While I was being thrust through the door, I could not resist calling out, "Max--Max, for the love of God answer me if you hear!" I got no answer.

Then I appealed to my guard:-- "Let me have one moment's speech with him, only one moment.

I will pay you a thousand crowns the day I am liberated if you grant me this favor." "No one is with you," the man replied.

"I would willingly earn the thousand crowns, but if they are to be paid when you are liberated, I fear I should starve waiting for them." With these comforting words they thrust me into the cell, manacled and blindfolded.

I heard the door clang to; the rusty lock screeched venomously, and then I was alone in gravelike silence.