the
citadel and could not be reached, who were either blown to pieces or
severely wounded; though in comparison with the fearful calamity which
might have occurred and would have paralyzed all Germany, the loss was
slight.

The General with his officers and all his troops were saved.

The General, with his wonted foresight and energy, had taken every
precaution to avoid the terrible catastrophe, while his coolness, his
example, had done more than anything else to inspire both officers and
men to action. But now, when his duty as commander-in-chief was done, he
had his rights as a father.

Hartmut had been carried, when he fell, to a house near by, and lay
unconscious on his narrow cot. He neither saw nor heard his father, who
stood with the surgeon by his side.

Falkenried looked earnestly at the pale, worn face and closed eyes, then
he turned to the surgeon and said:

"Do you consider the wound mortal?"

The physician shrugged his shoulders.

"The wound of itself is not, but the strain and excitement of that
fearful ride, the loss of blood, and the terrible night--I fear,
General, there's little hope for the brave fellow. We must be prepared
for the worst."

"I am prepared!" said Falkenried earnestly, then he kneeled and kissed
his son, whom he had only found, he feared, to lose again; as he rose
two hot tears fell on the death-like face.

But the father had no time to stay by his son. He must be up and doing.
After a few minutes he left the room, leaving repeated injunctions with
the doctor not to relax his watchful care for an instant.

The General's staff and many other officers were waiting in the
market-place for their commander. As they waited they talked of the man
who had ridden through the jaws of death to save them all; none knew his
name, but he had come through the mountain pass, had faced a revengeful
and infuriated foe, with death on all sides, and had reached them in
time.

When the general appeared they surrounded and questioned him at once
concerning the brave stranger.

Falkenried had his usual earnest look, but the settled gloom of his face
was gone forever, and in its stead was an expression which those around
him had never seen before. His eyes were wet, but his voice was firm and
clear as he answered:

"Yes, gentlemen, he is severely wounded, and perhaps the ride which
saved us all was his death ride. But he has done his duty as a man and a
soldier, and if you would know his nam