e any fruit for some time now but they shall
bear some."

The general battle-cry of the troops showed that the army was ready to
follow Banfy. The leaders drew up their men in ranks and the trumpet
had sounded the second time when a company of twelve horsemen came in
sight of Banfy's army. In the central figure they recognized the
herald of the Prince, a broad-shouldered man of giant size who rode up
to Banfy and the officers around him, and said:

"Halt!"

"We are halting. If you have eyes you can see," said Michael Angyal.

"In the name of his Excellency the Prince I summon you, Dionysius
Banfy, to appear in three days before the court in Karlsburg to defend
yourself in legal form against the indictment found against you. Until
that time your wife remains in custody, as hostage for your deeds."

"We will come," replied Michael Angyal. "You can see for yourself that
we were on the point of starting out only we did not know until now
which way to go."

"Still, my lord captain!" said Banfy. "One should not use mockery with
a messenger from the Prince." The messenger turned then to the
officers:

"This summons does not concern you. For you I have another message to
give in the name of the Prince."

"You may keep it to yourself or I will say something to you that will
make your ears tingle," sneered the captain, aiming his pistol at the
herald.

"Down with your pistol!" Banfy called out to him. "Let him give the
Prince's message. Give him opportunity to speak freely."

The herald straightened himself in his saddle and surveying the
soldiers said in a loud voice:

"The Prince forbids you to give further obedience to Banfy; any man
that takes up weapons for him is a traitor to his country."

"That's what you are yourself," growled Michael Angyal.

The next moment the disorganized troops had turned with rage and
threats toward the herald: a hundred swords flashed at the same time
above his head.

"Stop!" said Banfy, in a thundering voice and at the same time
standing before the herald. "The life of this man is sacred and
inviolable. Keep your places. Let no man put his hand to his sword. I
order you--I, your leader."

"Three cheers!" shouted the brigades, and at the word of command
formed in ranks and stood like a wall.

"You will not bear me ill-will," said Banfy to the herald who had
turned pale, "that these men have this once more obeyed me. Go back to
your Prince and tell him that I will appear befor