The way the animal took was through the gate. Then it really had been his father who had opened it.
But then—then.... Which way would he turn?
“Seek for your master, Turk. Seek!”
The dog again gave a short howl, and then ran with great speed down the path towards Helenenthal.
Helenenthal! What does father want in Helenenthal? Ah, did he not say a short time ago that he had been there one afternoon for an experiment? For an experiment! And how strangely and unpleasantly he laughed when he said it.
And to-day, too. How mysterious his behavior had been! And when they were speaking of the barn catching fire, what did he mean by the words that it was a splendid coincidence today? Why to day? Whatever happens, I must find the solution of this riddle ere it is too late!
He looked around, seeking help.
As his hand was groping mechanically in the dark aperture he laid hold of the handle of a tin can which stood hidden there among the sheaves. It was the petroleum can, which he had freshly filled yesterday. And on whose advice? Who was it who came and said,
“Father, father, for Jesus’ sake, what do you want to do at Helenenthal?”
And now, how much is there still in it? It is scarcely half full.