VERY early in his military career, Caspar Reinhart had earned the character given him by old Von Falkenstein—of being one of the best men, and altogether the most silent man, in the whole force. Snatched without warning from home and family and all that he held dear, he was at first like one stunned by a heavy blow. He could feel nothing but a cold, benumbing sense of utter desolation. As the days went on, carrying him farther and farther from all that made life worth having, this first feeling was succeeded by one of burning rage against those who had been the cause of his misfortune, more especially against the landgrave and Captain Burger, who had commanded the kidnapping party who took him prisoner. It is impossible to have such a feeling in one's heart and not betray it in some way; and so it came to pass that Captain Burger knew that Caspar Reinhart both hated and despised him. Now, it takes a great man to despise contempt. Captain Burger was not a great man, but a very small one, and he returned Casper's hatred with interest, and was all the more angry because his enemy gave him no cause of complaint. No man was better at drill or neater in his dress than Reinhart, none more punctiliously respectful in manner or more attentive to his general duty. There was actually nothing to lay hold of. Nevertheless, Captain Burger hated Reinhart and spited him on every occasion. But their connection was not to last long, which was well for both of them. A smith was wanted for a cavalry regiment, and inquiry was made among the men. "There is Reinhart, from Nonnenwald," said Reinhart's colonel, who was a friend of old Von Falkenstein. "His father was the best smith in all the country, and he brought up his son to his own trade. I think Reinhart would suit you exactly. He is in Burger's company at present, and would be well out of it. Reinhart is no common man. He is somewhat educated and very well behaved, but he is thrown away where he is; and besides, they tell me Burger spites him whenever he can get a chance to do so." "How is it that you come to know him so well?" "Oh, I knew his father before him, and so feel interested for him. I should like to get him out of Burger's way." "Burger is a stupid coxcomb of a would-be Frenchman," growled the old man.