"Will you earn a new jacket?"
"There's no need to earn it, Herr. Next time I go to Bockeldorf--for the Herr must have food--I can get one."
So, unreasoning as a beast of burden, she performed her duties, and expected no return except her food!
"Will you, then, without earning anything, go a long way for me this very night?"
"Oh, won't I, Herr, if you wish it?"
CHAPTER VI
The next day the village of Schranden received an unexpected visitation that proved no small shock to its inhabitants. At about five o'clock in the afternoon two coaches appeared in the village street each of which contained half-a-dozen occupants, young fellows in Jäger uniforms, with their muskets slung over their shoulders from wide leather belts.
In the first coach there was also a female occupant, who, the moment the horses' heads turned in the direction of the space opposite the church, alighted with a wild leap, and scudded away towards the Castle.
Every Schrandener recognised in her the deceased Baron's sweetheart, but all were too much taken aback to think of following her.
The coaches halted before the Black Eagle, the windows of which were eagerly opened, and before the strangers had moved from their seats, an enthusiastic welcome was extended to them.