othing
to fear from the troops of his Imperial Majesty."

"So you think, my lord, but I do not," rejoined the magister,
trembling. "People whisper already about the alliance concluded
between Saxony and Sweden, and if the Croats are terrible even as
friends, may Heaven preserve us against their inroads as enemies. They
are said to commit the most awful havoc on the estates of the
protestant noblemen."

The baron fell into an arm-chair as if thunder struck, and Tugendreich
was wringing her white hands as Axel entered the hall. A helmet
covered his head, a sword was rattling at his side, and before the old
baron could think of his wrath against him, he said in a firm and manly
tone, "The Croats are approaching, and will not want a pretext for
committing their depredations here as they have done every where else;
your property and life, and the honour of your lovely daughter are in
jeopardy. Nothing but a bold resistance can save you. Isolani's
followers spare nothing, not even those who submit readily."

"Are you out of your senses?" asked the baron. "With what force am I
to begin the struggle against an imperial army?"

"Only he who abandons himself is abandoned," said Axel. "This castle
has high, strong walls and deep moats. I have raised a whole village,
and have armed your ranger and servants. If they follow my advice they
will all take refuge here with their property. We must give up the
village, and hold out here until succour comes."

Surprised by Axel's bold design and chivalrous conduct, old Starschedel
sat there as incapable of opposition as of coming to a resolution of
his own. "The means are desperate," said Talander, "but I see no other
way of proceeding."

"But what of the imperial band?" sighed the old baron.

"We do not resist the imperial troops," argued the magister, cunningly.
"We only protect our property against marauders and robbers, who
plunder the country contrary to the will of his imperial majesty."

"Tell the people from the balcony that I act in accordance with your
wish," said Axel, "and leave the rest to me."

Starschedel looked inquiringly at his oracle, who returned a nod of
approbation, and submitted patiently to be dragged to the balcony by
Axel, where he delivered general orders of obedience to Axel, though
often interrupted by shortness of breath. A loud _vivat_ resounded
from the robust Saxon youths, who were eager to fight.

With proud satisfaction Tugendreich