g stick, with an iron spike
at the end, lay beside him, and a well-worn leather back to his coat,
upon which he probably carried a basket or box, prompted the idea of
his being either a messenger, or more likely a travelling pedlar, one
who visits fairs and festivals, bringing wonderful news from distant
lands, remedies for women against mad animals, and all sorts of
coloured ribands and silks for girls.

These three men led the conversation, which only now and then was
interrupted by an expression of astonishment from the rest of the
worthy burghers, or by the noise of the covers of their wine cans.

One subject, among others, appeared the principal point of discussion
between them, and drew the attention of Albert. They spoke of the
undertakings of the League in the low land of Wuertemberg. The pedlar
with the leather back related the storming of Moeckmuehl by the League,
where Goetz von Berlichingen had shut himself up with many brave
followers, and where that iron-fisted man was made prisoner.

The counsellor smiled knowingly at this piece of news, and took a long
draught of wine; Raw-bones did not permit the leather back man to
finish his story, but beating time with renewed force with his long
fingers, said, with sepulchral voice, "That's a rank lie, friend! it is
impossible, d' ye see; because Berlichingen understands the art of war,
and is a determined man; I ought to know that; and besides, he alone,
with his iron hand, has in many a battle killed two hundred men as dead
as mice; do you suppose then that such a man would allow himself to be
taken?"

"With your permission," interrupted the fat gentleman, "you are wrong
in what you say, because I know that Goetz is, in fact, a prisoner, and
is now confined in Heilbron. He did not surrender himself, however;
neither was his castle of Moeckmuehl stormed; but when he was marching
out of the gate, the League having promised him and his followers a
free retreat, they fell on him, took him prisoner, and killed many of
his men. That was not fair, and he has been infamously treated."

"I must beg of you, sir," said the thin man, "not to speak of the
League in such terms; I am acquainted with many of the officers, for
example, Herr Truchses von Waldburg is my most intimate friend."

The fat man looked big, and appeared as if he wished to make a reply,
but, upon second thoughts, washed the words which were upon the tip of
his tongue, down his throat with a draught of