does Lelaps! See, see! He is licking your hands, that means, 'I thank
you.'"

While Ruth had been washing the dog's wound, and the lansquenet talked of
Ulrich, her tearful eyes met the father's.

"They say he cut down twenty-one Walloons before he fell," continued
Hans.

"No, sir," interrupted Adam. "I saw him. He was shot before he raised his
guilty sword."

"Ah, ah!--but it happened on the rampart."

"They rushed over him to the assault."

"And there he still lies; not a soul has cared for the dead and wounded."

The girl started, and laid the dog in the old man's lap, exclaiming:
"Suppose Ulrich should be alive! Perhaps he was not mortally wounded,
perhaps. . . ."

"Yes, everything is possible," interrupted the lansquenet. "I could tell
you things . . . for instance, there was a countryman of mine whom, when we
were in Africa, a Moorish Pacha struck . . . no lies now . . . perhaps! In
earnest; it might happen that Ulrich . . . wait . . . at midnight I shall keep
guard on the rampart with my company, then I'll look. . . ."

"We, we will seek him!" cried Ruth, seizing the smith's arm.

"I will," replied the smith; "you must stay here."

"No, father, I will go with you."

The lansquenet also shook his head, saying "Jungfer, Jungfer, you don't
know what a day this is. Thank Our Heavenly Father that you have hitherto
escaped so well. The fierce lion has tasted blood. You are a pretty
child, and if they should see you to-day. . . ."

"No matter," interrupted the girl. "I know what I am asking. You will
take me with you, father! Do so, if you love me! I will find him, if any
one can!

"Oh, sir, sir, you look kind and friendly! You have the guard. Escort us;
let me seek Ulrich. I shall find him, I know; I must seek him--I must."

The girl's cheeks were glowing; for before her she saw her playfellow,
her lover, gasping for breath, with staring eyes, her name upon his dying
lips.

Adam sadly shook his head, but Hans Eitelfritz was touched by the girl's
eager longing to help the man who was dear to him, so he hastily taxed
his inventive brain, saying:

"Perhaps it might be risked . . . listen to me, Meister! You won't be
particularly safe in the streets, yourself, and could hardly reach the
rampart without me. I shall lose precious time; but you are his father,
and this girl--is she his sister?--No?--So much the better for him, if he
lives! It isn't an easy matter, but it can be done. Yonder good dame will