In the meantime, Mr. Fabian’s assistant, who had not yet left the forest, having been attracted by Carl’s movements, had been an eye-witness to his proceedings.  But instead of warning the lad of his crime, the spectator seemed rather to rejoice at his patron’s misfortune.  He might safely do this, for after the crime had been committed, he could easily disclose the name of the thief, and thus avert suspicion from himself.  He thought that Mr. H——­ would not injure a person of Carl’s character, and that at all events he would be likely to receive a proper reward for any zeal he should exert to promote the interest of his employer.  Carl had discovered that his actions had been observed; but as the spectator, by sundry winks and nods, seemed rather to encourage than to prevent him, Carl proceeded without fear.

And now, having won the victory, he hastened to Magde.

But here trouble awaited him.

When Carl presented Magde the game, she was delighted; but after her outburst of admiration had subsided, her first question naturally was as to where he had procured his prize.

“Is it not enough that it is here?” said Carl, as he stood on the threshold, twirling his hat in his hand.

“Heavens!  I trust you have not procured it in an unlawful way?”

“No, I got it while going the right way,” replied Carl, mischievously.

“My dear Carl,” said Magde, seriously, “you must not think to deceive me by your cunning words.”

“You should not say so,” answered Carl, sulkily.

“No, I should not, Carl, I spoke foolishly; but if you are a good boy, and love me, you will tell me who has given you this game, or whether you have promised to pay for it by working by-and-bye.”

“I have already worked for it,” said Carl, with a laugh, “but I must go now, or else I will be too late at Sunnangaarden.”

Thus saying, Carl was about putting his long legs in active motion, when Magde exclaimed: 

“Carl!  Carl! a word more! stop, Carl!”

“I have staid too long already,” said Carl; but still he remained.

“Tell me frankly, Carl, did you procure the game honestly?”

Carl, who rested upon the tenth commandment, in which neither hares nor partridges were mentioned, answered shrewdly: 

“If you doubt my honor, I will refer you to the catechism.  Do you believe in the catechism?”

“Is it true then that you have done nothing contrary to its precepts?”

“It is indeed true,” replied Carl, gravely.

“Then I am satisfied,” said Magde, “and I am grateful to you, my good Carl, for the welcome present.”

“Good?  Yes, can I really believe you, Magde?”

“Yes, I so consider you, and therefore I am good to you.”

Carl commenced laughing, and assumed a crane-like position, as he balanced himself upon one leg.  This was his usual custom when pleased.

“Well, well, then you love poor Carl a little.  That’s good!”