“I saw nobody,” answered the hotel keeper. “You must be mistaken.” He was now addressing the girl in German.

[Pg 76]

[Pg 76]

“No, no, I saw him, Herr Schaumberg, indeed I did!”

“How did he look?” The hotel keeper thought to gain time for Gilbert by asking a number of questions.

“I could not see very well, it was so dark.”

“Perhaps it was Frederick the stableman.”

“No, it was a stranger, and he carried a hand-bag.”

“And are you sure you are not dreaming?”

“Yes, I am sure. I saw him with my two eyes. Oh, how he scared me. I shall never get over it, never!”

“Perhaps it was that good-for-nothing American,” came from Frau Schaumberg, who had just come from her room. “Run to his room and see if his things are still there.”

Now this was just what her husband did not wish, but he did not dare to say so.

“Very well, we will look,” said he. “Where is the key?”

“I have it not, Carl. Perhaps it is in the office.”

“Or he took it with him,” answered the hotel keeper, who had the key in his pocket. “Wait till I look.”

He hurried to the office, dropping the key in[Pg 77] the hall on the way. His wife came after him, followed by the frightened servant.

[Pg 77]

“I see no key here,” said Herr Schaumberg, after looking around.

“Better break down the door of the room,” put in one of the soldiers. “We came in to look for that fellow.”

“Very well, we can do that,” said the hotel keeper. “But wait till I make a light.”

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