the new
serving-man he had hired, by reason that Eppelein, who for safety's sake
had not been suffered to go with him into hiding, had vanished as it
were from the face of the earth. Nay, and we knew for what cause and
reason, for Dame Henneleinlein had counselled the King's men to seize
him, to the end that he might be put on the rack to give tidings of
where his master lay hid. If they had caught him his stout limbs would
have fared ill indeed; but the light-hearted varlet was a favorite with
the serving men and wenches of the court-folk, jolly at the wine cup and
all manner of sport, and thus they had bestowed him away. And so, while
we were living from day to day in great fear, an old charcoal wife would
come in from the forest twice or thrice in every week and bring charcoal
to the kitchen wench to sell, and albeit she was ever sent away, yet
would she come again and ask many questions.

While we were yet tarrying for Herdegen to be ready the old wife came by
with her cart, and when she had asked of some needful matters she pulled
off her kerchief with a loud laugh, and lo, in her woman's weed, there
stood Eppelein and none other. Hereupon was much rejoicing and, in a few
minutes, the crafty fellow was turned again into a sturdy riding man,
albeit beardless.

Eppelein's return helped Cousin Maud over the grief of leave-taking.
Yet, when at last we must depart, it went hard with her. At the gate
we were met by the Pernharts with Ann and Uncle Christian. My lord
the chief magistrate likewise was there, to bear witness to Herdegen's
departing; also Heinrich Trardorf, his best beloved schoolmate, who had
ever been his faithful friend.

We had left the walls and moat of the town far behind us, when we heard
swift horses at our heels, and Sir Franz, with two serving-men, joined
the fellowship. My brother had soon found a place at Ann's side, and we
went forward at an easy pace; and if they were minded to kiss, bending
from their saddles, they need fear no witness, for the autumn mist was
so thick that it hid every one from his nearest neighbor.

Thus we went forth as far as Lichtenhof, and while we there made halt to
take a last leave, meseemed that Heaven was fain to send us a friendly
promise. The mist parted on a sudden as at the signal of a magician, and
before us lay the city with its walls, and towers, and shining roofs,
over-topped by the noble citadel. Thus we parted in better cheer than we
had deemed we migh