therto than any of
the brave men who have risked their lives in this house. It is a
horrible feeling to be obliged to sit still when honor summons one to
the foremost ranks. But, for this very reason, I have no right to
dictate to you. He who is incapable of fighting has no right to decide
when the fighting shall cease; nay, I have hardly a right to tell you my
views, because I fear that they may influence your high-hearted minds;
besides which, unfortunately, I do not know the men who defend me; I can
not judge of their mood or of their strength. I confidently leave every
thing to you, and place the fate of my nearest and dearest in your
hands. May Heaven reward you for what you do for me. Yet not for me--for
God's sake, not for me--the sacrifice would be too great," cried he, in
utmost excitement, raising his folded hands and sightless eyes to
heaven; "think of nothing but the cause that we defend."

"Since you repose so generous a trust in us," said Fink, with chivalrous
bearing, "we are resolved to hold your castle so long as we have the
very least hope of relief. Meanwhile there are serious contingencies to
be anticipated; our men may refuse to fight longer, or the enemy may
force an entrance."

"My wife and daughter beg, as I do also, that you will not consider them
at a time like this. Go, gentlemen," cried the baron, with outstretched
arms; "the honor of an old soldier is in your hands."

Both bowed low before the blind man, and left the room. "After all,
there is honor in the man," said Fink, nodding as he went along. Then he
opened the door and the officer rode up.

"The Baron Rothsattel thanks you for your proposal; but he is resolved
to defend his house, and the property of those who have trusted to him,
to the very utmost. We can not accept your offer."

"Take, then, the consequences," cried the officer, "and the
responsibility of all that must ensue."

"I will take the responsibility," said Fink; "but I have still one
request to make from you. Besides the wives and children of the country
people, there are two ladies in the castle, the wife and daughter of the
Baron Rothsattel; if an accident should enable you to occupy this house,
I recommend these defenseless ones to the protection of your honor."

"I am a Pole!" cried the officer, proudly rising in his stirrups. Then
taking off his hat, he galloped back to the farm-yard.

"He looks a bold fellow," said Fink, turning to the men who had gathered