Maria threw down her sewing and started from her seat, while Barbara exclaimed: "For Heaven's sake, what is it ?" Adrian rushed into his father's room and opened the window.
The ladies had hurried after him, and before they could question the disturber of the peace, a deep voice called: "Open, I must come in." "What is it ?" asked Barbara, who recognized a soldier in the moonlight.
"We can't hear our own voices; stop that knocking." "Call the burgomaster!" shouted the messenger, who had been constantly using the knocker.

"Quick, woman; the Spaniards are coming." Barbara shrieked aloud and beat her hands.

Maria turned pale, but without losing her composure, replied: "The burgomaster is not at home, but I'll send for him.

Quick, Adrian, call your father." The boy rushed down-stairs, meeting in the entry the man-servant and Trautchen, who had jumped hastily out of bed, throwing on an under-petticoat, and was now trying, with trembling hands, to unlock the door.

The man pushed her aside, and as soon as the door creaked on its hinges, Adrian darted out and ran, as if in a race, down the street to the commissioner's.