"Yes; that was the snare. The voice said to me: 'I come from Victoria with a very important message for Ellen, the wife of Schanvoch, who left on a journey two hours ago.'"
At these words of Sampso's, Victoria and I exchanged looks of increasing astonishment. Sampso proceeded:
"As I could in no way suspect a messenger from Victoria, I opened the door. Immediately, instead of a woman, a man rushed at me; he violently pushed me back—and immediately bolted the street door. By the light of the lamp, which I had placed on the floor, I recognized Victorin. He was pale—frightful to behold—he seemed to be intoxicated, and could hardly stand on his feet—"
"Oh! The unhappy boy! The unhappy boy!" I cried. "He was not in his senses! Only so! Oh, only so! He never could otherwise have attempted such a crime!"
"Proceed, Sampso," said Victoria with a profound sigh; "proceed with your account—"
"Without saying a word to me, Victorin pointed to the door of my own room, the room I always occupied when I did not share my sister's room during the absence of Schanvoch. In my terror I guessed all. I cried to Ellen: 'Sister, lock your door!' and I began to call for help as loud as I could. My cries exasperated Victorin. He seized and threw me into my room. Just as he was about to lock me in I saw Ellen hurrying out of her room. She looked pale and frightened; she was almost naked. I afterwards heard the distressing cries of my sister calling for help—I heard them struggle—I fainted away. I know not how long I remained in that state. I regained consciousness when someone knocked at my door and called me by name. It was Schanvoch. I answered him. He must have opened it for me—I saw him—"
"And you," Victoria said, turning to me. "How was it that you returned so suddenly?"
"At about four leagues from Mayence, I was notified that a crime was being committed in my house."
"And who could have notified you?"
"A soldier; my escort."