Part 56 (1/2)
”Straight ahead?” was Claus's reply.
Then again the same voice:
”The ice is strong enough for two horses?”
”Oh, for four!” replied Claus.
”Thanks!”
”Welcome!”
And the sleigh moved on swiftly again.
”Strange!” murmured Oswald; ”I thought I heard Oldenburg's voice. What strange tricks our fancy can play us!”
The rest of the journey to Ferry town was accomplished in silence. They reached it in a few minutes, rights were s.h.i.+ning in the houses up on the bluffs. Below, near the ferry, where an inn was standing, there was much life; the windows were bright; music was heard; sleighs were standing before the door.
Claus stopped; Oswald got out.
”I'll drive along the beach as far as our house,” said Claus, ”and wait for you there. But make haste. In half an hour the moon rises, and then they can see us two miles on the ice.”
”Don't be afraid. We shall not keep you waiting.”
Oswald went past the inn, up the steep village street; then he turned to the right and hastened along the low cottages, which there line the beach, until he came to the last of the row. Through a crack in the shutters which protected the low window there came a faint ray of light. Oswald gave three measured knocks against the shutter.
Immediately the door was opened cautiously. Oswald slipped in. In the hall he was met by an old woman of tall stature and large frame, holding a light in her hand; by her side stood a frail, youthful person, who fell into Oswald's arms as he entered.
”At last! at last!”
”At last! Emily? Why, I come at the minute!”
”Maybe! I am nearly dead with impatience.”
”Is everything ready?”
”Yes.”
”Did anybody see you when you left?”
”No one, except Jager's wife; she insisted upon coming with me. I could not get rid of her. She is in the room there.”
”The fool!”
”Don't scold her. We owe her much; be kind to her!”
”She will show our enemies the way.”
”I am not afraid of that. Cloten is quite unsuspicious. I told I him I would not be back till night. Come in!”
Emily drew Oswald into the little low room, where Primula was standing by a table, making tea. As soon as she saw Oswald she rushed into his arms.
”Oswald!” she cried, ”this is the last moment! A cup of tea, some rum, and you must go! Be brave and firm!”