e law's last
penalty, and asked one another what poor wretch had been executed. Awe
and astonishment seized upon everyone when it was known that the Emperor
had died, for they knew then that it was no earthly hand that had rung
his death-knell.

Legends of Windeck

Concerning the neighbourhood of Windeck, some eight miles from Baden,
several interesting tales are current. The castle itself has long
enjoyed the reputation of being haunted by the ghost of a beautiful
girl, though when or wherefore this originated tradition does not
relate. We are told that a young huntsman, whom the chase had driven
thitherward, saw the spectre and was so stricken with her charms that
day after day he visited the castle, hoping to see her once more. But
being disappointed, he at length took up his solitary abode in the
deserted fortress, renouncing his former pursuits and ceasing from all
communication with his friends.

One day he was found dead in his bed with so peaceful an expression of
countenance that those who saw him could not doubt that his end had been
a pleasant one. On his finger was a ring of quaint design which he had
not been known to wear, and it was whispered among the peasantry that
the ghost-maid of Windeck had claimed her lover.

The Hennegraben

Hard by the Schloss Windeck lay a deep trench, known as the Hennegraben,
of which traces may still be found. It is rendered immortal by reason of
the following romantic legend, which tells of its magical origin.

A certain young knight, lord of the castle of Windeck, for some unknown
reason had seized and imprisoned the worthy Dean of Strassburg. It is
true that the Churchman was treated with every consideration, more like
a guest than a captive, but he nevertheless resented strongly the
loss of his liberty, as did also the good folk of Strassburg when they
learned what had happened.

Two of the Dean's young kinsfolk resolved to journey to Windeck and beg
that their uncle might be set free. On their way thither they had to
pass through a forest, where they met an old woman.

"Whither away, my pretty boys?" said she. "Will you not tell an old
gossip your destination?"

The elder of the two replied courteously that they were on their way
to Windeck, where their uncle was imprisoned. "Perchance," he added
timidly, "the lord may accept us as hostages till the ransom be paid."

"Perchance," mimicked the old woman, "aye, perchance! Think you the
knight of Windeck will t