rform that office
to-day. I have selected you for a more important service. You will take
these hundred and sixty cavalry by our side, choose one of them to show
you the way, and trot on direct to Untertuerkheim. It is possible the
road may not be open, as the Leaguists from Esslingen may have come
down to dispute the passage with us. How would you act under such
circumstances?"

"I would throw myself with my hundred and sixty horsemen among them,
and cut my way through; that is to say, if their whole force were not
in the neighbourhood. If I found them too strong, I would cover my
position, until you came up with reinforcements."

"You have well said, spoken like a valiant swordsman, and if you deal
your blows as heavily on them as you did on me at Lichtenstein, you'll
cut through six hundred Leaguists. The people I have given you are
staunch. They are composed of the butchers, saddlers, and blacksmiths
of Stuttgardt and the surrounding towns. I know them in many a hard
fight. Brave, and able to sever the skull down to the breast bone, they
will follow you, sword in hand, wherever you may lead them, when once
they are well inclined towards you; let them have but one good blow at
the brain, no doctor's hand need attempt a cure. That's the right sort
of Swabian cut."

"Am I to take post at Untertuerkheim?"

"You will find there the lansquenet under George von Hewen and
Schweinsberg encamped on a hill. The watchword is, 'Ulerich for
ever!' Tell them they must keep the position till five o'clock; before
day-break I shall be with them with six thousand men, and then will
await the Leaguists. Farewell, Albert!"

The young man returned the salute by bowing respectfully, and putting
himself at the head of the gallant band, trotted down the valley with
them. The men were powerful figures, broad shouldered and well limbed,
whose animated fearless looks beheld their young leader with
satisfaction, as he placed himself in their front, and appeared
honoured by his command. Having run his eye rapidly through the ranks,
he selected one whose penetrating eye and intelligent countenance
seemed to point him out as the fittest person to act the part of guide.
He immediately called him to his side, and gave him the necessary
directions. They approached the foot of the Rothenberg, on the summit
of which stood the hereditary castle of the house of Wuertemberg,
commanding an extended view over the valley of the Neckar. It was but
fain