es at
work, which may make many a man waver in his allegiance. It is on this
account, that the Duke, being doubtful of the fidelity of some of them
in Tuebingen, has sent Maxx Stumpf von Schweinsberg with a letter to the
garrison written in strong terms, not only urging them to hold the
castle to the last, but to afford him the means of entering therein
himself, being ready to sacrifice his life in its defence, if God
should so ordain it."

"Poor man," said Albert, moved by the consideration of the Duke's hard
fate; "I cannot believe the nobility of the land will act in a manner
unworthy of their rank. His presence among them will encourage their
desponding hopes, sorties will be made, the besiegers will be beaten in
spite of Bavaria and Fronsberg. We'll join them sword in hand, and
drive these Leaguists out of the country."

"Maxx Stumpf is not yet returned," replied the knight of Lichtenstein,
with a look of anxiety; "and the firing has ceased since yesterday.
We hear every shot here on the Lichtenstein; but during the last
twenty-four hours all is as quiet as the grave."

"Perhaps they have ceased firing on account of the holidays; you'll see
that, to-morrow, or Easter Monday, they will re-commence with redoubled
vigour, and make your rocks echo again."

"What is it you say?" replied the other, "on account of the holidays?
To serve the Duke faithfully is a pious undertaking; and the saints in
Heaven would perhaps rather hear the thunder of cannon in a just cause
than that the knights should remain idle. Idleness is the parent of all
vice! But, I trust, when Maxx arrives in the castle, he will rouse them
out of their slumbers."

"Do you mean that the Duke had sent the knight of Schweinsberg to
Tuebingen, and that he intended to follow him, because the garrison has
shewn symptoms of surrender? Has he not flown to Moempelgard, as the
people say? or is he still in the neighbourhood? Oh, that I could see
him, and accompany him!"

A peculiar smile passed rapidly over the stern countenance of the old
man. "You will sec him at the proper moment," he said; "he will be
happy to see you also, for he loves you already. And, if fortune
favours us, you shall also go with him to his castle, I give you my
word. But for the present I must beg you will remain patiently alone
for a short time; some business calls me, but it will be soon finished.
I leave you in the company of some good old wine; make yourself at home
in my hous