t what conduced above all to raise
this man higher in Albert's estimation, was the frank and honest manner
in which he had disavowed any clandestine acquaintance with Bertha,
having confirmed it by a gallant defence of his honour, which he seemed
as capable of asserting as he did of wielding his weapon. Such was the
result of this adventure upon the mind of Albert, that he felt it
relieved of a mountain's weight of trouble and anxiety, with which, but
a few moments back, it had been oppressed. The malicious reports of the
hostess of the Golden Stag, which he had too readily given credit to,
now stung him with shame and remorse. He would willingly have risked
every thing at that moment to have gained admittance to the castle, and
thrown himself at the feet of his beloved, to implore her forgiveness
for having given place to a doubt of her faithful attachment.

When we consider the weight and respect which physical qualities
carried with them in those times,--how bravery, even in an enemy, was
prized and admired,--and that the word of a gallant man was held as
sacred as an oath on the altar;--and, if we further recollect how
imposing is the effect of a pleasing outward appearance upon a young,
generous mind, it is not to be wondered that the change in Albert's
feelings was as decided as it was rapid.

"Who is that man?" he asked the fifer, who still stood by him.

"You heard from his own lips that he has no name, and neither do I know
what to call him."

"You don't know who he is," replied Albert, "and still you were present
when we fought? Away with you; you deceive me."

"Indeed not, sir," answered the fifer: "it is true, God knows! that in
these times he has no name. But, if you must know what he is, I can
tell you. He has been driven from his castle by the League, and now
wanders in banishment: he was once a powerful knight in Swabia."

"Poor man! for this reason he conceals his person? Well might he,
indeed, have taken me for an assassin. I recollect his having said he
would sell his life dearly."

"Don't be offended, worthy sir," said the countryman, "that I also took
you for one of those who are lurking about to take his life; I came
therefore to his assistance, and, had I not heard your voice, who knows
how much longer you would have breathed? But what brought you hither at
this hour of the night? and what mishap threw you into the path of the
banished man? Truly, you may think yourself fortunate that he di