The old woman knew
nothing of this, but only that he had gone the night before to
reconnoitre; where he was to play the spy she did not know, on
whom perhaps she guessed.
"You're sure he never came back?" she asked her daughter.
"He never came back that I saw," answered the girl. "And I was on
the watch with my lamp here in the shop till it grew light."
"He's twelve hours gone now, and never a message! Ay, and Count
Rupert should be here soon, and he'll be in a fine taking if
Bauer's not back."
The girl made no answer; she had finished her task and stood in
the doorway, looking out on the street. It was past eight, and
many people were about, still for the most part humble folk; the
more comfortably placed would not be moving for an hour or two
yet. In the road the traffic consisted chiefly of country carts
and wagons, bringing in produce for the day's victualling of the
great city. The girl watched the stream, but her thoughts were
occupied with the stately gentleman who had come to her by night
and asked a service of her. She had heard the revolver shot
outside; as it sounded she had blown out her lamp, and there
behind the door in the dark had heard the swiftly retreating feet
of the fugitives and, a little later, the arrival of the patrol.
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