"Comrade, we are betrayed!" said he breathlessly. "Our plan of flight has been discovered. The adjutant of the commander has just secretly informed me that when the guard is changed I am to be arrested. You see, then, we are lost, unless we adopt some rash and energetic resolution." "We will fly before the hour of your arrest," said Trenck, gayly. "If you think that possible, so be it!" said Schnell. He drew a sword from under his mantle, and handed it to Trenck. "Swear to me upon this sword, that come what may, you will never allow me to fall alive into the hands of my enemies." "I swear it, so truly as God will help me! And now, Schnell, take the same oath." "I swear it! And now friend, one last grasp of the hand, and then forward. May God be with us! Hide your sword under your coat. Let us assume an indifferent and careless expression--come!" Arm in arm, the two young men left the prison door. They appeared calm and cheerful; each one kept a hand in his bosom, and this hand held a loaded pistol. The guard saluted the officer of the night-watch, who passed by him in full uniform. In passing, he said: "I am conducting the prisoner to the officers' room. Remain here--I will return quickly." Slowly, quietly, they passed down the whole length of the corridor; they reached the officer's room, and opened the door. The guard walked with measured step slowly before the open door of Trenck's cell, suspecting nothing. The door closed behind the fugitives--the first step toward liberty was taken. "And now, quickly onward to the side door. When we have passed the sentry-box, we will be at the outer works. We must spring over the palisades, and woe to the obstacle that lies in our path!--advance! forward!" They reached the wall, they greeted fair Freedom with golden smiles, but turning a corner, they stood suddenly before the major and his adjutant! A cry of horror burst from Schnell's lips. With one bold leap, he sprang upon the breastworks, and jumped below. With a wild shout of joy Trenck followed him. His soul bounded with rapture and gladness. He has mounted the wall, and what he finds below will be liberty in death, or liberty in life. He lives! He stretches himself after his wondrous leap, and he is not injured--he recovers strength and presence of mind quickly. But where is his friend? where is Schnell? There--there; he lies upon the ground, with a dislocated ankle, impossible to stand-- impossible to move. "Remember your oath, friend--kill me! I can go no farther. Here is my sword--thrust it into my bosom, and fly for your life!" Trenck laughed gayly, took him in his arms as lovingly and tenderly as a mother. "Swing yourself on my back, friend, and clasp your arms about my neck, and hold fast. We will run a race with the reindeer." "Trenck! Trenck! kill me Leave me here, and hasten on. Escape is impossible with such a burden." "You are as light as a feather, and I will die with you rather than leave you."