own and drink together."

"Did they go?" cried the Duke, impatiently, "and forget their honour?"

"There is an open space on the castle hill beyond the ditch, whence the
spectator, having a distant view of the country, can survey the valley
of the Neckar, the Steinlach on the height above, the Alb in the
distance, with many castles and villages, which complete the scenery.
On this spot they placed a table and benches; and the commanders of the
League sat down to drink. The gate of Upper Tuebingen was then opened,
the bridge fell over the ditch; when Ludwig von Stadion, with six
others, came forth, bringing with them your Grace's silver covered
jugs, golden goblets, and best wine; and having saluted your enemies
with a shake of the hand, seated themselves to talk over the state of
affairs over a cool tankard."

"May the devil bless them all!" interrupted the old knight of
Lichtenstein, and threw his wine away; but the Duke smiled, and nodded
to Maxx Stumpf to proceed.

"They caroused together till after dusk; and staggered about with
heated heads. I kept near them, so that not one of their traitorous
words escaped my ears. When they broke up, Trachses took Stadion by the
band, 'Brother,' said he, 'you have good wine in your cellar; let us in
soon, that we may help you to drink it out.' The other laughed, shook
him by the hand, and said, 'Time will teach us what to do.' When I saw
how affairs stood, I determined, with God's help, at the risk of my
life, to get into the castle: I therefore left them, and went to the
spot where the secret subterranean way commences. Having succeeded in
entering it unnoticed, and reached the middle, I found the portcullis
down, with a sentry placed there. He levelled his gun at me, when he
heard me coming in the dark, and demanded the parole. I gave, as you
desired me, 'Atempto,' the watch-word of your brave ancestor, Eberhard
with the beard. The fellow opened his eyes wide, drew up the
portcullis, and let me pass. With rapid steps I reached a vault, where
I was obliged to remain a few moments to take a breath of fresh air,
for the narrow passage is close and damp."

"Faithful Maxx! clear your throat with a draught of wine," said
Ulerich; the knight followed his advice, and continued his story with
renewed vigour.

"I heard the sound of many voices in the vault, apparently in
contention, and following its direction, I saw a number of the garrison
sitting round a large cask drinking. T