The Count's face had not been shaved during his
imprisonment, so that this gave him the wild appearance which all
soldiers had at that time.
"Now," said Robert, "hasten down the steps and out of the front door.
With this outfit, I trust you will easily get through the crowd
unnoticed. Then go directly to John, the fisherman, and there you will
meet my father."
Count Berlow knew exactly how to act his part. Earnestly, as if he had
some urgent business to transact, he hurried down the steps and shouted
in haughty tones to the men who were carrying buckets, "Aside, aside!"
At last he reached the street without being detected. With quick strides
and fast-beating heart, he made his way to the city gate and continued
on, as Robert had taken care to give him the pass-word.
At midnight, he reached the fisherman's hut. He knocked at the window.
The fisherman came to the door, but stepped back frightened at seeing a
soldier who might wish to arrest him or his brother. He based his fears
on the fact that they had both made many enemies on account of their
fidelity to the Berlow family. When John recognized the Count, he raised
his hands and exclaimed, "Oh, it's you, Count Berlow; how happy I am to
be able to help you!" Richard, who had waited and watched there for the
last ten nights, rushed into the room and shouted: "Oh, my master!" and
both embraced and wept.
The first question which the Count asked was for his wife and children.
Richard quickly related the details of their flight and the illness of
Marguerite, who had now recovered and was sleeping in the adjoining
room.
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