One bullet
pierced the Count's hat, two pierced Richard's oar. The little boat,
which was scarcely an inch above the water, rocked and rolled and almost
capsized, but the occupants escaped without injury and finally reached
the opposite shore in safety.
Count Berlow was thankful for his escape, and so were Richard and
Marguerite. They seated themselves on an overturned tree trunk, to
recover a little strength. When they had rested a little, the Count
quickly threw off his uniform and donned some old clothes belonging to
Richard. With a staff in his hand and a bundle on his back, Richard now
led the way, while the Count and Marguerite followed. In order to allay
all suspicion, Richard took a roundabout course through the
thickly-wooded country.
CHAPTER IV
THE PURCHASE
Count Barlow's greatest desire was to see his wife and son. "I shall not
have a restful moment," said he to Richard, "until I shall have found
them. You tell me they are safe in a shepherd's lowly hut, but how shall
we reach them? My daughter cannot go on foot, and I have not the means
to ride there."
Then Richard drew out of his bundle a bag of gold. "You are not as poor
as you think, my noble master," said he. "This money is all yours."
Count Berlow stared first at the gold and then at his faithful servant.
"You see," said Richard, "while you were rich, you paid me well and
presented me with large gifts of money. Many people, too, were
generously aided by you. During the time you were imprisoned, I set out
to gather in as much money from these people as I could possibly move
them to give you.
Pages:
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165