He tore a sheet of paper from his pocket-book and hastily scribbled the following lines:--
"At five o'clock in the afternoon all troops liable to service are to muster in the churchyard square, bringing with them accoutrements and canteens. The hour for marching will then be stated.
"Von Schranden, Landwehr Captain.
"To the local administrator."
"And what will become of Regina?" was a question that rose warningly within him.
But he would not listen to it. He was almost delirious. The fever for action possessed him.
He called his workpeople together, explained to them that he no longer needed their services, and bade each to return as quickly as possible to his native place, from there to join his respective company. He paid them off, and took leave of them with a shake of the hand and a blessing.
The stalwart youths, who had lost their hearts to him, kissed the hem of his coat, and went their way with tears in their eyes. Then he found a place of safety for the waggons, whose freight alone represented no small capital, made arrangements for the sale of the seed and provender, and left the horses at the disposal of a dealer.
Only the one on whose back he rode did he keep for his own use.
It was half-past two before he had transacted his business, and was free to start on his homeward road.