which would do
honour to the League, but you deserted to the enemy, cutting and
slashing at us, and nearly gained the victory yesterday by your
hot-brained, desperate attack on our artillery!"

"Every one to his taste," replied Fronsberg; "he did honour to his
friends, even in the enemy's ranks."

The knight of Lichtenstein embraced his son. "He is in safety," he
whispered to him. Their eyes beamed with joy, in having both been
instrumental in saving their unhappy Prince. The old knight discovered
the green mantle which still hung on the shoulders of his son, and
said, in astonishment, a tear of joy starting to his eye, "Ah, now I
understand how everything has come to pass; they mistook you for the
Duke. What would have become of him but for your courage and presence
of mind in the critical moment? Your bravery and foresight have
achieved more than any of us, and, though we are prisoners, we are
still conquerors! Come to my heart, thou most noble son!"

"And Maxx von Stumpf Schweinsberg!" asked Albert, "what has become of
him? is he a prisoner also?"

"He cut his way through the enemy,--for who could withstand his arm? My
old bones are powerless, I am of no more use; but he has joined the
Duke, and will be of more assistance to him than fifty horsemen. But I
did not see the fifer,--tell me, how did he come out of the fray?"

"As a hero," replied Albert, agitated by a feeling of deep regret at
the recollection of him; "he was run through the body by a lance, and
his corpse lies on the bridge."

"Dead!" cried Lichtenstein, and his voice trembled. "His was indeed a
faithful soul,--may it rest in peace! His actions were noble, and he
died true to his master, as all should do."

Fronsberg now approached them, and interrupted their conversation. "You
appear much cast down," said he; "but be of good cheer and consolation,
noble sir! the fortune of war is changeable, and your Duke will, in all
probability, once more return to his native country. Who knows if it is
not better that we should send him to foreign parts again for a short
time? Put by your helmet and armour; your fight at breakfast time will
not have spoiled your appetite for mid-day's meal. Seat yourself beside
us. About noon I expect the guardian, who is to have charge of you in
your confinement; until then, let's be cheerful."

"That's a proposition we can readily satisfy," cried Breitenstein.
"Dinner is ready, gentlemen: you and I have not dined together