Page:The Reminiscences of Carl Schurz (Volume One).djvu/347

 thought it necessary to initiate him into all the details. So he did not know the exact night in which the attempt was to be made, and he was also discreet enough not to ask me about it. But in bidding me farewell, he gave me a brace of pistols, which might serve me in close quarters. Arrived in Spandau on the evening of November 4, I had a conversation with Brune, in which we talked over the details of our scheme, in order to assure ourselves that nothing had been neglected. Everything seemed to be in order.

Our programme disposed of, Brune said: “There is one more thing of which I do not like to speak.”

I listened with some surprise. “What is it?”

“You have my fullest confidence,” Brune continued. “What you have promised to do for my family that you will honestly do—if you can.”

“Certainly I can. I have the means in my possession.”

“That is not what I mean,” Brune objected. “If everything goes well to-morrow night, then I am as sure of the money as if I had it in my pocket. That I know. But maybe all will not go well. The thing is dangerous. Accident may have its play. Something human can happen to you and to me too, in fact, to both of us. And what will then become of my family, my wife and my children?”

He was silent for a moment and so was I. “Now, what further?” I asked.

“Considering the matter calmly,” Brune slowly answered, “you will see yourself that the money must be in the hands of my family before I risk my head.”

“You tell me yourself that I must consider this thing,” I said with some hesitation. “Let me do so and I shall give you my answer as soon as possible. In the meantime will you prepare everything according to our agreement?”