The order to march was soon given; the wearied soldiers gladly obeyed, though somewhat dispirited and dissatisfied with the day's work. Gaspard, however, far from murmuring, was thankful for his preservation, as well as for that of the little being who, he now hoped, might, through the Baron's kindness, be a help rather than a burden to himself and his wife. He pleased himself by imagining the surprise with which Katherine would receive such a gift for her birthday. Knowing her tenderness of heart, he felt sure of a welcome for the little foundling, and that she would readily take the deserted one to her heart. The day was drawing to a close when the regiment reached its quarters; orders for the morrow having been issued, the soldiers were at liberty to return each to his own hut.
[CHAPTER II.]
THE BIRTHDAY GIFT.
GASPARD was hastening away with the rest, when recalled by his captain, who, placing three pieces of gold in his hand, said as he did so,—
"My friend, take these to your good wife, with the new charge you are taking to her, and tell her you shall never want a friend whilst I live."
"May God bless you, my noble captain!" exclaimed Gaspard, now more impatient than ever to reach his home. He lost no time in repairing thither, and entered it with a light heart.
Katherine flew to meet him. "Gaspard!" she cried, in a terrified tone, "Gaspard, what has happened? You are all black,—your hair and clothes burnt;—are you hurt?—tell me, tell me quick?"
"It is nothing, dear wife; I am not hurt, but I have had to defend myself, not only against the enemy, but a terrible fire, by which at one time I was almost surrounded, and which scorched my face and hands, as you see, and blackened me from head to foot; but I brought away a birthday present for you, Katherine, which I hope may bring a blessing with it." So saying, he unfolded the mantle, and displayed to his wife's astonished eyes the lovely infant he had so wonderfully and humanely rescued.
"Dear husband," she exclaimed, "whose is it, and where did you find it?" Then taking it in her arms, she tenderly kissed it, and smoothed its fair, glossy curls. Gaspard shortly related all that had occurred— the danger he had been in, in the midst of the burning castle—the finding the child—the merciful escape he had had—and, finally, the kind promise made by the young Baron Otto de Helfenstein.
"God be praised!" said Katherine, when her husband ceased speaking, "for having thus preserved you and this little one from such fearful peril."