the gaming table that night the
duel which had cost young Vorchtel his life was not mentioned until the
last dice had been thrown. In the discussion the victor's betrothed bride
had been named, and Siebenburg clearly remembered that he had spoken of
the breaking of his brother-in-law's engagement, and connected it with
accusations which involved him in a quarrel with several of the guests,
among them Heinz Schorlin.

Similar occurrences were frequent, and he was brave, strong, and skilful
enough to cope with any one, even the dreaded Swiss; only he was vexed
and troubled because he had disputed with the man to whom he had lost his
property. Besides, his father-in-law had so earnestly enjoined it upon
him to put no obstacle in the way of his desire to make peace with the
Ortliebs that he was obliged to bow his stiff neck to them.

The arrogant knight's position was critical, and real inward dignity was
unknown to him. Yet he would rather have been dragged with his brothers
to the executioner's block than humbled himself before the Swiss. But he
must talk with him for the sake of his twin sons, whose heritage he had
so shamefully gambled away. True, the utmost he intended was the
confession that, while intoxicated, he had staked his property at the
gaming table and said things which he regretted. Heinz Schorlin's
generosity was well known. Perhaps he might offer some acceptable
arrangement ere the notary conveyed his estate to him. He did not yet
feel that he could stoop so low as to receive a gift from this young
upstart.

If his father-in-law, who supported him, was really ruined, as he had
just asserted, he would indeed be plunged into beggary, with his wife,
whose stately figure constantly rose before him, with a look of mute
reproach, his beautiful twin boys, and his load of debt.

The gigantic man felt physically crushed by the terrible blows of fate
which had fallen upon him during this last wakeful night. He would fain
have gone to the nearest tavern and there left it to the wine to bring
forgetfulness. To drink, drink constantly, and in the intervals sleep
with his head resting on his arms, seemed the most tempting prospect. But
he was obliged to return to the Eysvogels. There was too much at stake.
Besides, he longed to see the twins who resembled him so closely, and of
whom Countess Cordula had said that she hoped they would not be like
their father.

ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:

Abandoned wo