rve--"but a state secret is a state secret, and least of
all should it escape one who is truly and legitimately a child of the
state. My love and friendship for Melchior von Willading are great, and of
right excellent quality; but I should not have visited this pass, were it
not to do honor to our guest the Genoese. I would not that the noble
stranger went down from our hills with an unsavory opinion of our
hospitality. Hath the honorable Chatelain from Sion reached the hill?"

"He has been among us since the turn of the day, mein Herr, and is now in
conference with those you have just named, on matters connected with the
object of your common visit."

"He is an honest magistrate! and like ourselves, Master Sigismund, he
comes of the pure German root, which is a foundation to support merit,
though it might better be said by another. Had he a comfortable ride?"

"I have heard no complaint of his ascent."

"'Tis well. When the magistrate goes forth to do justice, he hath a right
to look for a fair time. All are then comfortable;--the noble Genoese, the
honorable Melchior, and the worthy Chatelain.--And Jacques Colis?"

"You know his unhappy fate, Herr Bailiff," returned Sigismund briefly;
for he was a little vexed with the other's phlegm in a matter that so
nearly touched his own feelings.

"If I did not know it, Herr Steinbach, dost think I should now be here,
instead of preparing for a warm bed near the great square of Vevey? Poor
Jacques Colis! Well, he did the ceremonies of the abbaye an ill turn in
refusing to buckle with the headsman's daughter, but I do not know that he
at all deserved the fate with which he has met."

"God forbid that any who were hurt, and that perhaps not without reason,
by his want of faith, should think his weakness merited a punishment so
heavy!"

"Thou speakest like a sensible youth, a very Sensible youth--ay, and like
a Christian, Herr Sigismund," answered Peterchen, "and I approve of thy
words. To refuse to wive a maiden and to be murdered are very different
offences, and should not be confounded. Dost think these Augustines keep
kirschwasser among their stores? It is strong work to climb up to their
abode, and strong toil needs strong drink. Well, should they not be so
provided, we must make the best of their other liquors. Herr Sigismund, do
me the favor to lend me thy arm."

The bailiff now alighted with stiffened limbs, and, taking the arm of the
other, he moved slowly toward