m at the top of a high tower, from which, unless provided with wings,
there seemed but little chance of escaping.

In a short time their luggage was brought up to them, followed by a
tolerably substantial supper.

"The Baron does not intend to starve us, at all events," observed old
Hans. "Come, my dear young master, eat and keep up your spirits.
Matters might have been much worse. Perhaps we may ere long find some
means of escaping, let the Baron guard us ever so carefully. At all
events, let us hope for the best."

CHAPTER THREE.

At the time our story commenced Dr Martin Luther was still residing in
the Castle of Wartburg, where he had been concealed by order of the
Elector Frederick, for nearly a year after leaving Worms, to preserve
him from the rage of his defeated enemies. His friends, however, well
knew where he was, and he had lately been summoned back to Wittemburg,
where his presence was much required.

Several months had passed away since Eric had quitted home, when one day
a man, with a large pack on his back, presented himself at the
Castle-gate, and demanded to see the Knight. He was admitted.

"Well, friend, what would you with me?" asked the Knight.

"I have books to sell, and will show them to you forthwith," answered
the colporteur, unslinging his pack. "Here is one lately printed--worth
its weight in gold, and more."

The Knight took it. It bore the simple title--"The New Testament.
German. Wittemburg."

"That is the very book I want," exclaimed the Knight, eagerly. "Yes, I
doubt not that it is worth its weight in gold. By whom has it been done
into German?"

"By Dr Martin Luther," answered the colporteur. "He began the work
when shut up in the Wartburg, and has only lately finished it with the
help of Dr Melancthon. Here are some other works by him. Will you
take them?"

"Yes, three--four--one copy of each. There is payment," said the
Knight, laying down some gold pieces.

"I take but the proper price," answered the colporteur, returning most
of them to him.

"You are an honest man," said the Knight. "If the books you sell have
made you so, they must be good."

"The books certainly are good, and I am more honest than I was. Once I
ate the bread of idleness, indulged in sloth, and was of no use to any
one. Now I labour for my food, and try to obey my Lord and Master,"
answered the colporteur.

"Why, what were you?" asked the Knight.

"A monk," answered the c