he
count's son. Tell him that at daybreak the Count of Eberstein has
planned an attack on the castle, and that you have come to warn him.
Bid him fear nothing. Say that what he needs is a trench; and when
he asks how one is to be made, tell him that you have brought him
Scratch Gravel, the hen, who will immediately dig one for him."

[Illustration: THE OLD WOMAN'S DIRECTIONS.]

"How will that rescue my uncle?"

"You shall see."

The maiden took the white hen, and went out into the night. The old
woman pointed out to her the way to the castle.

As she drew near the castle, she heard a great noise in the highway.
The count's son was returning late from the chase. As he drew near
her on horseback, he accosted her politely and asked her errand.

The beautiful girl related the story the old woman had told her.

"I will take you to my father."

She related her story to the count, and showed him the white hen.

"Pooh! pooh!" said the count.

"I think her story is true," said the young man.

"Why?"

"I see truth written on her beautiful face."

"Is that so? I don't see it. Perhaps my eyes are not as good as they
used to be. Well, well; let us see what the white hen will do."

They took the hen outside the castle, and put her down. Presently
the gravel began to fly. It was like a storm. The air was filled
with earth and stones, and the old count was filled with
astonishment.

"The hen is bewitched," said the count.

"Did I not tell you that the girl is honest?"

"And handsome?"

"And handsome."

Before daybreak the white hen had dug a deep trench around the
castle. The trench is shown to travellers to-day, a very remarkable
proof of the truth of the story, with only one missing link in the
chain of evidence.

The next morning the enemy appeared, but when he came to the trench
he forbore to storm the castle.

[Illustration: THE HEN AND THE TRENCH.]

The old count called the maiden into his presence.

"What reward do you ask for so great a service?"

"That you call the Dean of Strasburg to give thanks in the chapel."

The count called the bishop, and attended the service. When it was
over, he did not remand the good man to his cell.

"I have one request to make of you," said Bernard to the maid, as
they left the church.

"Name it."

"You promise to grant it?"

"Name it."

"That you make your