ve indication of life in him, but an occasionally deep-drawn
sigh, or when his keen eye was raised in contemplation of the pale
moon.

"Do you think we shall have a skirmish tomorrow?" whispered Albert to
him, after a time.

"Skirmish!--we shall have a battle," was the short answer.

"How! do you really believe that the army of the League is strong
enough now to attempt to stand its ground against us? It's impossible!
Duke William must have possessed wings to have brought up his Bavarians
so soon, and we know that Fronsberg is still undecided as to his
intentions. I don't believe they have many more than six thousand men."

"Twenty thousand," answered the old knight, in an under tone of voice.

"By heavens! I had no idea of that," replied the young man in
astonishment. "We shall certainly have hard work, if that be the case;
but we have well trained and experienced troops, and the League's army
cannot boast of an eagle eye compared to the Duke's, not even excepting
Fronsberg's. With such an advantage on our side, do you not think the
chances are in our favour?"

"No," was the answer of the old man.

"Well, I'll not give up all hope. We have also a still greater
advantage in our cause: we fight for our country, whereas the views of
the League are mercenary. That circumstance alone will inspire our
troops with courage. The Wuertembergs will defend their father-land."

"That is just what I least depend upon," answered Lichtenstein. "Had
not the Duke been obstinate in forcing the country to swear to the new
oath of allegiance, the case would be far different, he would have had
the hearts of the people with him; but now, force alone compels them to
fight under his banners. The result is dubious."

"I admit what you say to be true, and that the Duke has lost much by
the imprudence of his measures," replied Albert; "but I have great
faith in the honest patriotism of the Swabians, and, in spite of
everything he has done, they will not desert their hereditary Prince in
the hour of need, and in the defence of his lawful rights. Where do you
think we shall meet the enemy? Where shall we take up a position?"

"The lansquenets have thrown up a few redoubts at Untertuerkheim,
between Esslingen and Cannstadt, and have three thousand five hundred
men there; we shall join them tonight."

The old man was silent, and they rode on for some time side by side,
without speaking.

"Hearken, Albert!" he began again; "I have often