graciously, and I went forth into the
castle yard with Masters Tucher, Stromer, and Schurstab, all members of
the Council. I fancy I hear them now thanking Hans for his fearless
manfulness in saying to his Majesty that the treasure-chest must ever be
empty if the old disorder were suffered to prevail. Likewise they
approved the well-devised plan which he had proposed for the bettering of
such matters, and my heart beat high with pride as I perceived the great
esteem in which the worshipful elders of our town held their younger
fellow.

Hans might not part company from them; but when I got into the litter he
whispered to me: "Be not afraid--as to Herdegen and the Junker--you know.
Farewell till we meet at the Tetzels'."

When I came home I learnt that my brother, and Ann, and then Eppelein had
come to ask for me; now must I change my attire for the feast, and my
heart beat heavy in my bosom. The bold Brandenburger and my brother were
perchance at this very hour crossing swords.

Cousin Maud, who now knew all, and I stepped out of our litters at the
Tetzels' door. Eppelein was standing by the great gate, booted and
spurred, holding two horses by their bridles. My lord who spoke with him
was my dear Hans. We went into the hall together, and as our eyes met, I
wist that there was evil in the air. The letter he held bid him ride
forthwith to Altenperg. Junker Henning and my brother were minded to have
a passage of arms, and with sharp weapons. This, however, they might not
do within the limits of the city save at great risk, inasmuch as that the
town was within the King's peace, and by a severe enactment knight or
squire, lord or servant, in short each and every man was threatened by
the Emperor with outlawry, who should make bold to provoke another to
challenge him, or to lift a weapon against another with evil intent, be
he who he might, throughout the demesne of Nuremberg or so long as the
diet was sitting. Hence they would go forth to Altenperg, inasmuch as it
was the nearest to arrive at of any township without the limits of the
city.

All this my lover had heard betimes that morning; but Herdegen had told
him that Master Schlebitzer and a certain Austrian Knight would attend
him. Now the letter was to say that they had both played him false; the
former in obedience to the stern behest of his father, the
town-councillor; the second by reason that his Duke commanded his
attendance. And Herdegen hereby urgently besoug