“And then they said something about an ass, and a gold goblet, and a quarrel they were to engage in; it was all more and more incomprehensible. Finally, the two men, who had stopped just before us, as I told you, concluded their arrangements, and went away.
“‘The rendezvous is at eight o’clock, on the lake,’ said one, just as they started.
“‘But suppose he does not come?’ said the other.
“‘In that case we will go on to Stollborg. We shall receive orders.’
“As soon as the two rascals had gone, the lieutenant made us come out of our hiding-place, and said, in a whisper:
“‘Not a word here!’
“He led us back cautiously to the great hunting-gallery, and then said:
“‘Allow me to leave you, and to go in search of the major.’
“The lieutenant had understood the slang of these brigands; they were to accuse M. Christian Waldo of having stolen something, and to attack him, to carry him to the tower, and to kill him if he should defend himself; and they had added:
“‘And that would be the best of all!’