Barlasch folded the paper carefully and placed it in the lining of
an old felt hat of Sebastian's which he now wore. He bound a scarf
over his ears, after the manner of those who live on the Baltic
shores in winter.
"You can leave the rest to me," he said; and, with a nod and a
grimace expressive of cunning, he left her.
He did not return that night. The days were short now, for the
winter was well set in. It was nearly dark the next afternoon and
very cold when he came back. He sent Lisa upstairs for Desiree.
"First," he said, "there is a question for the patron. Will he quit
Dantzig?--that is the question."
"No," answered Desiree.
"Rapp is coming," said Barlasch, emphasizing each point with one
finger against the side of his nose. "He will hold Dantzig. There
will be a siege. Let the patron make no mistake. It will not be
like the last one. Rapp was outside then; he will be inside this
time. He will hold Dantzig till the bottom falls out of the world."
"My father will not leave," said Desiree. "He has said so. He
knows that Rapp is coming, with the Russians behind him."
"But," interrupted Barlasch, "he thinks that Prussia will turn and
declare war against Napoleon. That may be. Who knows? The
question is, Can the patron be induced to quit Dantzig?"
Desiree shook her head.
"It is not I," said Barlasch, "who ask the question. You
understand?"
"Yes, I understand. My father will not quit Dantzig.
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