their heads, and muttered fervent prayers.

After a long pause Hofer raised his head again. "And now, men,
listen to what I have to say to you," he exclaimed, cheerfully. "I
have invited you all because you are the most influential and
respectable men in this part of the country, and because the
fatherland has need of you and counts upon you and me. The
sharpshooters of the Passeyrthal told me, if war should break out, I
must be their captain; and I accepted the position because I think
that every one is in duty bound to risk his limbs and life for the
sake of the fatherland, and place himself just where he can serve it
best. But if I am to be your captain, you must all assist me to the
best of your power. We must act harmoniously, and strain every nerve
to deliver the fatherland and restore the Tyrol to our beloved
emperor."

"We are resolved to do so," shouted the men, with one accord.

"I know it full well," said Andreas Hofer, joyously. "Let us go to
work, then. and circulate throughout the Tyrol the message that the
Austrians are coming, and that it is time. Say, Teimer, did yon not
bring a written message with you?"

"Here is a letter from Hormayr," said Martin Teimer, drawing a large
sealed paper from his bosom.

Andreas took it and opened it quickly. But while he was reading it,
a slight cloud overspread his countenance, and for a moment he cast
a rapid, searching glance on Martin Teimer's bright, keen face;
however, no sooner had he met Teimer's stealthy, inquiring glance,