ursue that train of thought--then, at
the lady's accusation, he might be deprived of the right to enter the
lists in the tournament; then all the disgrace which could be inflicted
upon the slanderous defamer of character threatened him; then Wolff
would summon him to a reckoning, as well as Heinz Schorlin. Wolff, whom
he had begun to hate since, with his resistless arm of iron, he had
exposed him for the first time to the malicious glee of the bystanders
in the fencing hall.

Yet it was not this which suddenly bowed his head and loudly admonished
him that he had again behaved like a reckless fool. Cowardice was his
least fault. He did not fear what might befall him in battle. Whether
he would be barred out from the lists was the terrible question which
darkened the bright morning already verging towards noon. He had charged
Els with perfidy in the presence of others, and thereby exposed her, the
plighted bride of a knight, to the utmost scorn. And besides--fool
that he was!--his brothers had again attacked a train of waggons on
the highway and would soon be called to account as robbers. This would
certainly lead the Swiss and others to investigate his own past, and
the Pursuivant at Arms excluded from joust and tourney whoever "injured
trade or merchant." What would not his enemy, who was in such high
favour with the Emperor, do to compass his destruction? But--and at the
thought he uttered a low imprecation--how could he ride to the joust if
his father-in-law closed his strong box which, moreover, was said to
be empty? If the old man was forced to declare himself bankrupt
Siebenburg's creditors would instantly seize his splendid chargers and
costly suits of armour, scarcely one half of which were paid for. How
much money he needed as security in case of defeat! His sole property
was debts. Yet the thought seemed like an illumination--his wife's
valuable old jewels could probably still be saved, and she might be
induced to give him part of the ornaments for the tournament. He need
only make her understand that his honour and that of the twins were at
stake. Would that Heaven might spare his boys such hours of anxiety and
self-accusation!

But what was this? Was he deluding himself? Did his over-excited
imagination make him hear a death knell pealing for his honour and his
hopes, which must be borne to their grave? Yet no! All the citizens and
peasants, men and women, great and small, who thronged the salt market,
whic