dness. Then we
looked out of the carriage window and saw the castle itself, standing
out on the bold side of the mountain, and commanding a view that is
possibly without its equal in all Pannonia. The rusty old
drawbridge--for this ancient place still possessed one--was lowered in
readiness for our approach, and since the owner and his three stalwart
sons were beside it on the look-out for our coming, it seemed as if our
arrival were more anxiously awaited than we imagined. Glad as they were
to see us, we were still more pleased to leave the carriage. For two of
our number at least the journey must of necessity have been an agonising
one. Yet no word of reproach had been spoken on either side.

"I offer your Majesties the heartiest welcome in my power," said our
host, coming forward and bowing before my father and mother. "I would to
God it were not under such circumstances."

"The fortune of war, my dear Count," replied my father. "Let us be
thankful our enemies have allowed us even to live. I believe I am not
the first of my House that your castle has sheltered in adverse days. If
I am not mistaken my ancestor, Stephen Ramonyi, was its guest in 1553
when--but there, the present is sufficient for our needs, without raking
up the troubles of the past, and it is rather cold here for such a
discussion. Her Majesty and the children are tired after their long
journey."

On hearing this the old man led the way across the great courtyard
towards the flight of steps which led up to the main entrance of the
castle. I cannot hope to make you understand how the dreariness of the
place struck me, and what a chill it set upon my heart. Yet for the time
being it meant safety, even life itself, for us.

The Countess received my mother on the steps, and then we passed into
the castle together. A meal had been prepared for us, and as soon as we
had discarded our wraps we sat down to it. What transpired further I do
not know, for, quite worn out, I fell asleep in my chair before I had
swallowed half a dozen mouthfuls. When I awoke again I was in bed, and
the wind was whistling round the turret as if in mockery of our fallen
fortunes.

Next evening, as soon as it was dark, we bade our friends farewell, and
once more resumed our journey. It was necessary that, if possible, we
should reach a lonely inn on the other side of the mountains before
daylight, and the road, so we were informed, was by no means a good one.
As we soon discove