Harold did not like the appearance of things. "Too much mystery here," hethought. "However, it is not long he will be here, and he will be in thefields all the time; there cannot be much danger. But who ever heard ofa man whom no human being knew?"

As they sat at supper, Farmer Weitbreck and his wife plied Wilhelm withquestions about their very aged friends in Mayence. He was evidently familiarwith all the localities and names which they mentioned. His replies,however, were given as far as possible in monosyllables, and he spoke noword voluntarily. Sitting with his head bent slightly forward, his eyesfixed on the floor, he had the expression of one lost in thoughts of thegloomiest kind.

"Make yourself to be more happy, mein lad," exclaimed the farmer, as he badehim good-night and clapped him on the shoulder. "You haf come to homevere is German be speaked, and is Germany in hearts; dat vill be to youas friends."

A strange look of even keener pain passed over the youthful man's face, andhe left the chamber hastily, without a word of good-night.

"He's a surly brute!" cried John; "nice company he'll be in the field! Ibelieve I'd sooner have nobody!"