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“The Bible that thou wouldst buy hath disappeared in a strange manner,” said Adolph Schneider, addressing Everett. “It will be found in the space of a day or two, for we have no thieves in Zanah. The overseer and I both believe Brother Brandt hath forgotten where he put it, and that he will find it when he maketh a more thorough search.”

There was something like insinuation in his tone, and Gerson Brandt’s face flushed.

“The book hath been taken from my room,” he said. “It is where I cannot find it.”

“Thou speakest as if thou wert brother to the simple one,” said Herr Schneider.

“I speak the truth,” said Gerson Brandt.

“Yea, he telleth the truth,” declared Hans Peter, pulling himself up on his knees and looking at the Herr Doktor.

“The truth! What dost thou know about it—thou of little mind and less judgment?” said Adolph Schneider.

“I may know much, and I may know little,” said Hans Peter, swaying himself back and forth on his knees.

“Surely thou hast not taken my Bible?” said the school-master, with a look of mingled hope and fear on his face.