es. If we were but on
the other side of the meadow, which is open and as clear as day, we
should regain the wood, and be free from all anxiety, for there it is
dark enough. Give your horse the spur, and trot on; I'll run by your
side."

"But why do you want to get on faster now? do you think there is
anything to be apprehended? Own it, did you not see some figures in the
wood sneaking along not far from us? Do you think they belong to the
League?"

"Well, yes," whispered the countryman, looking round, "it struck me as
if some one was watching us; hurry on, therefore, and let's get out of
this cursed hollow path: a good round trot across the valley will carry
us clear of danger, and then we may bid defiance to it."

Albert looked to his sword, and held the reins firmer in his hand. They
descended in silence the gorge through which the path led, and, by the
light of the moon, he could perceive each motion of his guide, and saw
him raise his axe to his shoulder, and, taking out a knife, which he
had concealed under his jacket, stick it into his girdle.

Just as they were entering the open valley from the hollow way, a voice
was heard in the bush: "That's the fifer of Hardt--seize him! he on the
horse must be the right one."

"Fly, sir, fly," cried the faithful guide, and placed himself in a
position of defence with his axe. Albert drew his sword, and, in a
moment, was attacked by five men, whilst his companion was engaged with
three others hand to hand.

The confined spot where this rencontre took place prevented Albert
profiting by the advantage he otherwise would have had over his
opponents. One of them seized his bridle, but, in the same moment,
Albert's blade fell with such force on his head that he sank to the
ground without a groan; the others, furious at the loss of their
companion, pressed him with increased vigour, calling out to him to
surrender; but, though Albert began to bleed copiously from many wounds
he had already received in his arms and legs, he answered only by fresh
blows.

"Dead or alive," cried one of the combatants, "if the Duke will have it
so, let him take the consequences!" and with these words a heavy blow
on the head, brought Albert von Sturmfeder from his horse to the
ground. His eyes closed in a state of fainting stupor, but he still was
sufficiently conscious, to feel himself raised and carried away, amidst
the sarcastic jeers of his opponents, who appeared to triumph and
rejoice o