"If you know it, what's the use of speaking about it," hoarsely muttered Groff. "I'll not make a mistake again, trust me. We will have our revenge this time, and gain a reward. A pretty work the youth has given us, what with watching and hunting him about so long." "We ought to know each other by this time, Groff, and need keep no little secrets of this sort from one another: so, no fear of my betraying you. But say, how did you manage to find out that young Galetzoff is likely to pass this way?" "Why, the Count set me to watch all his haunts; and several times I followed him in this direction, when I suddenly lost sight of him among the garden walls; but after waiting here, I found that he again passed by, and each night he has done the same. I felt certain that it was he, when I made the mistake the other night; but I will not fail a second time, trust me; and I know that he will come, for I am sure it was he, we saw pass at dusk. Ah! what is that object on the ground, Kruntz? see, it moves! It is too horrid to look at!" cried Groff, in a hollow, husky voice. "I see its mangled features. Do you believe in ghosts, Kruntz?" "Ghosts--no!" answered Kruntz, jeeringly; "I never saw one yet. Why, what's the matter, man? you are not wont to tremble. Rouse yourself, Groff: be a man. Why, what is there to care for, if you did put a wrong man out of the way; you are not the first who has done so." "It is well for you to laugh, Kruntz, who have no feelings; but if you had seen the horrible sight that appeared to me just now, you would have trembled." "Nonsense, man," said his companion, "it was all your fancy; and now get rid of such ideas, for here comes some one. Be prepared!" Thaddeus heard nearly every word of this conversation; and becoming much alarmed for the safety of his friend, stood ready to rush out to his assistance, for he fancied that through the gloom he saw him approaching. As the footsteps drew near, the voice of the Count Erintoff was heard: "Hist, hist! what, knaves, are you there? Kruntz, Groff, answer!" The men who had been concealed by the arch, stepped forward as they heard their master's voice. "Has the person I told you to watch for appeared, or have you again let him escape you, villains?" "No, Count," answered Kruntz: "no fear of that. I owe him a broken head, and I don't forget my debts. I should like to catch his friend, the other young fellow; I would pay him off all old scores." "Hush, knaves!" said the Count. "Listen, some one approaches: be prepared to rush out. It is he!" A footstep was heard. Thaddeus grasped his sword more firmly--his heart beat high, as he stood ready to spring from his hiding-place. The person had reached the spot. It was Ivan; for the Count and his servants sprung out upon him, and attacked him furiously.