, Albert,
since that day in the townhall of Ulm. Come, and we'll make up for lost
time."

Hans von Breitenstein seated himself with Albert next to him; the
others followed his example; the servants brought the dinner, and wine
made the knight of Lichtenstein and his son forget, for a time, their
unfortunate situation of being in the enemy's camp, and the uncertainty
of their fate, which, according to Fronsberg's assurance, was to be an
imprisonment of long duration. Towards the end of the repast Fronsberg
was called away, but he soon returned, and said, with a serious
countenance, "Willingly as I would wish to enjoy your society some time
longer, my friends, I am sorry to compel you to break up. The guard is
without into whose charge I must deliver you, and I would advise you to
lose no time, if you would arrive at the fortress of your confinement
before dark."

"I trust our guard is one of our own rank,--a knight?" asked
Lichtenstein, whilst his face assumed a gloomy, indignant frown. "I
hope proper attention will be paid to our rights, and that we shall
have an escort fitting our station."

"No knight will accompany you," said Fronsberg, "but a fitting escort,
of which you shall convince yourself." With these words he raised the
curtain of his tent, discovering to the astonished father and son the
lovely features of Bertha. She flew into the arms of her enraptured
husband. Her venerable father, speechless from joy and surprise, kissed
his child on her forehead, and pressed the hand of the honest Fronsberg
in token of heartfelt gratitude.

"That is your guardian," said the latter; "and the castle of
Lichtenstein the place of your confinement. I can see already, in your
eyes," addressing himself to Bertha, "that you will not be too severe
with the young man, and that the old man will not have to complain. But
let me advise you, my pretty daughter, to have a watchful eye to your
prisoners; don't let them out of the castle, for fear of their
rejoining the cause of certain people. Your pretty head will answer for
their actions!"

"But, dear sir," replied Bertha, whilst she drew her beloved closer to
her, and smiled playfully at the stern commander, "recollect he is my
head,--so how can I command him?"

"That is just the reason why you should take care not to lose it again.
Bind him fast with the knot of love,--let him not escape, for he easily
changes his colours; of which we have had proofs sufficient."

"I only