then, gentlemen," said the major to the other officers, "go now, and prepare yourselves for any alarm that may be given tonight. Herr Captain, see that the posts are doubly guarded, that the orders previously given are exactly carried out. I will meantime advise with Lieutenant Fernow."
The officers obeyed, but at the door, the captain turned around once more.
"Good-night, Lieutenant Fernow!" he said.
A smile flitted over Walter's lips; too well he knew the meaning of the farewell.
"Good-night, captain! Good-night, gentlemen!"
Then turning, he met the eyes of Doctor Behrend resting gravely and reproachfully upon him.
"Do you then care nothing at all for your life?" he asked beneath his breath.
"No!" was the melancholy answer given in the same tone.