In the list, she found the name of her worthy husband, Count
Berlow. She reeled as if struck by a thunder-bolt, the paper fell from
her hands and she sank in a swoon.
A few minutes passed before the good shepherdess came in response to
Albert's cry, and brought the Countess back to consciousness. She had to
be carried to her bed, and it seemed as if she would never recover. Poor
Albert, who rarely left her bedside for a moment, began to fail and fade
day by day.
The old shepherd often said, shaking his head at the same time: "The
coming fall will surely scatter its leaves upon the grave of the
Countess, and her poor son will doubtless never see the spring."
CHAPTER III
THE PRISON
The faithful old Richard had waited on that memorable day of the flight
for the return of his brother John, the fisherman. He was elated when he
heard of the safety of the Countess. Richard's greatest trouble now was
how to save his master, the good Count Berlow. He considered it very
unjust and cruel that an honest and right-living citizen should be
sentenced to death for loyalty to his king.
On the following morning, Richard hurried to the city where his son,
Robert, served in the National Guard. With help he hoped to gain a
meeting with this good-natured, intelligent boy, who from time to time
acted as sentinel before the prison. He would try to secure his son's
aid in releasing the Count, so unjustly imprisoned. At last the
opportunity presented itself, and father and son had a hasty talk over
the situation.
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