as coming up in the rear, and was scarcely a quarter
of an hour's distance off. This news was a death-blow to the Duke's
hopes, who now perceived there was nothing left to him but flight or
death to prevent his falling into the hands of his enemies. What was to
be done in this emergency? His followers advised him to throw himself
into the hereditary castle of the house of Wuertemberg, and there remain
until he could find an opportunity secretly to escape. He turned his
eyes towards the place, his last resource, which, lighted up by the
brilliancy of the day, seemed to look down in stern majesty upon the
valley, where the descendant of him who raised it had staked his last
hope in one desperate conflict. But when he saw the red flag playing in
the morning breeze over the towers and walls of his castle, he turned
pale, and pointing to it, was unable to give utterance to the painful
feelings which the sight occasioned. The knights directing their
attention to it, discovered a black smoke issuing from all corners, a
proof that the victorious flag had been planted on its pinnacle amidst
the flames lighted up by an avenging enemy. Wuertemberg now burnt at
every point, and her unhappy master witnessed the spectacle in ghastly
despair. Both armies also noticed the burning castle. The Leaguists
saluted the event with loud shouts of exulting joy, whilst the courage
of the Wuertembergers sank in proportion, and viewed the sad sight as
the setting sun of the Duke's prosperity.

The drums of the army advancing in the rear were now heard distinctly
approaching towards them; the armed peasantry, in many places, began to
give way, when Ulerich said, in a firm, voice, addressing those
immediately about him, "Whoever means honourably by us, follow me,
we'll cut our way through their hosts, or fall in the attempt. Take my
banner in your hand, valiant Sturmfeder, and charge their ranks with
us." Albert seized the flag of Wuertemberg, the Duke placed himself by
his side, the knights and burghers on horseback surrounded them, and
prepared to open a passage for their lord. The Duke pointed to a weak
position in the enemy's line, which appeared the one most favourable to
ensure the success of the daring project; if the attempt failed, all
was lost. Albert volunteered for the desperate post of honour of
leading the determined band; but the old knight of Lichtenstein,
beckoning to him not to quit the Duke's side, placed himself boldly in
front,