romising that he would once more examine into
the matter of that young criminal.

Within doors supper was now ready, but we, as beseemed us, kept out of
the way. My brother's case was now in safe hands, inasmuch as my Uncle
Conrad and Christian sat at table with my lord. Likewise we were much
comforted, whereas my aunt told us that the elder Knight, Junker Henning
von Beust's father, who was here in the Elector's following, had, of
his own free will, said to her that he now rued his deed in so violently
accusing Herdegen, by reason that his son, who was now past all danger,
had earnestly besought him to save this man, whose skill was truly a
marvel, and had likewise said that he whom Hans Haller had honored with
his friendship could not have practised black arts. Also he held me
dear as the widowed maid to whom his friend was to have been wed, and he
could never forgive himself if fresh woe came upon me through him or his
kith and kin.

All this was glad tidings indeed, not alone for Herdegen's sake, but
also by reason that there are few greater joys than that of finding
good cause to approve one whom we respect, and yet whom we have begun to
doubt.

Ann and I went to our chamber greatly comforted, and in such good
heart as at that time I could be, and when from thence I heard Uncle
Christian's great voice, as full of jollity as ever, I was certain that
matters were all for the best for Herdegen. Our last fears and doubts
were ere long cleared away; while the gentlemen beneath were still over
their cups a heavy foot tramped up the stairs, a hard finger knocked
at our chamber door, and Uncle Christian's deep voice cried: "Are you
asleep betimes or still awake, maidens?"

Whereupon Ann, foreboding good, answered in the gladness of her heart
that we were long since sleeping sweetly, and my uncle laughed.

"Well and good," quoth he, "then sleep on, and let me tell you what
meseems your very next dream will be: You will be standing with all of
us out in a green mead, and a little bird will sing: 'Herdegen is freed
from his ban.' At this you will greatly rejoice; but in the midst of
your joy a raven shall croak from a dry branch: 'Can it be! The law must
be upheld, and I will not suffer the rascal to go unpunished.' Whereupon
the little bird will twitter again: 'Well and good; 't will serve him
right. Only be not too hard on him.' And we shall all say the same, and
thereupon you will awake."

And he tramped down the st