the road leading from Heimsheim, the glittering of
arms, and when they put their ears close to the ground, they heard
distinctly the trampling of many horses.

"That's the Duke," cried Albert; "bring me my horse; I will ride and
meet him."

The young man galloped away through the wood, to the admiration of the
bystanders, who were astonished at the activity he displayed in
throwing himself upon his steed, encumbered as he was with his heavy
armour. Helmets with high plumes and shining lances were shortly after
seen moving among the bushes of the valley. As they approached, the
cavalry issued from the wood, seen first breast high among the
underwood, and then their whole figures were visible on a small height,
where the whole body assembled. The joy of the fifer of Hardt was
indescribable when he got a sight of the gallant band, headed by the
Duke. He took the general by the hand, and pointed to them with an air
of triumphant satisfaction.

"Which is the Duke?" asked Long Peter; "is that him on the black piebald
horse?"

"No, that is the noble knight Von Hewen: the banner-bearer of
Wuertemberg:--but, no, am I mistaken? I declare Albert von Sturmfeder
carries it!"

"That's a great honour! _Morbleu_, he is only five-and-twenty, and
carries the flag! In France the only man who is entitled to that
privilege is the constable, the next man to the king in honour. In that
country it is called the standard, and is made all of gold. But which
is Duke Ulerich?"

"Do you see that man in a green cloak, with the black and red feathers
in his helmet? he that rides next to the banner, mounted on a black
horse, and is speaking to the young knight. He points this way. That's
the Duke."

The body of cavalry was composed of about forty men, mostly noblemen
and their servants, who the Duke, in his banishment, had assembled
together, or appointed to meet him on the boundary of his country, when
his plans were ripe for an invasion. They were all well mounted and
armed. Albert von Sturmfeder carried Wuertemberg's banner; next to him
rode the Duke in complete armour. When they came within about two
hundred paces of the lansquenet, Long Peter, in a loud voice, said to
his people, "Attention, my people. When his Grace is near enough, and I
raise my hat off my head, let every one cry, 'Vivat Ulericus!' lower
the colours, and you, drummers, rattle upon your sheep-skins like
thunder and lightning! Give us the animating flourish of the drum