in the ideas of freedom and wealth. He had but to say the word, and he enjoyed all that he had been labouring for through life; but then, at what price? at that which it pained him to contemplate-the citizenship of his native town, where his family had dwelt respected for centuries. No doubt he was selling his birthright; he was parting with all that a man should cling to in adversity as in prosperity, -- that which is not to be purchased with gold - all his old ties, his affections, his faith once signed, the deed was irrevocable; and yet if he did not sign, what had he to hope for?

He leaned his head on his hands, in one of those stern struggles which age a man in a few minutes, as breaths of frost wither the freshest leaves. He invoked the Spirit of Love-he called forth Marguerite, and she stood beside him. He saw her with her cheek paler than when he had parted from her: he saw her bosom heaving with sighs instead of love; he heard her soft whisper in his ear, and he thought that whisper expressed assent,- that for him she, too, was willing to relinquish the home and the friends of her childhood. Ay, is it not ever so? Invoke whom we may in hours of trial, does not the oracle take its tone from our own wishes? Fond and futile pretence to invoke the Spirit of Love to decide where Love is interested! As Marguerite seemed to stand beside Dumiger he lost sight of ambition, and all its pomp and circumstance; all-he asked was to be free.

'Give me the paper,' he said, in a firm voice: the clock is yours; and the principle of the movement is to be found engraved on a small plate under the mainspring.'

If he had seen the smile of triumph which passed over that man's countenance he would have hesitated.

The deed was done: the man put his materials and his paper into his pocket again.

'Now,' he said, rising to go, 'the third day's post will find you free; and take my advice, leave Dantzic soon. The people will be irritated at being deprived of their masterpiece. I would not have you trust to their tender mercies; for that matter, it is well for you that you are safe in

prison. Remember this advice, for I know the Dantzickers as well as you do.'

6

Stay, stay one moment,' cried Dumiger, as the stranger was about to leave the cell, who told you so much about me? How did you obtain this list of debts? How came you to hear of Marguerite, and Carl, and Krantz? Surely,' and he passed his hand across his brow like a man who is pained by the intensity of a ray of light after having been long in darkness, 'tell me before you go, what does this mean?' And he caught a firm hold of the man's cloak.

There is no reason why I should not tell you the truth now,' said he, buttoning his coat tightly over the papers. I was sent for by the Grand Master, who engaged me to obtain the sale of your clock at any price. And he gave me good inducements to undertake the job.'

The whole scheme broke on Dumiger's mind.

And with what object?' he gasped forth; tell me that."

To get rid of your competition,' said the man, quietly. After yours there is no doubt that his son's is the best; and, therefore, when yours is sold to Hambro', his will be prized in Dantzic. As for me, I shall get rewarded for my exertions, both by the Grand Master your noble Count, and my own city. Here is the truth of the matter,' said he; now let me go.'

'Let you go, miscreant!' exclaimed Dumiger; never, until you return me that paper. Let you go! I will follow you to death rather. You betrayed me into this act; it was not my own free will. I am the victim of the basest conspiracy. I have been induced to sell my birthrightI prefer to remain in prison-I love my townspeople-I will not be free on these conditions! Give me back my bond!'

6

Never!' said the man, putting himself into an attitude of defence.

And he did wisely, for there was desperation in Dumiger's eye. He waited a moment, and then with a maniac's strength he flew at the man, but he found a powerful and vigorous antagonist. The stranger, who had appeared half decrepit and aged, rose up in all the strength of youth. In

a moment he had grasped Dumiger's arms, very coolly taken out a handkerchief, and in spite of all Dumiger's efforts bound his hands together. After he had performed this operation he drew the document again from his pocket, so as to be well assured that it was correctly signed, and smiled as he said to Dumiger,

'You know that signature?"

'Scoundrel! miscreant!' were the only words to which Dumiger could give utterance.

'And now, fellow-citizen,' said the man, I bid you farewell. Keep your temper; these sober arts should have taught you this kind of selfcommand. You will soon be free. As for your arms I dare not untie them now, but I will send the guard to you. Now, holloa, guard without there!' And he left the cell.

What did all this mean? A mystery seemed to be encircling Dumiger which he could not penetrate. He knew there was danger near him,

but was unable to define its extent. Only one thing was now certain-he had sold that clock on which years of toil had been bestowed, and not in vain. He had but a few days since contemplated certain success, now how far it was from him! And Hamburgh-to be great and ennobled there, what did that signify to him? How long would it not take for him, the inhabitant of the great rival city, to be admitted into this new society? No, he had made an error which could never be recalled; he had broken the ties which were once so dear to him. Dumiger now learned the great truth, that it is only the opinion of the few with whom we are most intimate that we care for; it is nothing to be great amongst those with whom we have no sympathies, no affections in common: the kind word from one lip which we love is far more to be prized than the loudest acclamations of thousands to whom we are indifferent.

The day at last arrived for the triennial exhibition of the productions of Dantzic art, on which day the council had agreed that the prize for the clock was to be adjudged. It was a great fête for the town. At an early hour of the morning the inhabitants began to decorate their houses with tapestry, and to hang garlands over the door-posts. All classes prepared their dresses of brightest colours, and their gayest, happiest smiles. And none was happier than Marguerite, for Dumiger had written to tell her that on the next day he was certain to be free; but he had not ventured to inform her that the clock was sold to Hamburgh. Still, although the deed of sale was irrevocable, his feelings would not permit him to believe that the excellence of his work would remain unknown to his townspeople; he felt convinced that the stranger's vanity would induce him to make use of the secret which had been confided to him, so he wrote Marguerite that all would go right. Carl and Krantz arrived early in the morning to accompany her to the great hall. She had within her a secret which she would not have disclosed to the universe,-the secret of her husband's success, of his fame

and future happiness. So far Dumiger had informed her that there was an intrigue against him, in which the Grand Master was the principal: he explained to her that the object the Grand Master had in view was to obtain the prize and its accompanying honours for his own son. Carl and Krantz undertook to protect her through the crowd, and it was with an abundant feeling of confidence that she dressed for the ceremonial.

She wore her hair braided round her head; a bodice, which showed the beauty and shape of her form, of scarlet cloth, attached by threads of gold across the shirt, which was of the softest and most delicate material; the short blue petticoat, which reached some way below the knee, but did not descend so far as to conceal the ankle, the symmetry of which was well defined by the silk stocking. The shoe might have stirred the envy of any grisette in Paris-a class which was, even in those days, supposed to enjoy a monopoly of taste and refinement. There was a modesty combined with refinement and strength of character in the appearance of Marguerite which would have distinguished her in any crowd. She

was a being for love and sunshine; but one who, at the same time, would have dared much for him she loved. The kind and generous are gallant, and rarely are the beautiful unworthy.

ever

Carl and Krantz were also dressed out in their gayest costumes. It would have been hard to have decided which was the predominant colour in the dresses of these two worthy citizens; they would have rivalled any tulip bed in a Dutch garden, and perfectly dazzled Marguerite when they entered the room.

At length the last touch was given to the toilette, and they sallied forth. Already the streets were so crowded that it was difficult to move through them; but Carl and Krantz were determined, energetic fellows, and what with their elbows and Marguerite's bright smiles, after incurring a few risks of some jokes on Carl's extravagant appearance, they reached the great hall.

The street in front of the Courthouse was lined with the burgher guard, stationed there to keep back the crowd; but Marguerite had an order for admittance at a private entrance, so, escorted by her cavaliers, she ascended the staircase.

When she entered the hall she was struck with awe and astonishment. The whole of that enormous space, with the exception of the portion railed off for the competitors and the dais where the council were sitting, was crowded by a dense mass of people along the sides of the vast edifice, and up to the very roof, were arranged all the various productions of national art. Nothing can be pictured more beautiful than the combination of rich and varied colours, or more curious than the forms which art and genius had given them here were dyes which might have rivalled those of Tyre, and fabrics of finer texture than a PeneLope could have woven. At one end, towards which Marguerite's eyes were most anxiously turned, the models of the clocks were arranged. Dumiger's was placed in the centre, for it was at the same time the largest model, and contained the most elaborate and complicated machinery; but, alas! the works remained still, while all the others were in motion, and shewed in the small

est space the movements of the heavenly bodies, and the progress of time. If Dumiger's meant anything more than a confused mass of machinery, it could not for a moment be doubted that it was the work of highest genius exhibited, but in its quiescent state it contrasted disadvantageously with the admirable systems revolving round it. Marguerite held her breath while she gazed; neither did she perceive how much attention she herself awakened-the moment for vanity had passed, her present interests lay far deeper. Immediately above her the Grand Council, with the Grand Master, were sitting, dressed in their robes of state. The Count Albrecht wore his cordon of the Fleece, and looked every inch a grand master; the anxiety for his son's success was apparent in the nervous glances which he cast around him. Behind, and amid the retainers, stood the dark, designing-looking stranger, who held in his hand the fate of Dumiger.

The heralds proclaimed silence, and then the Grand Master rose to read the decision of the council. It commenced with reciting the list of the competitors, and when it mentioned Dumiger's name, it said, ‘the work is imperfect, and therefore must be withdrawn.'

'It is not imperfect,' cried two stentorian voices from the farther end of the hall.

The voice proceeded from Carl and Krantz, whose excitement could no longer be retained.

'No! it is not imperfect,' said the gentler voice of Marguerite.

All eyes were turned towards the spot whence that voice proceeded. Marguerite nearly fainted to find herself the object of so much attention.

'Keep your courage,' whispered Carl. Tell them that Dumiger will soon be free, and the works put in motion. I will tell them for you,' he exclaimed, and he began to speak, when the mysterious stranger stepped forth.

'Stay,' he said, 'let me touch the works of this clock-the secret is mine.'

He forced his way through the crowd, looked carefully over the machinery, opened a secret spring, arranged two small wheels, on which

the accurate movement of the whole machinery depended, and immediately it was all in motion.

The proceeding was watched with intense interest by all. The stranger's eyes gleamed with delight, for he was anxious, with the true spirit of Hamburg jealousy, that the people of Dantzic should feel the value of what they were about to lose.

It was indeed a marvellous piece of workmanship: the planets all revolved in their regular order, figures of exquisite workmanship appeared and disappeared to mark the seconds, and the dial plate was of elaborate beauty. The people for some time stood entranced in wonder. At last they exclaimed, as with one voice,—

It is a work worthy of Dantzic, and Dumiger has won! Dumiger for ever!'

If Marguerite had nearly fainted from fear, she was now pale from delight.

Dumiger, Dumiger for ever!' again shouted the crowd; where is the laurel? where is the triumph? Greatest amongst his citizens, Dumiger has won.'

But at that moment the stranger came forward with a paper in his hand. The Count's face, which had been overspread with anger and shame at these shouts, was again lit up with hope, for after Dumiger his son's was evidently the best.

You mistake, my friends,' said this man; 'Dumiger is not a citizen of Dantzic, but of Hamburg, and the clock belongs to that noblest of free cities.'

'Madman! fool!' burst from the astonished crowd; we all know Dumiger, his family are eminent in the list of our freemen - you are mad! Grand Master, proclaim that Dumiger has won the prize, that Dumiger is great.'

Joy thrilled through Marguerite's frame.

The Grand Master rose, and his voice trembled with anxiety and secret pleasure as he spoke.

'It is too true,' he said; 'the clock is sold to Hamburg, and Dumiger has lost his rights of citizenship here by becoming a free man of that town. The prize, therefore, in accordance with the decision of the council, is

Then the anger of the people rose, wild and savage; in one moment, like the bursting of a thunder-cloud, the whole aspect of the place had changed.

Show us the deed,' they exclaimed.

The stranger took it and held it up. There was no mistaking it; it was headed by the arms of Hamburgh, and signed by Dumiger. The storm of indignation had subsided for a moment, but only as it seemed to gain additional strength.

Tear him in pieces-he shall not have the clock. Down with Dumiger-crucify the man who could prefer the freedom of Hamburg to the honours of Dantzic. Down with him.'

And the people tore up the benches, drove back the burgher guard; some of the boldest dashed on the platform; the Grand Council had to escape, carrying the stranger with them. The mob tore out of the ball, and told their friends outside-anger led to anger, the passions rose like the waves at the equinox. Nothing could stop the mob, from so apparently trifling a cause a tumult was created; the jealousy of the townsmen now appeared that jealousy, smothered and subdued for so many years, burst forth in this madness.

Poor Marguerite had fainted. Carl and Krantz, by herculean exertions, dragged her through the mob; she was taken to a small room over the great hall, and laid there until the storm should be appeased.

It did not seem likely to be soUnfortunately, one of the guards had in the tumult struck a burgher; in some of the smaller streets they were even now fighting; but the crowd in the great square seemed to have a firmer purpose, there was a gradual calm. At last one man climbed up the statue in the centre of the square.

Where is Dumiger?' he asked. And another voice answered, ‘He is in the debtor's prison.'

'We will go and lead him to his triumph,' was the dark and threatening reply of the people, who now moved forward in columns.

The two days which elapsed since the interview with the stranger had been passed by Dumiger in great misery. He blamed himself deeply for having been so easily entrapped into what he feared would prove a snare, and very foolishly, as we have seen, he wrote to Marguerite that she had everything to hope, as he still retained the desire of being honoured by his fellow - townsmen, although they were not to enjoy the fruit of his labours.

On the eventful morning which has been described Dumiger arose full of hope, his triumph was to be secured; and in the evening he even entertained a secret impression and belief that the people would not permit the clock to be removed, and that the error he had made might be relieved by their energetic wills. He heard the bands of music playing in the distance. The merry chimes floated over the water, and bade him good speed. He thought that he could even discern the buzz of enjoyment, and the shout of anticipated triumph. He took out the last letter which Marguerite had written to him, and pressed it to his heart; that day, he thought, was to see them united never to be parted again.

What sound was that? Was it the wind? No, the murmur of many voices, the tramp of a thousand feet, shook the drawbridge. He heard his own name called out. Yes, it is! it surely cannot be an error; it is Dumiger they are invoking. Now there can be no mistake, the crowd unite in one loud cry,—

'Where is Dumiger?'

'I am here, I am here,' he shrieks out; open the gates.'

What could it mean? the guards were resisting. There is a shot fired is this the way in which a triumph is conducted? There is a pause a parley.

We want the man Dumiger, the prisoner,' exclaims one.

'Good, you shall have him. Let but a few enter,' says the lieutenant of the tower, 'and the guard shall withdraw.'

Immediately there is a loud rush on the stair, not the tramp, tramp, of regular troops.

'Here, here!' exclaims Dumiger; 'here am I, my friends! Welcome, welcome!' and he rushes to embrace the first who enters.

'Back, traitor!' answers the man. Dumiger tumbles against the wall in terror and astonishment.

'Yes, you are the traitor,' continued he who acted the part of leader of the motley crowd; 'you have sold your birthright-you have betrayed our interests. What punishment is fit for such a usurer ?"

'Down, down with him,' cried the mob.

The leaders consulted together for

one moment.

6

'My good people,' continued the same man, we have taken counsel, and you shall have redress. We will not take this man's life. This is what we decide,-We will keep the clock to be the glory of our town, but he shall never see it, neither shall he have it any more in his power to make another equal to it or better, for we will put out his eyes.'

'Yes, yes,' vociferated the mob, 'it is excellent. Put out his eyes at once.'

Before Dumiger could collect his scattered senses two strong, stalwart men had seized him. In spite of his shrieks and entreaties they threw him down on the straw; one more savage than the rest drew forth a small knife-agony on agony! horror on horror! in one moment to the living man there was Cimmerian darkness. The deed was done, and they who had done it looked on with horror and fear at their own crime. There were no shrieks to break the fearful silence; a few inarticulate sobs of heart wrung from his misery were all that was heard, and the mob withdrew silent and repentant.

Carl had followed at a distance. He had made frantic, but ineffectual, efforts to enter the cell; when the crowd dispersed he went up the stairs without impediment, and there he found his friend extended. He raised him, he bore him home with those sightless, bleeding orbs. He comes, Marguerite; hasten forth to meet your husband: let the light of your love bless him, for the light of Heaven has departed for ever.