Lieutenant Henry arrived soon afterward. Trenck found delight in the course of dissimulation to which he stood committed. He overwhelmed his guest with courteous attentions, pressing upon him the finest wines and his favorite fruits, meanwhile beaming upon him with an affection that overspread his whole countenance, and expatiating freely upon the delights of the morrow’s ride.
Henry accepted his attentions with his accustomed dreamy manner.
The next morning, at half past nine, when the lieutenant arrived, he found Trenck awaiting him.
The two officers rode off, followed by their servants, and took the road to Langführ. Trenck’s audacity was terrifying. Even Karl, who was well aware of his master’s great ability and cleverness, was nevertheless uneasy, and Franz, who was less familiar with the baron’s character, was in a state of the greatest alarm.
The country, beautiful with its verdant grasslands, its budding bushes and flowers, its rich fields of wheat, dotted with spring blossoms, revealed itself to their delighted eyes. In the distance glistened the tavern of Langführ, with its broad red and blue stripes and its tempting signboard that displayed a well-appointed festive table.
The low door in the wall that enclosed the tavern courtyard was still closed. Inside, to the right of that door, was a little terrace, and against the wall was an arbor formed of running vines and ivy.
Lieutenant Henry, pausing near a clump of trees some two hundred paces from the tavern, said:
“Baron, our horses will be in the way in that little courtyard. I think it would be well to leave them here in the care of our servants until our return.”
Trenck assented readily. He sprang from his horse and tossed his bridle to his valet and Henry did the same.
The path leading to the tavern was enchanting, with its carpet of flowers and moss, and the two young men advanced arm in arm in the most affectionate manner. Karl and Franz watched them, overwhelmed with anxiety.