“You are sure of being well received, Captain Trautenau,” resumed the first speaker, “having already been in this Bethany, and also having a sister at school here among the saints.  You must look out for us, and get the best shelter you can.”

Having now reached the suburbs of the village, Alexander von Trautenau ordered a halt to be made and the soldiers fall in rank.  “We will march in with as imposing an appearance as possible,” he said gayly; and they passed through the streets, while many a terrified and astonished form rushed to the windows and watched them go by.  Alexander, being familiar with the place, marched with his men directly to the Brothers’ house and entered the spacious yard; there he gave the command to stack arms.  That surely was a peaceful proceeding!  The Brothers’ house was much larger than that of the Sisters, as here they usually carried on their various branches of industry.  The door was now opened and, with a pale, terror-stricken countenance, Brother Martin, the presiding elder, stepped out.  Alexander immediately went up to him, and asked politely:  “Are you the elder in authority over this house?” When he answered in the affirmative, Alexander continued:  “I have been ordered here with two companies to find shelter for the night, as the heavy rain has rendered bivouacking impossible.  Will you be so good as to assign me quarters for the men?”

“We will, mein Herr.  But, first of all, tell me, I pray, if these guns are loaded,” answered Brother Martin, pointing anxiously to the stacks of arms.

“Of course the guns are loaded, but only with powder; and there is no danger whatever of their going off by themselves,” said the officer, trying to reassure him.

But Brother Martin only grew paler than before.  “Herr Officer, I must humbly beg that the guns be removed.”

“With pleasure,” replied Alexander, “if you will show me a room in which my men may carry them and keep them dry.”

Brother Martin hastened with alacrity into the house, and opened a room in the basement.  The murderous weapons were carried in by the soldiers, the door was shut, and, to the great relief of the poor elder, the key turned and put away safely in the officer’s pocket.

Meanwhile, Hansen had not been able to repress his ridiculing remarks.  “It is enough to turn an honest soldier’s heart around in his body to listen to such stuff,” he said.  “Guns!  As if we would carry anything else!  The man must be a fool.”

Alexander divided his men into squads, to occupy the apartments where they were to be accommodated with pallets of straw.

One of the married brothers now came up and addressed the captain.  “Herr Officer,” he said modestly, “I have room in my house for a few men.  Will you allow me to accommodate four or six?  I promise to give them the very best that my poor house affords.”

“With many thanks, kind sir,” was the reply.  “Please select from among them those you would like to have; the poor drenched creatures will be only too glad of your hospitality.”