ountry to Stuttgardt. The capital once ours, the rest will soon
follow. But how is it with these lansquenets--will they join us?"

"I had almost forgotten them," said Hans, "we had better go to them;
else they will become impatient if we keep them waiting. You must be
cautious how you treat them, for they are proud fellows, and have no
small idea of their own importance. By winning these five to our
interests, the whole twelve companies are sure to follow. With their
General, Long Peter, mind and be very civil and courteous."

"Which is Long Peter?"

"The big man, sitting under the oak; he with the stiff mustachios and
hat of distinction on his head. He is the commander in chief."

"I will talk to him, and follow your advice," Albert answered, and
proceeded towards them. The long conversation which they had held had
somewhat displeased the men, and little Muckerle in particular eyed the
ambassador of the Duke with a penetrating glance. But when the young
knight appeared among them his noble demeanour disconcerted them, they
became shy and embarrassed before him, so much so, that the courteous
words which he addressed to them soon had the desired effect of
bringing them over to the Duke's cause. They listened to him in
respectful silence.

"Most experienced general and brave commanders of the assembled
lansquenet," said Albert, "the Duke of Wuertemberg having approached the
boundary of his country, and captured Heimsheim, is determined in the
same way to recover his whole dukedom."

"May my soul be punished, but he is right!" said Long Peter; "I would
do the same."

"He has already experienced the courage and military science of the
lansquenet, when they fought on the side of his enemies, and he trusts
they will manifest the same bravery in his cause, promising upon his
princely word, faithfully to fulfil the engagements he has proposed."

"A pious man," murmured the commanders among themselves, with approving
nods; "a gold florin a month, and, _morbleu_! four measures of wine a
day for the superior officers."

The general rose from his seat, saluted him by uncovering his
bald head, and said, though often interrupted by many coughs of
embarrassment, "We thank you, most noble sir; we agree--we'll join
you. We'll give back to the Swabian League what they gave us, that we
will--hard usage. The very best and most courageous, as well as the
most excellent of men, have they dismissed, as if they did not value
our se