"Herr Gleissert," he continued, "my name is Hilsborn. Do not start. I am not come to avenge my dead father. His sainted spirit would disdain revenge. He forgave you freely while he lived. I come in place of my friend Möllner, who is detained by the dangerous illness of your niece, to vindicate the rights of Fräulein Ernestine. We learned from Frau Willmers that you had sent your effects to Hamburg poste-restante several days ago, and that you would of course be obliged to come hither to reclaim them. Möllner requested me to pursue you without delay, and, without one thought of personal revenge, I consented to assist my friend in reinstating your unfortunate ward in her rights. I little knew what my acceptance of this duty would cost me, for the few minutes that I lingered on that threshold taught me that my task is not alone to hand you over to justice, but to deprive a daughter of her father."
"You shame me, sir, by such kindness at a moment when a less magnanimous man would have believed himself justified in heaping me with insult. I am the more grateful to you since you, of all others, have most reason to hate me. Your humanity, under these sad circumstances, relieves me with regard to the fate of my unfortunate child, for it emboldens me to hope that you will extend your chivalrous kindness to her also."
"Rely upon it, I will do so," Hilsborn assured him.
"And let me hope, my child, that you will not reject the noble protection thus offered you. Herr Hilsborn, remember, has done your father no wrong,--he has only, in his natural desire for justice, lent his aid to the hand that is pursuing me. I presume," continued he, turning to Hilsborn, "that you have provided for my immediate arrest?"
"Yes, Herr Gleissert," said Hilsborn gently, "the superintendent of the hotel has assisted me to do so."
"Then I will place no unnecessary obstacles in your way. I shall submit to the investigation with a good conscience."
Hilsborn laid his hand lightly upon Leuthold's arm. "Herr Gleissert, do not reject advice that is well meant." He spoke in a whisper, that Gretchen, who was listening with feverish eagerness, might not hear what he said.
"Well?" asked Leuthold.
"Do not attempt denial, you will only weaken your case. The proofs of your crime are most decisive."
"How so?" asked Leuthold quietly, believing that he had destroyed every scrap of paper that could criminate him.