will not be weak this time."

Just then the Chief entered the room, accompanied by Councillor
Kniepp.

"Won't you sit down here a little?" asked the friendly host. "You
will find it much quieter in this room." He pulled up a little
table laden with cigars and wine, close to a comfortable armchair.
Then, noticing Muller, he continued with a friendly nod: "I'm glad
they told you to wait in here. You must be frozen after your long
ride. If you will wait just a moment more, I will return at once
and we can go into my office. And if you will make yourself
comfortable here, my dear Kniepp, I will send our friend Horn in
to talk with you. He is bright and jovial and will keep you amused."

The chief chattered on, making a strenuous endeavour to appear quite
harmless. But Kniepp, more apt than ever just now to notice the
actions of others, saw plainly that his genial host was concealing
some excitement. When the latter had gone out the Councillor looked
after him, shaking his head. Then his glance fell by chance on the
quiet-looking man who had risen at his entrance and had not sat
down again.

"Please sit down," he said in a friendly tone, but the other did not
move. His grey eyes gazed intently at the man whose fate he was to
change so horribly.

Kniepp grew uneasy under the stare. "What is there that interests
you so about me?" he asked in a tone that was an attempt at a joke.