as
arranging his cloak, when his attention was drawn to an unusual noise
on the stairs. Heavy steps of a party of men approached his door; he
thought he heard the clatter of swords and halberts on the stone floor
of the ante-room. He stepped quickly towards the door to ascertain the
cause of this visit; but before he reached it, it opened, and by the
light of a few candles he perceived many armed men about to enter. The
same old soldier who had received him when he went to the council of
war, stepped forward.

"Albert von Sturmfeder!" said he to the young man, who retreated a step
in astonishment, "by order of the grand council of war I make you my
prisoner."

"Me--prisoner?" said Albert, with consternation. "Why? what am I guilty
of?"

"That 'a not my affair," answered the old man, surlily, "but probably
you will not be left long in ignorance. Be so good to deliver up your
sword to me, and follow me to the town hall."

"How? give up my sword?" replied the young man in the rage of insulted
pride. "Who are you that dares to demand my weapon? The council must
send men of a different stamp for that purpose before I submit; I know
too well what your profession is."

"For God's sake give up your sword," cried his friend, the secretary,
who forced himself through the crowd to his side, "obey the
order--resistance were vain. You have to do with Truchses," he
whispered: "he is a fearful enemy; do not force him to extremities."

The old soldier, interrupting the secretary, said, "It is perhaps the
first time, sir, you have been arrested; therefore I forgive the hasty
language you have made use of against a man who has slept in the same
tent with your father. You may, however, retain your sword: I well know
its hilt and scabbard, and I have witnessed many a deed of glory
achieved with its blade. It is praiseworthy of you to be jealous of its
falling into other hands. But you must come with me to the town hall,
for it were folly in you to bid defiance to power."

The young man, to whom every thing appeared a dream, submitted quietly
to his fate. He whispered to his friend the secretary to go to
Fronsberg, and inform him of his arrest, and concealing his person as
much as possible under his cloak, to avoid the unpleasant gaze of the
crowd in the streets, followed the old leader, surrounded by his party.

CHAPTER XI.

The iron door upon its hinges creaks,
A luri