Military informers were given short shrift. It
was not a matter of tearing off orders and buttons; it was death. Who
was this terrible old man, with the mind of a serpent and the strength
of a bear? The colonel went to the barracks, but his usual debonair was
missing.
"I am going into the garden, Gretchen. Bring me a stein of brown." The
mountaineer smiled genially.
"But I am not working here any more," said Gretchen.
"No?"
"She has had a fortune left her," said Fraeu Bauer.
"Well, well!" The mountaineer seemed vastly pleased. "And how much is
this fortune?"
"Two thousand crowns." Gretchen was not sure, but to her there always
seemed to be a secret laughter behind those clear eyes.
"Handsome! And what will you do now?"
"She is to study for the opera."
"Did I not prophesy it?" he cried jubilantly.
"Did I not say that some impresario would discover you and make your
fortune?"
"There is plenty of work ahead," said Gretchen sagely.
"Always, no matter what we strive for. But a brave heart and a cheerful
smile carry you half-way up the hill. Where were you going when this
popinjay stopped you?"
"I was going to the clock-mender's for a clock he is repairing."
"I've nothing to do. I'll go with you. I've an idea that I should like
to talk with you about a very important matter.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181