eyes closing in spite of his will, and he was soon steeped in slumber.

"The sleep on the night before execution," muttered the Jew. "This is a
sad matter! That Baboushka is a witch of malevolence, or I am woefully
misinformed, and the major an awkward antagonist. I would a thousand
miles separated my daughter, and this young man, from both of them."

In the lobby he saw a young girl, with her hair in curl-papers and a
candle in her hand, descending the stairs from above.

"Ah, Hedwig," he said gently, "I am not sorry you have risen so early."
The girl blushed.

"You are as rosy as a carnation. Will you please bring me up some coffee
and light food as soon as you get the hot water? My daughter and I will
probably start before your regular breakfast-hour."

The girl seemed vexed by this news, for she bit her lip, but forcing a
smile, she continued her journey to the kitchen. No one else seemed
afoot in the large and rambling house, through which the Jew sent
searching looks as he took the turn to the yard. The ostler received him
with a grin, and the dog with friendly wags of the stub tail.

"We shall not use the chaise as we purposed, Karl," said the Jew. "At
your breakfast-time, my daughter will go out alone for an airing, with
you or your fellow to drive. The young gentleman whom you welcomed is
quite unfit for a journey before at least three days are over.
Meanwhile, not an incautious word that will betray where he took
shelter. In these three days," he added to himself, "we shall know how
the major fares. Unfortunately, his race have iron constitutions."