larm to the other camp, and new multitudes will soon be
thronging here to oppose us. Let us therefore return to Munster while
we can convey the booty there in safety.'

'Thou art right, brother!' cried the prophet, subdued by the boldness
and decision of the youth. 'Thou understandest the business of
war. We will forth. Let our people be called together. This young
dragon's-brood, however, we will take with us, and thou shalt be
answerable for them with thy head. I will baptise them myself to-morrow
morning before all the people.'

The drums called the plundering anabaptists together. The host
retreated to the city, laden with rich booty, and the bishop's troops,
who had hastened to the assistance of the assailed quarter of the
encampment, came just in time to see the rejoicing anabaptists
reentering the gates of Munster.

CHAPTER IV.

A countless multitude exultingly met the returning victors. The prophet
Johannes Bockhold at their head, in white festival garments, with green
branches of fir in their hands, the maidens of the city sang to them in
loud, joyful hosannas. It pleased the gallant, good humored Alf
uncommonly well to receive praise from such beautiful lips. As he
reflected, however, that this song of praise was intended as much for
Matthias as for himself, there came over Alf a silent vexation, instead
of the pleasure of flattered vanity, and he strode on gloomily in front
of his troops. The army halted upon the market place, and the booty,
being common property, was secured in St. Lambert's church; the two
pages were given over to the orator Rothman, preparatory to their
baptism; the soldiers having been praised and dismissed, and the
evening having already approached, Alf with his surviving journeymen,
half their number having fallen either in the first battle or in the
storming of the camp, proceeded toward Trutlinger's house.

As he approached the house door, which was surmounted by a triumphal
arch covered with pine boughs, he was met by the bewitching smiles of
the beautiful Eliza, who was still clad in her white festival garments.

'Welcome from battle and victory, brave soldier of the Spirit!' cried
she; and, casting aside all maidenly bashfulness and constraint, she
spread wide her arms toward the youth.

'Dear maiden!' stammered he, most agreeably surprised by this second
and dearest triumph. He pressed the charming girl to his mailed bosom,
when, notwi