ause I entirely ignore, but in
which my honor compelled me to engage."

"My lord Count," replied Gherardo, "I can find no fault with your
explanation; the Chancellor's hatred for my country is such, that to
gratify it, he considers himself at liberty to use even disloyal
weapons against us."

"No apology can be made for Dassel's conduct; but Milan also counts
among her citizens some whose loyalty is most questionable," replied
Erwin.

"I understand you," said Nigri: "you allude to a matter which interests
you personally--and me also. The capture of Hermengarde is a most
reprehensible action."

Rechberg was surprised, but his astonishment increased when the Consul,
after a brief pause, continued.

"My son's act is very reprehensible, it is true; but perhaps under
similar circumstances you would have done the same. Pietro is not yet
formally betrothed to Hermengarde, but their marriage has been in
contemplation for many years.--Put yourself in Pietro's place and tell
me if his conduct does not seem less culpable?"

The Count was thunderstruck; he looked wildly at the Consul, and then
paced the room in great agitation.

"Indeed?" said he, "I was not aware of this."

"You perceive, then, that Pietro's claim to the young lady somewhat
palliates his violence."

"Yes! yes! naturally."

"Still, what he has done is unworthy of a knight, and I count upon your
generosity not to make the father responsible for--"

"No; but your son's action will in some degree modify the conditions of
your release. Excuse me for a moment. My friend Berthold will, during
my absence, discharge the duties of host."

"With pleasure, Count," said Berthold; "I look upon it as an honor to
entertain your prisoner."

Erwin mounted and rode over to the Imperial tent; for he wished to be
alone for a short time. On his arrival, Gero announced that a Guelphic
knight urgently desired to see him.

"You are not wounded, I trust, my lord?" said the squire, as he was
taking off his armor.

"No!"

"It is a pity that your duel was prevented. But perhaps the Unknown has
not come off scot-free, and indeed he may have been killed or captured,
for we have taken prisoner a great many knights."

"That will do now, Gero; you may put away the armor and then leave me.
I wish to be alone."

The squire obeyed without another word; for he had never seen his
master so sorrowful and dispirited.

"May I bring the stranger in when he returns?" he asked, as