The house was very quiet, and the tumult from the street reached us only in a muffled roar.

But when we came to the foot of the stairs we found the two women.

Mother Holf stood on the threshold of the kitchen, looking amazed and terrified.

Rosa was clinging to her; but as soon as Rudolf came in sight, the girl sprang forward and flung herself on her knees before him, pouring out incoherent thanks to Heaven for his safety.

He bent down and spoke to her in a whisper; she looked up with a flush of pride on her face.