for them, by reason
that he only craved to visit on the Nurembergers the cruel death they
brought upon his father the famous thief. As if she did not know full
well that, since Eppelein of Gailingen was cast into prison, our land has
never been such a den of murder and robbery as at this day. If there is
less dust to be seen on the high-ways, said the keeper, it is by reason
that it is washed away in blood. And notwithstanding all this the crazy
maid runs straight into the Devil's arms, with that old dolt."

Then, when I went into the stable to mount, Uncle Conrad turned on
Kubbeling in stormy ire for that he had suffered Uhlwurm to lead Ann into
such peril; howbeit the Brunswicker knew how to hold his own, and
declared at last that he could sooner have looked to see a falcon grow a
lion's tail in place of feathers, than that old death-watch make common
cause with a young maiden. "He had come forth," quoth he, "to counsel
their excellencies to take horse." But my uncle's question, whether he,
Kubbeling, believed that they had come forth to the stables to hear mass,
put an end to his discourse; the gentlemen called to the serving-men to
make speed, and I was already in the saddle. Then, when I had commanded
Endres to open the great gate, I bowed my head low and rode out through
the stable door, and bade the company a hearty good-day. To this they
made reply, while Uncle Conrad asked whether I had forgotten his
counsels, and whither it was my intent to ride; whereupon I hastily
replied: "Under safe guidance, that is to say yours, to follow Ann."

My uncle slashed his boot with his whip, and asked in wrath whether I had
considered that blood would perchance be shed, and ended by counselling
me kindly: "So stay at home, little Margery!"

"I am as obedient as ever," was my ready answer, "but whereas I am now
well in the saddle, I will stay in the saddle."

At this the old man knew not whether to take a jest as a jest, or to give
me a stern order; and while he and the others were getting into their
stirrups he said: "Have done with folly when matters are so serious,
madcap child! We have enough to do to think of Ann, and more than enough!
So dismount, Margery, with all speed."

"All in good time," said I then, "I will dismount that minute when we
have found Ann. Till then the giant Goliath shall not move me from the
saddle!"

Hereupon the old man lost patience, he settled himself on his big brown
horse and cried out in