"Here's a young fellow, now," said he cheerfully to his wife, "who had faith that I would not blow his right hand to pieces, and disable him for life, just out of brag." "Of course you would not, Sandwirth," said Rudolf. "What good would it have done you?" "Ah, my boy, I might have attempted something I could not achieve!" "You? No! you'll never do that." "Well, I hope not. How well everything has gone off to-day! I am so glad Spickbart hit the bull's eye." "I am so glad you hit the feather," said his wife. "Oh, there was nothing in that. Poor Spickbart is getting in years, and a little shaky; but there's a man's true spirit in him yet." "What a bustle and noise there has been; I'm glad it's over." "So am I, Anna. But it has been a very important meeting." "A few of the girls wanted to get up a dance; but I knew that would never do." "You were quite right. Let us dance when the day is won, not before." "Art weary, man?" "A little, dear. Open a fresh bottle of beer." She did, and sat down close opposite to him, looking at him affectionately with her large brown eyes. Rudolf and Theresa were talking in low, lover-like tones, at the door, under covert of the balustraded gallery. The young ones were at play. Franz presently lounged in. "I'm going now, Sandwirth," said he, approaching Hofer, whose hand was locked in his wife's. "Any commands?" "Only about the brandy." "Oh, yes, we talked that over before. You shall have it." "What impression has this day made on you, Franz?" "Well--it's been very hot, for the time of year." "I was not thinking of the weather. Have you had a pleasant afternoon's sport?" "Well, no--there was too much business mixed up with it. Sport is one thing, and business another. Besides, I only hit the bull's eye twice, and Rudolf hit it five times; whereas, the last time, you know--" "Yes, I remember." "So that, altogether, you see--No, it was a poor match, I call it. Sport's sport, and business is business; isn't it, Sandwirth?" "I can't gainsay that. Well, Franz, I'm afraid you don't look forward with much pleasure to a busy campaign this summer." "I hope to do my duty as well as other people," said Franz, looking down. "What must be done, must. Of course, we shall none of us like it." "Do you call that speaking like a bold, hearty young man? Why, you ought to rouse up at the sound of the war trump!" "Oh, yes, of course; so I do."--yawning. "Thou'rt sleepy, lad," said Anna, rather contemptuously. "No, I'm quite awake," said Franz.