'I would not judge them hardly, sir,' said Otto. 'We all have our
frailties.'

'Truly, sir,' said Mr. Gottesheim, with unction. 'And by what name,
sir, am I to address my generous landlord?'

The double recollection of an English traveller, whom he had
received the week before at court, and of an old English rogue
called Transome, whom he had known in youth, came pertinently to the
Prince's help. 'Transome,' he answered, 'is my name. I am an
English traveller. It is, to-day, Tuesday. On Thursday, before
noon, the money shall be ready. Let us meet, if you please, in
Mittwalden, at the "Morning Star."'

'I am, in all things lawful, your servant to command,' replied the
farmer. 'An Englishman! You are a great race of travellers. And
has your lordship some experience of land?'

'I have had some interest of the kind before,' returned the Prince;
'not in Gerolstein, indeed. But fortune, as you say, turns the
wheel, and I desire to be beforehand with her revolutions.'

'Very right, sir, I am sure,' said Mr. Killian.

They had been strolling with deliberation; but they were now drawing
near to the farmhouse, mounting by the trellised pathway to the
level of the meadow. A little before them, the sound of voices had
been some while audible, and now grew louder and more distinct with
every step of their advance. Presently, when they emerged upon the