tly illumined by the glimmer of the stars, and Albert could not
distinctly distinguish its form, though he kept his eyes fixed upon its
towers and walls. He recollected that night in the cavern, when the
Duke spoke in sorrow of the castle of his ancestors, and described the
country seen from its towers as abounding in corn, wine, and fruit, all
of which he once could call his own. The young man sank into reflection
upon the unhappy fate of the Duke, which now again appeared to contend
with him for the possession of his patrimony. He dwelt upon the
extraordinary mixture in his character, the foundation of which was
truly great, but was too often disturbed by rage, malice, and unbending
pride. "If you look between those two trees, you will be able to
distinguish the points of the towers of Untertuerkheim," said the man,
who was conducting him on the road. "The road is much more level now,
and if we push on, we shall soon be there."

Albert spurred his horse, and the rest following his example, soon
gained sight of the village. A double line of lansquenet was stationed
outside of it, who at their approach presented their halberds in
fearful array, whilst the red glimmer of burning matches was seen
scattered about in many points, like the glow-worm sparkling in the
night.

"Who comes there?" cried a deep voice from the ranks: "Give the
watch-word!"

"Ulericus for ever," answered Albert von Sturmfeder: "who are you?"

"Good friends!" answered Maxx Stumpf Schweinsberg, stepping out of the
ranks of the lansquenet, and riding towards the young man. "Good
morning, Albert; you have kept us waiting somewhat long. We have been
all night upon our legs, anxiously expecting a reinforcement, for in
the wood there over against us it does not look pleasant, and if
Fronsberg had been aware of his advantage, he might have overpowered us
long ago."

"The Duke is coming up with six thousand men," replied Sturmfeder, "and
will be here in two hours at furthest."

"Six thousand only, did you say? by Saint Nepomuk, that's not enough!
we have but three thousand five hundred here, so that all we can muster
in the field will make little more than nine thousand. Are you aware
that the Leaguists are over twenty thousand strong? What artillery does
the Duke bring with him?"

"I don't know--it was only just arrived when we departed," replied
Albert.

"Well, come, and let the men dismount, and take some rest," said Maxx
Stumpf; "they'll have