"Thank you, Master Bernhard," said I, ironically; "well, ostler, is that rope ready?"
"I am making all the haste I can, Herr Captain."
"Do not hurry yourself, my good man, I beseech you," said Bernhard, giving a snake-like glance at the ostler.
"And this lady," said I.
"What lady, Herr?"
"Zounds! the lady with whom you fell among the Merodeurs."
"She is now in Helnœsland."
"In the castle?"
"With Count Merodé."
"Confound that dogged front of thine!" said I, grinding my teeth with anger, on thinking of all the mischief this villain had aided and abetted. "You hear, gentlemen," I added, "he says that Lady Gabrielle is in Helnœsland with Merodé."