“‘Bettina, Bettina!’ whispered the guard, with his hands to his mouth, so as to direct the sound to her ears alone.

“‘God be praised, Egbert!  Is it indeed you?’ she exclaimed aloud.

“‘Hush, it is your devoted lover; be discreet!’ he answered.”

“I knew it was he,” interrupted Florinda.

Carlton continued. “’I will, I will.  But this dress-the office you fill.  What does this mean?  I am amazed, Egbert.’

“‘I am here under a disguise,’ he replied, ’and have just joined the robbers to liberate thee.  Be careful, watchful, but never appear to regard me let what may occur, for I may be foiled at first in my purpose.’

“‘My father-’ lisped Bettina.

“‘Is well,’ said her lover.  ’All will go well if thou wilt but be cautious.’  Come to the outer door-I have the key.’

“‘Shall we fly?’ she asked.

“’Not to-night; preparation must be made.  Perhaps to-morrow night, for I have the watch here for two nights, and shall see you then.  Come down for a few moments.’

“In an instant more the lovers were folded in each other’s arms.  Egbert had never before embraced her; but their present situation was one to break down all barriers of mere formality, and Bettina sobbed upon his breast, blessing him for his, courage in thus seeking to rescue her.  These were precious moments, and they improved them in arranging everything for the coming night.  Egbert, as she bade him good night, handed her a jewelled dagger, saying that let what might occur, she had that silent friend!

“It is just four weeks since the first instalment on the robber’s demanded ransom was paid, when the agent of Petard again appeared in the hall of Botzletz Castle, confident in his personal security, well knowing that the old man’s daughter was the hostage held for his safety and the fulfilment of the contract, and demands a second quarter of the ransom.  He was a dark, sinister looking Jew-for this was the class through whom the bandits universally performed all their business arrangements with people whom they could not personally approach-himself interested by the large percentage which was the payment for his part of the business.  The Jew was most pertinacious in his demand.

“Karl Etzwell, the merchant, received the Jew, listened patiently to his demand, and then calmly said: 

“’Two hundred and fifty marks of gold thou hast already received from me on this business.’

“‘I have,’ replied the Jew.

“‘And thou now demandest an additional two hundred and fifty?’ said the merchant.

“‘It is my business,’ was the answer.

“‘Canst change me a good obligatory note for five hundred?’ asked the merchant.

“The Jew drew forth his bag of gold, and after a brief examination, said: 

“’If thou wilt take a few diamonds at their true valuation, I can make up the sum on the spot, but I shall charge you goodly usury.’