lum, with the help of a few trusty
friends. Rather than fall into the hands of my enemies, to be their
sport and laughing-stock, I would descend a hundred fathoms lower,
where the vital air scarce sustains life. And before I would surrender
my liberty, these hands should dig my way into the heart of the earth,
until I reached its centre; there to invoke the curses of heaven upon
my oppressors as a just punishment of the wrongs I endure from the
persecutions of their revengeful designs."

The exile having worked himself up into a state of fury, Albert
involuntarily retreated a pace or two. His figure appeared to gain in
height--all the muscles of his body were on the stretch--his cheeks
glowed with rage--his eyes shot fire, as if they sought an enemy upon
whom to revenge his sufferings; and the loud and violent tone of his
voice; echoed among the rocks the maledictions which issued from his
mouth.

Albert could not but sympathise with the man in giving vent to his
feelings in such a burst of passion; he who was so cruelly persecuted
by his enemies, for his faithful attachment to his lord. "I admire your
strength of mind," said he to the knight; and, as if a sudden thought
had crossed his mind, continued, "will you pardon me for asking you one
question, which perhaps you may deem indiscreet; but since you have
admitted me to your friendship and confidence, I will venture to do so.
Tell me, are you not the celebrated Maxx Stumpf von Schweinsberg?"

There must have been something particularly strange in this question;
because the gravity which had shaded the knight's countenance
disappeared at once, at the mere mention of this name. He first smiled;
but not able to contain himself, broke out into a loud laugh, in which
Hans considered himself permitted to join.

Albert was unable to comprehend the meaning of the sudden burst of
merriment which his question had occasioned. He felt confused, and
looked for an explanation of it, first at one, then at the other; but
his embarrassment only excited their merry mood still more.

At length the exile said, "Pardon me, worthy guest, for having violated
in an unmannerly way the rights of hospitality; for I ought rather to
have bitten off the end of my tongue than have given you cause to
suppose I had thought you said anything ridiculous; but how comes it
that you take me for Maxx Stumpf? Do you know him?"

"No, I never saw him; but I know him to be a brave knight, whom the
Leag