"Father, the Professor has never in his life eaten roast pig," said the daughter. "Ilse, what are you thinking of? My pig for the sake of Tacitus!" exclaimed the Proprietor. "No, I cannot stand that; be content with your poultry. Stop! Just hand me the volume of the encyclopedia lettered T, I want to read up about that fellow." "Here, father; I know where it is." "See! See!" said the father, "just like Mrs. Rollmaus. Good-night." The Doctor looked through the window into the dark court. Sleep and peace lay over the wide space; from a distance sounded the tread of the watchman who went his rounds through the homestead, and then the suppressed howl of the farm dog. "Here we are," he said, at last, "two genuine adventurers in the enemy's fortress. Whether we shall carry anything away from it, is very doubtful," he continued, looking significantly at his friend, with a smile. "It is doubtful," said the Professor, measuring the room with long strides. "What is the matter with you, Felix?" asked Fritz, anxiously, after a pause; "you are very absentminded, which is not usually your way." The Professor stood still. "I have nothing to tell you. I have strong but confused feelings, which I am trying to control. I fear I have this day received an impression against which a sensible man should guard himself. Ask me nothing further, Fritz," he continued, pressing his hand vehemently. "I do not feel unhappy." Fritz, deeply troubled, placed himself on his bed, and looked for a boot-jack. "How does our host please you?" he asked, in a low tone, and, in order to appear unconcerned, tapping with his foot on the floor. "A worthy man," answered the Professor, again stopping, "but his manner is different from what we are accustomed to." "He is of old Saxon origin," the Doctor proceeded, "broad shoulders, giant height, open countenance, solidity in every movement. The children also are of the same type," he continued; "the daughter is somewhat of a Thusnelda." "The similitude does not apply," rejoined the Professor, roughly, continuing his walk. Fritz drew off the second boot in a slightly discordant mood. "How does the eldest boy please you? He has the bright hair of his sister." "No comparison," said the Professor, again laconically. Fritz placed both boots before the bed, and himself upon it, and said with decision: "I am ready to respect your humor, even when I cannot quite understand it; but I beg you to take into consideration that we have forced ourselves on the hospitality of these people, and that we ought not to take advantage of it beyond to morrow morning." "Fritz," cried the Professor, with deep feeling, "you are my dear, true friend; have patience with me to-day!" So saying, he turned round, and breaking off the conversation, approached the window.