But, at all costs, his father's bones must lie with those of his ancestors. His first duty, his bounden duty as a son, was to procure for him a decent burial, such as was granted to every Christian human being. No matter what difficulties might stand in the way, he determined to accomplish the sacred task, even if he were driven to resort to extreme measures, and call in the aid of the law. He knew at least one magistrate in Prussia, a relative of his mother's, who would take his side, and enforce justice with an armed contingent if the worst came to the worst.
He was just in the act of walking off in the direction of the village, when it occurred to him that it was impossible to take a hundred steps on his own property without being snared into a hundred death-traps. Without the woman he detested to guide him, he was as helpless as a child.
"Lead me to the drawbridge," he said; "and while I am gone clear away all the traps."
"Yes, Herr."
But she remained motionless, as if rooted to the spot.
"What are you waiting for?"
"I beg the Herr's pardon, but he has been travelling all night, and I thought----"
"What did you think?"
"That the Herr must be very tired, and hungry perhaps; and----"
She was right He could hardly stand from sheer exhaustion. But the idea of taking even a crust from her hands filled him with loathing. Rather would he be fed by his enemies.