position--for
he is in prison. Yesterday evening, when the people assembled in the
market place, in consequence of the Duke's arrival, it appears he
addressed them in favour of the League."

"Good heavens!" exclaimed Albert, "was that Dieterich Kraft, the
scribe? I must go instantly to the Duke, who now sits in judgment upon
him, or the chancellor will have his head off. Good bye!"

The young man hurried along the corridor to the Duke's apartment. He
had been in the habit in Moempelgard of having immediate access to him
at all times of day, and, therefore, the porter now respectfully opened
the door. He entered in a hasty manner, to the astonishment of the
Duke, who was somewhat displeased; but the chancellor masked his
hypocrisy, as usual, under a smile of mildness.

"Good morning, Sturmfeder," said the Duke, who sat at a table, dressed
in a green coat embroidered in gold, with a green hunting cap on his
head; "I hope you have slept well in our castle. What brings you thus
early to us? we have important business."

The eyes of the young man had in the mean time anxiously looked about
the room, and there discovered the scribe of the Ulmer council standing
in a corner. He was as pale as death; his hair, which was wont to
be combed with great care, hung in disorder over his neck, and a
rose-coloured gown which he wore over a black coat was torn to tatters.
His eyes met Albert's with a most pitiable look, and he then glanced
upwards, as much as to say, "it is all over with me." Near him stood
other men: one of whom, tall and meagre, he thought to have seen
before. The prisoners were guarded by Peter, the brave Magdeburger, and
Staberl of Vienna. They stood at their post with outstretched legs,
their halberds resting on the floor, upright as candles.

"I say, we have important business at present," continued the Duke;
"but why do you look so intent upon him with the rose-coloured gown? he
is a hardened sinner; the sword is being sharpened for his neck!"

"Will your highness allow me but one word," replied Albert. "I know
that man, and would stake all I possess in the world, that he is a
peaceable subject; and positively not a criminal who deserves death."

"By Saint Hubertus, that is a bold speech! You have changed your
nature, methinks: my chancellor, the worthy jurist, has put himself
forward like a young warrior; and you, my young soldier, would assume
the advocate. What say you to that, Ambrosius Bolland?"

"H