Then she said, in a quiet voice, "I am ready now," and taking up the basket of tools she followed Malcolm down the stairs.

Malcolm opened the door, and as he did so Thekla dropped the basket.
"How stupid you are!" Malcolm exclaimed sharply.

"How often have I told you to be careful! You don't suppose that those fine tools can stand being knocked about in that way without injury?
Another time an' you are so careless I will give you a taste of the strap, you little rascal." "What is all this ?" the sentry asked, barring the way with his pike, "and who are you who are issuing from this house with so much noise?
My orders are that none pass out here without an order from the governor." "And such an order have I," Malcolm said, producing the document.
"There's the governor's seal.

I have been sent for to repair the clock in the Count of Mansfeld's apartment, and a rare job it has been." The sentry was unable to read, but he looked at the seal which he had been taught to recognize.
"But there is only one seal," he said, "and there are two of you." "Pooh!" Malcolm said scornfully.

"Dost think that when ten persons are admitted to pass in together the governor puts ten seals on the pass?
You see for yourself that it is but a young boy, my apprentice.