them as traitors."

"I have not merited such friendship from Hewen," said Ulerich. "I was
once offended with him, for having complained that I had not acted
according to his wishes. But how easily are we deceived in the
characters of men! Had any one asked me which of these two I had most
faith in, I would have named Stadion as my trusty friend, and George
von Hewen the doubtful one."

Schweinsberg continued. "The answer also said, that your Grace would
probably attempt to relieve the castle; but if that were impossible,
you would repair to it in person by some secret way. The Leaguists
spoke much upon that subject. They all, however, agreed that it was
essential to bring the garrison to terms without delay, before you
brought relief, or got into the castle; for if you succeeded in the
latter case, they feared the siege might last much longer. After
hearing all this, I did not think it advisable to proceed immediately
to the castle by the secret path, known only to a few, and shew myself
to the garrison, because if Stadion had already gained the upper hand,
I should have been lost. I resolved, therefore, to remain the day in
the town; and if before Saturday morning I heard nothing to alarm me
respecting the spirit of the garrison, then to proceed to my
destination, and send your Grace immediate intelligence. I wandered
about the town and the camp unmolested until noon, seeking as much as
possible always to be near some of the superior officers to assure
myself of my disguise."

"That was on the Friday, the holiday?" Lichtenstein asked.

"Yes; on holy Friday. At three o'clock in the afternoon, George von
Fronsberg, with many other of the principal officers, rode to the city
gate of the castle; and hailed the besieged, inquiring whether they
were building a fortification. I was standing among them; and saw
Stadion come on the wall, and answer, 'No, that were against the terms
of the truce; but I see,' he added, 'you are erecting a fort in the
field.' George von Fronsberg cried, 'If it is so, it is without my
orders. Who are you?' He in the castle answered, 'I am Ludwig von
Stadion;' upon which the Leaguists smiled, and stroked their beards.
Having satisfied the besieged, by overturning a few baskets filled with
earth, which had been placed in the entrenchments to screen their
works, that he had no knowledge of its having been done, Fronsberg then
called to Stadion, and invited him, with other of his party, to come
d