rhood, and pointed to the most
distant ridge of mountains, which, on account of the mist, was scarcely
visible. "That, between the east and south, is the Rossberg mountain;
in the same direction,' but nearer towards us, those many-pointed rocks
which you see are the heights of Urack: more to the westward, is the
Achalm; not far from which, but you cannot see it from hence, lies the
rock of Lichtenstein."

"There it is," thought Albert to himself, "there, where that small
cloud hovers amidst the evening tints; in that direction, a true heart
beats for me; at this very moment she, perhaps, stands on the pinnacle
of the rock, and looks this way, among that world of mountains. Oh,
that the evening breeze might waft her my remembrance, and that rosy
cloud acquaint her with my vicinity!"

"You see that sharp corner, further in the distance, that is the castle
of Teck; our dukes call themselves Dukes of Teck: it is a strong
fortress. Look to the right, that high steep mountain was once the
residence of a renowned Emperor; and is called Hohenstaufen."

"But what is the name of that castle, near us, which appears to rear
its head out of the deep mist?" asked the young man. "Only observe how
the sun plays on its white walls; how the golden mist seems to rest
about its battlements; and how beautifully the red light illumines its
towers!"

"That is Neuffen, sir; also a strong castle, which the League would be
glad to get possession of."

The sun was fast going down during this conversation. The shades of
evening threw a dark veil from the mountains over the vallies, and
obscured the distant objects. The moon rose pale, and surveyed her
nightly province. The high walls and towers of Neuffen only were
lighted up by the last rays of the sun; and with its departure, Neuffen
was enveloped in darkness; the night air began to whisper through the
trees of the surrounding wood mysterious salutations to the rays of the
rising moon.

"This is the proper time for robbers and travellers fearful of the
light of day, such as we are," said the countryman, as he bridled the
horse; "in an hour hence, the night will, I hope, be dark as coal; and
then, before the sun rises again, no Leaguist dog of a horseman shall
come upon our scent."

"If there is any likelihood of our being attacked," said Albert, "we
had better prepare for the worst; for I am resolved not to allow myself
to be taken for a mere trifle." And taking his cap off, he was
pre