"Here, father; I know where it is."
"See! See!" said the father, "just like Mrs. Rollmaus. Good-night."
The Doctor looked through the window into the dark court. Sleep and peace lay over the wide space; from a distance sounded the tread of the watchman who went his rounds through the homestead, and then the suppressed howl of the farm dog.
"Here we are," he said, at last, "two genuine adventurers in the enemy's fortress. Whether we shall carry anything away from it, is very doubtful," he continued, looking significantly at his friend, with a smile.
"It is doubtful," said the Professor, measuring the room with long strides.
"What is the matter with you, Felix?" asked Fritz, anxiously, after a pause; "you are very absentminded, which is not usually your way."
The Professor stood still.
"I have nothing to tell you. I have strong but confused feelings, which I am trying to control. I fear I have this day received an impression against which a sensible man should guard himself. Ask me nothing further, Fritz," he continued, pressing his hand vehemently. "I do not feel unhappy."
Fritz, deeply troubled, placed himself on his bed, and looked for a boot-jack.
"How does our host please you?" he asked, in a low tone, and, in order to appear unconcerned, tapping with his foot on the floor.