ied Albert. "I would rather allow
myself to be shot on the spot than undergo such disgrace. But what are
they doing here? There is no fortress of Wuertemberg in this
neighbourhood, and yet you say they scour the country hereabouts; what
is their object?"

"Look ye, sir! Wicked men are to be found everywhere; a true
Wuertemberger would rather let himself be flayed alive than betray the
Duke, after whom the League is now on the search. But Truchses has
secretly offered a bribe of a heap of gold to any one who takes him;
and for this purpose has sent his cavalry out all over the country; the
report is, that many peasants, instigated by money, willingly assist
these bloodhounds in searching all the caverns and holes of the rocks
after their prey."

"Searching after the Duke? I thought he had already fled the country,
or, as others say, has shut himself up in Tuebingen with forty knights!"

"Yes, the forty nobles are there, true enough," answered the
countryman, with a knowing look; "the Duke's young son, Christoph, is
also with them; that's as it should be; but where the Duke himself is,
no one can tell. Between you and I, sir, knowing him as well as I do,
nothing but dire necessity will compel him to seek shelter in a
fortress; he is a bold restless man, and prefers the freedom of woods
and mountains to other resources, even if there is danger attending
it."

"So they are searching after him? is it possible he can be in this
neighbourhood?"

"Where he is at present, I know not," answered the fifer of Hardt; "and
I would bet that no one but God alone knows; but where he will be," he
added, and appeared to Albert as if he were inspired with the idea, "I
know where he will be should fate push him to extremities; I know the
spot where his faithful friends will find him in case of need, where
many a true breast will be assembled and form a wall of defence to
protect their lord against his enemies. For though he may be a severe
master, he is still a Wuertemberger, and his heavy hand is dearer to us
than the slippery words of Bavaria or Austria."

"And should they happen to fall in with the unfortunate prince, would
they be able to recognise him? Has he not disguised his person? You
described his appearance to me once, particularly his brilliant
commanding eye, so that I almost fancy I see him now before me? Can you
describe his figure to me?"

"As I told you then, he may be eight years older than you," replied the
othe