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 'GOD'S PEACE'

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bargain. A rope was tied round his waist at which he should pull in case of danger. The fellow went down gaily enough and disappeared. The rope, which dragged after him, showed those watching that he found an open way many yards ahead. Suddenly the rope stopped moving. They thought he had come across some obstacle which he was trying to remove. Meanwhile the time of waiting grew uncannily long. It was thought that perhaps the man had fainted. They began to pull back the rope. It came back without its burden. The rats had gnawed the rope through and kept the man. There is still seen in the vault a rusty iron door, and within some few stone steps leading downwards.'

Again we stood outside, where the poplars and the red-cloaked soldier keep guard. Smiling, Greta looked at the castle and said : ' Who would think that this ugly building could frighten anybody, and yet I felt anything but courageous just now.'

' Yes,' I answered, ' it is like that with the entire old town. To the person who hastens carelessly through it, it seems only an ordinary everyday pro- vincial place. But for him to whom it opens its heart it reveals treasures of rich poetry and weird legends.'

3'^'^ OF SEPTEMBER.

LAST night we had the first autumn storm. I XVJII lay in bed listening to it. High up from the wood a blast of wind comes roaring; it hurles itself against the woodwork of the pavilion till it shakes in every part, and then