fashion wondrous to behold. After we had
thus gone at a steady pace for some little space, my confidence began to
fail once more; even if Ann and her companion had been somewhat delayed
by their search, still ought we to have met them by this time, if
they had gone to the place without tarrying, and set forth to return
unhindered. And when, presently, we came to an open plot whence we might
see a long piece of the forest path, and yet saw nought but a little
charcoal burner's cart, meseemed as though a cold hand had been laid on
my heart. Again and again I spied the distance, while a whole army of
thoughts and terrors tossed my soul. I pictured them in the power of the
vengeful Eber von Wichsenstein and his fierce robber fellows; methought
the covetous Bremberger had dragged them into his castle postern to
exact a great ransom--nor was this the worst that might befall. If
Abersfeld the wildest freebooter of all the plundering nobles far or
near were to seize her? My blood ran cold as I conceived of this chance.
Ann was so fair; what lord who might carry her off could she fail to
inflame? And then I minded me of what I had read of the Roman Lucretia,
and if I had been possessed of any magic art, I would have given the
first raven by the way a sharp bodkin that he should carry it to her.

In my soul's anguish, while I held my bridle and whip together in my
left hand, with the right I lifted the gold cross on my breast to my
lips and in a silent heartfelt prayer I besought the Blessed Virgin, and
my own dear mother in Heaven to have her in keeping.

And so we rode on and on till we came to the pools by Pillenreuth. Hard
by the larger of these, known as the King's pool, was a sign-post, and
not far away was the spot where they had found Eppelein, stripped
and plundered; and in truth it was the very place for highwaymen and
freebooters, lying within the wood and aside from the highway;
albeit, if it came to their taking flight, they might find it again by
Reichelstorf. Nor was there any castle nor stronghold anywhere nigh; the
great building with walls and moats which stood on the south side of the
King's pool was but the peaceful cloister of the Augustine Sisters
of Pillenreuth. All about the water lay marsh-ground overgrown with
leafless bushes, rushes, tall grasses, and reeds. It was verily a right
dismal and ill-boding spot.

The boggy tract across which our path lay was white with fresh
hoar-frost, and the thicket awa