; but I'll knock at their doors, and
let them know that the old gentleman is there, and will have admittance
to his house! Are these the lansquenets who have agreed to serve me?"
he continued, attentively observing the little army; "they appear well
armed, and in good condition. How many men are there?"

"Twelve companies, your Grace," answered Peter the general, who still
stood without his hat, in a state of embarrassment, twisting his
mustachios occasionally. "Nothing but well-trained men. May my soul be
punished--pardon my oath--but the king of France has no better
soldiers!"

"Who are you?" asked the Duke, looking with astonishment at the large
heavy figure of the general, with his immense sword and red face.

"I am a lansquenet of my own order, and am called Long Peter, but now
the well-appointed general of the assembled----"

"What, general! this folly must have an end. You may be a very brave
man, but you are not made to command. I will be your general
henceforth," said the Duke, "and my knights will be named as your
captains."

"_Bassa manelka!_--I am sorry I swore, but permit an old soldier to say
a word to your Grace. What you propose would be against our terms of a
gold florin a month, and four measures of wine a-day. There stands, for
example, Staberl of Vienna, not a braver man under the sun----"

"Very good, very good, old man! we'll not talk of the gold florin and
wine now," replied the Duke. "The captains shall retain their present
commands, but I command you. Have you any ammunition?"

"Yes, to be sure," said the Magdeburger; "we have plenty, which belonged
to your Grace, and which we brought away from Tuebingen. Each man has
eighty rounds."

"Very well," answered the Duke; "George von Hewen and Philip von
Rechberg, do you divide the men, and each take six companies. Let their
captains remain with their men, and assist their commanders. Ludwig von
Gemmingen, I appoint you to command all the infantry. And now we'll
march direct for Leonberg. Rejoice, my faithful standard bearer," said
the Duke, as he mounted, "with God's assistance we'll be in Stuttgardt
tomorrow."

The troop of cavalry, with the Duke at their head, led the way. Long
Peter stood fixed in the same place, with his hat and its cock's
feathers in his hand, observing the horsemen.

"That is a Prince, indeed!" he said to the other commanders who stood
beside him. "What a powerful voice he has; and when he rolls his eyes
about it m