though in subdued cadence, pours forth the touching notes of a Rhine
song with singular delicacy and sweetness.

"'Can there be two such voices?' she asked herself. 'Is there magic
at work? That is certainly the voice of Egbert, but yonder guard who
sings thus is one of these detested banditti!'

"In her excitement, she leaned forth from the turret-window, while
at the same moment the new member of the band drew towards it. All
was still; the revellers slept. Petard himself slept. Only this
single sentinel and the prisoner were awake!

"'Bettina, Bettina!' whispered the guard, with his hands to his
mouth, so as to direct the sound to her ears alone.

"'God be praised, Egbert! Is it indeed you?' she exclaimed aloud.

"'Hush, it is your devoted lover; be discreet!' he answered."

"I knew it was he," interrupted Florinda.

Carlton continued. "'I will, I will. But this dress-the office you
fill. What does this mean? I am amazed, Egbert.'

"'I am here under a disguise,' he replied, 'and have just joined the
robbers to liberate thee. Be careful, watchful, but never appear to
regard me let what may occur, for I may be foiled at first in my
purpose.'

"'My father-' lisped Bettina.