CHAPTER XII.
_The Search for the Missing Girl._--_The Lover's Judgment._--_Henry Schulte's Grief._--_The Genial Farmer becomes the Grasping Miser._ Half an hour later, Henry Schulte, who had been delayed beyond his wont in the village, came walking briskly along the road that led to the abode of Emerence.

His heart was gay, and a blithe, merry song rose to his lips as he journeyed along.

All unconscious of the dark deed that had been committed, he stood upon the rustic bridge, where he had expected to meet his betrothed, and gazed at the beauty of the landscape that was spread before him.

No sound came from that gurgling stream, to tell the impatient lover of the fate of her he loved, and little did he dream, as he stood there in quiet contemplation of the glorious night, that directly beneath his feet, with her calm, dead face upturned towards him, could be seen, through the transparent waters, the lifeless body of the fair maiden, whose head had nestled on his bosom and whose loving lips had made him happy with their kisses of love.
Ah, nevermore for thee will the bright moon shine in its translucent splendor, and never again will you know the happiness and the peace of this beautiful evening, as you waited on that bridge for her who nevermore would come to your call again.
After waiting a short time, and not hearing the footsteps of his affianced, Henry resumed his journey and soon arrived at the residence of the wealthy brewer, whose hospitable doors flew open at his knock, and the mother of Emerence stood in the low, broad passage-way.
"Where is Emerence ?" quickly inquired the mother of the girl, in surprise, at seeing him alone.
"Emerence! Is she not at home ?" exclaimed Henry, equally surprised.
"No," replied the mother.

"She went out about an hour ago, to meet you on the way." Henry immediately became alarmed.