"I am seventeen years old."
"That's not it; you've just confronted me bravely, and you have a man's strength of will—but life ought still to bear flowers for you, if such is God's will—you are going forth to fight sword-in-hand to win a worthy destiny of peace and prosperity, for yourself and your native land, in freedom—but I, I—give me your hand and promise—"
"My hand? There it is; but I must refuse the promise. With or without you—I shall go to the Beggars!"
Georg gazed at the brave boy in delight, and asked gently:
"Is your mother living?"
"No."
"Then come. We shall probably both find what we seek with the Beggars."
Nicolas clasped the hand Georg offered, but Wilhelm approached the
Junker, saying:
"I expected this from you, after what I saw at St. Peter's church and
Quatgelat's tavern."
"You first opened my eyes," replied Nicolas. "Now come, we'll go directly through the camp; they all know me."