“What’s Kinder?” asked Jack.
“Children. I know enough German for that,” said Tom.
“I don’t know about that,” said the lieutenant gravely. “Is Katrine beautiful?”
“She was once,” said Johann. “She is now one fine woman.”
“And you will promise to help us in all our undertakings?”
“What will you have me to do?” asked the Teuton with returning intelligence.
“Stop travelers on the highway—make them give up their money—and if they won’t, shoot ’em,” said the lieutenant.
“You want me to be one robber!” exclaimed Herr Schmidt in horror, “and kill de people! I cannot do it. I am a good man. I am not a robber.”
“If you will join us,” said the lieutenant with a wink to his men, “we’ll make you our captain—that is, if you steal a good deal of money.”
“Nein, nein!” said Herr Schmidt vehemently. “I will not do it—Katrine would leave me. She would not live with her Johann if he was become a robber.”