Chapter 11 of Anne of Geyerstein by Sir Walter Scott. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Dionne Giants, Salt Lake City, Utah. Donner-Hughel's Narrative These be the adept doctrines. Every element is peopled with its separate race of spirits. The airy silks on the blue ether float. Deep in the earthy cavern, skulks the gnome. The sea-green naïve skims the ocean below. And the fierce fire is yet a friendly home to its peculiar sprite, the salamander. Anonymous. I told you, said Rudolf, that the lords of Arnhem, though from father to son, they were notoriously addicted to secret studies, were nevertheless like the other German nobles, followers of war and the chase. This was peculiarly the case with Anne's maternal grandfather, Hermann of Arnhem, who prided himself on possessing a splendid stud of horses. And once, deed in particular, the noblest ever known in these circles of Germany, I should make wild work where I to attempt a description of such an animal, so I will content myself with saying his color was jet black without a hair of white, either on his face or feet. For this reason, and the wildness of his disposition, his master had termed him a Pollyon, a circumstance which was secretly considered as tending to sanction the evil reports which touched the house of Arnhem, being it was said the naming of a favorite animal after a foul fiend. It chanced one November day that the barren had been hunting in the forest and did not reach home till nightfall. There were no guests with him, for as I hinted to you before, the castle of Arnhem seldom received any other than those from whom its inhabitants hoped to gain augmentation of knowledge. The barren was seated alone in his hall, illuminated with crescents and torches. His one hand held a volume covered with characters unintelligible to all save himself. The other rested on the marble table on which was placed a flask of toque wine. A page stood in respectful attendance near the bottom of the large and dim apartment and no sound was heard save that of the night wind when it sighed mournfully through the rusty coats of mail and waved the tattered banners which were the tapestry of the feudal hall. At once the footstep of a person was heard ascending the stairs in haste and trepidation. The door of the hall was thrown violently open and terrified to a degree of ecstasy, Casper, the head of the barren stable or his master of horse stumbled up almost to the foot of the table at which his lord was seated with the exclamation in his mouth. My lord, my lord, a fiend is in the stable. What means this folly said the barren arising, surprised and displeased at an interruption so unusual. Let me endure your displeasure, said Casper. If I speak not truth, a Pollyon here he paused. Speak out thou frightened fool, said the barren. Is my horse sick or injured? The master of the stalls again gasped forth the word, a Pollyon, say on, said the barren, were a Pollyon in presence personally. It were nothing to shake a brave man's mind. The devil answered the master of the horse is in a Pollyon stall. Fool exclaimed the nobleman, snatching a torch from the wall.  Things like thee that are born to serve us should hold their brains on a firmer tenure. For our sakes, if not for that of their worthless selves. As he spoke, he descended to the court of the castle to visit the stately range of stables which occupied all the lower part of the quadrangle on one side. He entered where 50 gallant steeds stood in rows on each side of the ample hall. At the side of each stall hung the weapons of offense and defense of a man at arms as bright as constant attention could make them. Together with the buff coat which formed the troopers under garment, the barren followed by one or two of the domestics who had assembled full of astonishment at the unusual alarm, hastened up to the head of the stable, betwixt the rows of steeds. As he approached the stall of his favorite horse which was the uppermost of the right hand row, the gallant steed neither made nor shook his head, nor stamped with his foot, nor gave the usual signs of joy at his lord's approach. A faint moaning as if he implored assistance was the only acknowledgement he gave of the barren's presence. Sir Herman held up the torch and discovered that there was indeed a tall dark figure standing in the stall resting his hand on the horse's shoulder. Who art thou, said the barren, and what dost thou hear? I seek refuge and hospitality, replied the stranger, and I conjure thee to grant it me by the shoulder of thy horse and by the edge of thy sword and so as they may never fail thee when thy need is at the utmost. Thou art then a brother of the sacred fire, said Baron Herman of Arnhem, and I may not refuse thee the refuge which thou requirest of me after the ritual of the Persian magi from whom and for what length of time dost thou crave my protection? From those replied the stranger who shall arrive in quest of me before the morning cock shall crow and for the full space of a year and a day from this period. I may not refuse thee, said the barren, consistently with my oath and my honor, for a year and a day I will be thy pledge and thou shall share with me roof and chamber, wine and food, but thou too must obey the law of Zoroester which as it says, let the stronger protect the weaker brother, says also, let the wiser instruct the brother who hath less knowledge. I am the stronger and thou shalt be safe under my protection, but thou art the wiser and must instruct me in the more secret mysteries. You mock your servant, said the strange visitor, but if ought is known to Dana Shemmond which can avail Herman, his instructions shall be as those of a father to a son. Come forth then from thy place of refuge, said the barren of Arnhem. I swear to thee by the sacred fire which lives without terrestrial fuel and by the fraternity which is betwixt us and by the shoulder of my horse and the edge of my good sword, I will be thy warrant for a year and a day. If so far my power shall extend. The stranger came forth accordingly and those who saw the singularity of his appearance scarce wondered at the fears of Casper, the stalemaster when he found such a person in the stable by what mode of entrance he was unable to conceive. When he reached the lighted hall to which the barren conducted him as he would have done a welcome and honored guest, the stranger appeared to be very tall and of a dignified aspect. His dress was Asiatic being a long black caftan or gown like that worn by Armenians with a lofty square cap covered with the wool of astrakhan lambs. Every article of the dress was black which gave relief to the long white beard that flowed down over his bosom. His gown was fastened by a sash of black silk network in which instead of a ponyard or sword was stuck a silver case containing writing materials and a roll of parchment. The only ornament of his apparel consisted in a large ruby of uncommon brilliancy which when he approached the light seemed to glow with such liveliness as if the gem itself had emitted the rays which it only reflected back. To the offer of refreshment the stranger replied, Bread I may not eat, Water shall not moisten my lips until the Avenger shall have passed by the threshold. The baron commanded the lamps to be trimmed and fresh torches to be lighted and sending his whole household to rest remain seated in the hall along with the stranger his suppliant. At the dead hour of midnight the gates of the castle were shaken as by a whirlwind and a voice as of a herald was heard to demand a herald's lawful prisoner. Then a shaman, the son of Holly, the warder then heard a lower window of the hall thrown open and could distinguish his master's voice addressing the person who had thus summoned the castle. But the night was so dark that he might not see the speakers and the language which they used was either entirely foreign or so largely interspersed with strange words that he could not understand a syllable which they said. Scarce five minutes had elapsed when he who was without again elevated his voice as before and said in German, for a year and a day then I forbear my forfeiture but coming for it when that time shall elapse I come for my right and will no longer be withstood. From that period, Dennis Shaman, the Persian was a constant guest at the castle of Arnhem and indeed never for any visible purpose crossed the drawbridge. His amusements or studies seemed centered in the library of the castle and in the laboratory where the Baron sometimes toiled in conjunction with him for many hours together. The inhabitants of the castle could find no fault in the magis or Persian accepting his apparently dispensing with the ordinances of religion since he neither went to mass nor confession nor attended upon other religious ceremonies. The chaplain did indeed profess himself satisfied with the state of the stranger's conscience but it had been long suspected that the worthy ecclesiastic held his easy office on the very reasonable condition of approving the principles and asserting the orthodoxy of all guests whom the Baron invited to share his hospitality. It was observed that Dennis Shaman was rigid in paying his devotions by prostrating himself in the first rays of the rising sun and that he constructed a silver lamp of the most beautiful proportions which he placed on a pedestal representing a truncated column of marble having its base sculptured with hieroglyphical imagery with what essences he fed this flame was unknown to all and less perhaps to the Baron but the flame was more steady, pure and lustrous than any which was ever seen accepting the sun of heaven itself and it was generally believed that the Magian made it an object of worship in the absence of that blessed luminary. Nothing else was observed of him unless that his morals seemed severe, his gravity extreme, his general mode of life very temperate and his fasts and vigils of frequent recurrence except on particular occasions he spoke to no one of the castle but the Baron but as he had money and was liberal he was regarded by the domestics with awe indeed but without fear or dislike. Winter was succeeded by spring, summer brought her flowers and autumn her fruits which ripened and were fading when a foot page who sometimes attended them in the laboratory to render manual assistance when required heard the Persian say to the Baron of Arnhem you will do well my son to mark my words for my lessons to you are drawing to an end and there is no power on earth which can longer postpone my fate. Alas my master said the Baron and must I then lose the benefit of your direction just when your guiding hand becomes necessary to place me on the very pinnacle of the temple of wisdom be not discouraged my son answered the sage I will bequeath the task of perfecting you in your studies to my daughter who will come hither on purpose but remember if you value the permanence of your family look not upon her as ought else than a helpmate in your studies for if you forget the instructress in the beauty of the maiden you will be buried with your sword and your shield as the last male of your house and further evil believe me will arise for such alliances never come to a happy issue of which my own is an example but hush we are observed the household of the castle of Arnhem having but few things to interest them were the more eager observers of those which came under their notice and when the termination of the period when the Persian was to receive shelter in the castle began to approach some of the inmates under various pretexts but which resolved into very terror absconded while others held themselves in expectation of some striking and terrible catastrophe none such however took place and on the expected anniversary long ere the witching hour of midnight Dennis Shemond terminated his visit in the castle of Arnhem by riding away from the gate in the guise of an ordinary traveler the Baron had meantime taken leave of his tutor with many marks of regret and some which amounted even to sorrow the sage Persian comforted him by a long whisper of which the last part only was heard by the first beam of sunshine she will be with you be kind to her but not over kind he then departed and was never again seen or heard of in the vicinity of Arnhem the Baron was observed during all the day after the departure of the stranger to be particularly melancholy he remained contrary to his custom in the great hall and neither visited the library nor the laboratory where he could no longer enjoy the company of his departed instructor at dawn of the ensuing morning Sir Herman summoned his page and contrary to his habits which used to be rather careless in respect of apparel he dressed himself with great accuracy and as he was in the prime of life and of a noble figure he had reason to be satisfied with his appearance having performed his toilet he waited till the sun had just appeared above the horizon and taking from the table the key of the laboratory which the page believed must have lain there all night he walked thither followed by his attendant at the door the Baron made a pause and seemed at one time to doubt whether he should not send away the page at another to hesitate whether he should open the door as one might do who expected some strange sight within he pulled up resolution however turned the key through the door open and entered the page followed close behind his master and was astonished to the point of extreme terror at what he beheld although the sight however extraordinary had in it nothing save what was agreeable and lovely the silver lamp was extinguished or removed from its pedestal where stood in place of it a most beautiful female figure in the Persian costume in which the color of pink predominated but she wore no turban or headdress of any kind save a blue riband drawn through her auburn hair and secured by a gold clasp the outer side of which was ornamented by a superb opal which amid the changing lights peculiar to that gem displayed internally a slight tinge of red like a spark of fire the figure of this young person was rather under the middle size but perfectly well formed the eastern dress with the wide trousers gathered around the ankles made visible the smallest and most beautiful feet which had ever been seen while hands and arms of the most perfect symmetry were partly seen from under the folds of the robe the little lady's countenance was of a lively and expressive character in which spirit and wit seemed to predominate and the quick dark eye with its beautifully formed eyebrow seemed to presage the arch remark to which the rosy and half smiling lip appeared ready to give utterance the pedestal on which she stood or rather was purged would have appeared unsafe had any figure heavier than her own been placed there but however she had been transported fither she seemed to rest on it as lightly and safely as a linnet when it has dropped from the sky on the tendril of a rosebud the first beam of the rising sun falling through a window directly opposite to the pedestal increased the effect of this beautiful figure which remained as motionless as if it had been carved in marble she only expressed her sense of the barren of Arnheim's presence by something of a quicker respiration and a deep blush accompanied by a slight smile whatever reason the barren of Arnheim might have for expecting to see some such object as now exhibited its actual presence the degree of beauty which it presented was so much beyond his expectation that for an instant he stood without breath or motion at once however he seemed to recollect that it was his duty to welcome the fair stranger to his castle and to relieve her from her precarious situation he stepped forward accordingly with the words of welcome on his tongue and was extending his arms to lift her from the pedestal which was nearly six feet high but the light and active stranger merely accepted the support of his hand and descended on the floor as light and as safe as if she had been formed of Gossamer it was indeed only by the momentary pressure of her little hand that the barren of Arnheim was finally made sensible that he had to do with a being of flesh and blood I am come as I have been commanded she said looking around her you must expect a strict and diligent mistress and I hope for the credit of an attentive pupil after the arrival of this singular and interesting being in the castle of Arnheim various alterations took place within the interior of the household a lady of high rank and small fortune the respectable widow of account of the empire who was the barren's blood relation received and accepted an invitation to preside over her kinsman's domestic affairs and remove by her countenance any suspicion which might arise from the presence of Hermione as the beautiful Persian was generally called the Countess Waldstetten carried her complacence so far as to be present on almost all occasions whether in the laboratory or library when the barren of Arnheim received lessons from or pursued studies with the young and lovely tutor who had been thus strangely substituted for the aged magis if this lady's report was to be trusted their pursuits were of a most extraordinary nature and the results which she sometimes witnessed were such as to create fear as well as surprise but she strongly vindicated them from practicing unlawful arts or overstepping the boundaries of natural science a better judge of such matters the bishop of Bamberg himself made a visit to Arnheim on purpose to witness the wisdom of which so much was reported through the whole Rhine country he conversed with Hermione and found her deeply impressed with the truths of religion and so perfectly acquainted with its doctrines that he compared her to a doctor of theology in the dress of an eastern dancing girl when asked regarding her knowledge of languages and science he answered that he had been attracted to Arnheim by the most extravagant reports on these points but that he must return confessing the half thereof had not been told unto him in consequence of this indisputable testimony the sinister reports which had been occasioned by the singular appearance of the fair stranger were in a great measure lulled to sleep especially as her amiable manners won the involuntary goodwill of everyone that approached her meantime a marked alteration began to take place in the interviews between the lovely tutor and her pupil these were conducted with the same caution as before and never so far as could be observed took place without the presence of the countess of Waldstetten or some other third person of respectability but the scenes of these meetings were no longer the scholar's library or the chemist's laboratory the gardens, the groves were resorted to for amusement and parties of hunting and fishing with evenings spent in the dance seemed to announce that the studies of wisdom were for a time abandoned for the pursuits of pleasure it was not difficult to guess the meaning of this the barren of Arnheim and his fair guest speaking a language different from all others could enjoy their private conversation even amid all the tumult of gaiety around them and no one was surprised to hear it formally announced after a few weeks of gaiety that the fair person was to be wedded to the barren of Arnheim the manners of this fascinating young person were so pleasing her conversations so animated her wit so keen yet so well tempered with good nature and modesty that notwithstanding her unknown origin her high fortune attracted less envy than might have been expected in a case so singular above all her generosity amazed and won the hearts of all the young persons who approached her her wealth seemed to be measureless for the many rich jewels which she distributed among her fair friends would otherwise have left her without ornaments for herself these good qualities her liberality above all together with a simplicity of thought and character which formed a beautiful contrast to the depth of acquired knowledge which she was well known to possess these with her total want of ostentation made her superiority be pardoned among her companions still there was notice taken of some peculiarities exaggerated perhaps by envy which seemed to draw a mystical distinction between the beautiful Hermione and the mere mortals with whom she lived and conversed in the merry dance she was so unrivaled in lightness and agility that her performance seemed that of an aerial being she could without suffering from her exertion continued the pleasure till she had tired out the most active revelers and even the young Duke of Hochspringen who was reckoned the most indefatigable at that exercise in Germany having been her partner for half an hour was compelled to break off the dance and throw himself totally exhausted on a couch exclaiming he had been dancing not with a woman but with an ignaous fatuous other whispers aveared that while she played with her young companions in the labyrinth and mazes of the castle gardens at hide and seek or similar games of activity she became animated with the same supernatural alertness which was supposed to inspire her in the dance she appeared amongst her companions and vanished from them with a degree of rapidity which was inconceivable and hedges, trellage or such like obstructions were surmounted by her in a manner which the most vigilant eye could not detect for after being observed on the side of the barrier at one instant in another she was beheld close beside the spectator in such moments when her eyes sparkled her cheeks reddened and her whole frame became animated it was pretended that the opal clasp amid her tresses the ornament which she never laid aside shot forth the little spark or tongue of flame which it always displayed with an increased vivacity in the same manner if in the half darkened hall the conversation of Hermione became unusually animated it was believed that the jewel became brilliant and even displayed a twinkling and flashing gleam which seemed to be emitted by the gem itself and not produced in the usual manner by the reflection of some external light her maidens were also heard to surmise that when their mistress was agitated by any hasty or brief resentment the only weakness of temper which she was sometimes observed to display they could observe dark red sparks flash from the mystic brooch as if it sympathized with the wearer's emotions the women who attended on her toilet further reported that this gem was never removed but for a few minutes when the bareness's hair was combed out that she was unusually pensive and silent during the time it was laid aside and particularly apprehensive when any liquid was brought near it even in the use of holy water at the door of the church she was observed to omit the sign of the cross on the forehead for fear it was supposed of the water touching the valued jewel these singular reports did not prevent the marriage of the barren of Arnheim from proceeding as had been arranged it was celebrated in the usual form and with the utmost splendor and the young couple seemed to commence a life of happiness rarely to be found on earth in the course of twelve months the lovely barreness presented her husband with a daughter which was to be christened Sibylla after the Count's mother as the health of the child was excellent the ceremony was postponed till the recovery of the mother from her confinement many were invited to be present on the occasion and the castle was thronged with company it happened that amongst the guests was an old lady notorious for playing in private society the part of a malicious fairy in a minstrel's tale this was the barreness of Steinfeld famous in the neighborhood for her insatiable curiosity and over weaning pride she had not been many days in the castle ere by the aid of a female attendant who acted as an intelligentser she had made herself mistress of all that was heard said or suspected concerning the peculiarities of the barreness Hermione it was on the morning of the day appointed for the christening while the whole company were assembled in the hall and waiting till the barreness should appear to pass with them to the chapel that there arose between the censorious and haughty dame whom we have just mentioned and the Countess Walt Stetten a violent discussion concerning some point of disputed precedence it was referred to the barren von Arnheim who decided in favor of the Countess Madame de Steinfeld instantly ordered her palfry to be prepared and her attendance to mount I leave this place she said which a good christian ought never to have entered I leave a house of which the master is a sorcerer the mistress a demon who dares not cross her brow with holy water and their trencher companion one who for a wretched pittance is willing to act as matchmaker between a wizard and an incarnate fiend she then departed with rage in her countenance and spite in her heart the barren of Arnheim then stepped forward and demanded of the knights and gentlemen around if there were any among them who would dare to make good with his sword the infamous falsehoods thrown upon himself his spouse and his kinswoman there was a general answer utterly refusing to defend the barrenness of Steinfeld's words in so bad a cause and universally testifying the belief of the company that she spoke in the spirit of Calumny and falsehood then let that lie fall to the ground which no man of courage will hold up said the barren of Arnheim only all who are here this morning shall be satisfied whether the barrenness Hermione doth or doth not share the rites of christianity the countess of Wallstetten made anxious signs to him while he spoke thus and when the crowd permitted her to approach near him she was heard to whisper oh, be not rash try no experiment there is something mysterious about that opal talisman be prudent and let the matter pass by the barren who was in a more towering passion then well became the wisdom to which he made pretense although it will be perhaps allowed that an affront so public and in such a time and place was enough to shake the prudence of the most staid and the philosophy of the most wise answered sternly and briefly are you too such a fool and retained his purpose the barrenness of Arnheim at this moment entered the hall looking just so pale from her late confinement as to render her lovely countenance more interesting if less animated than usual having paid her compliments to the assembled company with the most graceful and condescending attention she was beginning to inquire why Madame de Steinfeld was not present when her husband made the signal for the company to move forward to the chapel and lent the barrenness his arm to bring up the rear the chapel was nearly filled by the splendid company and all eyes were bent on their host and hostess as they entered the place of devotion immediately after four young ladies who supported the infant babe in a light and beautiful litter as they passed the threshold the barren dipped his finger in the font stone and offered holy water to his lady who accepted it as usual by touching his finger with her own but then as if to confute the calamities of the malevolent lady of Steinfeld with an air of sportive familiarity which was rather unwarranted by the time and place he flirted on her beautiful forehead a drop or two of the moisture which remained on his own hand the opal on which one of these drops had lighted shot out a brilliant spark like a falling star and became the instant afterwards lightless and colorless as a common pebble while the beautiful barrenness sank on the floor of the chapel with a deep sigh of pain all crowded around her in dismay the unfortunate Hermione was raised from the ground and conveyed to her chamber and so much did her countenance and pulse alter within the short time necessary to do this that those who looked upon her pronounced her a dying woman she was no sooner in her own apartment than she requested to be left alone with her husband he remained an hour in the room and when he came out he locked and double locked the door behind him he then betook himself to the chapel and remained there for an hour or more prostrated before the altar in the meantime most of the guests had dispersed in dismay though some abode out of courtesy or curiosity there was a general sense of impropriety in suffering the door of the sick lady's apartment to remain locked but alarmed at the whole circumstances of her illness it was some time ere anyone dared disturb the devotions of the barren at length medical aid arrived and the countess of Wallstetten took upon her to demand the key she spoke more than once to a man who seemed incapable of hearing at least of understanding what she said at length he gave her the key and added sternly as he did so that all aid was unavailing and that it was his pleasure that all strangers should leave the castle there were few who inclined to stay when upon opening the door of the chamber in which the Baroness had been deposited little more than two hours before no traces of her could be discovered unless that there was about a handful of light gray ashes like such as might have been produced by burning fine paper found on the bed where she had been laid a solemn funeral was nevertheless performed with masses and all other spiritual rights for the soul of the high and noble Lady Hermione of Arnhem and it was exactly on that same day three years that the Baron himself was laid in the grave of the same chapel of Arnhem with sword shield and helmet as the last male of his family here at the Swiss paused for they were approaching the bridge of the castle of Graf's lust end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of Anne of Geyerstein by Sir Walter Scott this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Dion Jines Salt Lake City, Utah believe me sir it carries a rare form but tis a spirit the tempest there was a short silence after the Bernese had concluded his singular tale Arthur Phillipson's attention had been gradually and intensely attracted by a story which was too much in unison with the received ideas of the age to be encountered by the unhesitating incredulity with which it must have been heard in later and more enlightened times he was also considerably struck by the manner in which it had been told by the narrator whom he had hitherto only regarded in the light of a rude huntsman or soldier whereas he now allowed Donner-Hughel credit for a more extensive acquaintance with the general manners of the world than he had previously anticipated the Swiss rose in his opinion as a man of talent but without making the slightest progress in his affections the swashbuckler he said to himself has brains as well as brawn and bones and is fitter for the office of commanding others than I formerly thought him then turning to his companion he thanked him for the tale which had shortened the way in so interesting a manner and it is from this singular marriage he continued that Anne of Geierstein derives her origin her mother answered the Swiss was Sabilla of Arnhem the infant at whose christening the mother died disappeared or whatever you may list to call it the barony of Arnhem being a male thief reverted to the emperor the castle has never been inhabited since the death of the last lord and has as I have heard become in some sort ruinous the occupations of its ancient proprietors and above all the catastrophe of its last inhabitant have been thought to render it no eligible place of residence did there appear anything preternatural said the Englishman about the young Baroness who married the brother of the landman so far as I have heard replied Rudolf there were strange stories it was said that the nurses at the dead of night have seen Hermione the last Baroness of Arnhem stand weeping by the side of the child's cradle and other things to the same purpose but here I speak from less correct information than that from which I drew my former narrative and since the credibility of a story not very probable in itself must needs be granted or withheld according to the evidence on which it is given may I ask you said Arthur to tell me what is the authority on which you have so much reliance willingly answered the Swiss know that Theodore Donner-Hughel the favorite page of the last Baron of Arnhem was my father's brother upon his master's death he retired to his native town of Bern and most of his time was employed in training me up to arms and martial exercises as well according to the fashion of Germany as of Switzerland for he was master of all he witnessed with his own eyes and heard with his own ears great part of the melancholy and mysterious events which I have detailed to you should you ever visit Bern you may see the good old man you think then said Arthur that the appearance which I have this night seen is connected with the mysterious marriage of Anne of Geierstein's grandfather nay replied Rudolf think not that I can lay down any positive explanation of a thing so strange I can only say that unless I did you the injustice to disbelieve your testimony respecting the apparition of this evening I know no way to account for it except by remembering that there is a portion of the young lady's blood which is thought not to be derived from the race of Adam but more or less directly from one of those elementary spirits which have been talked of both in ancient and modern times but I may be mistaken we will see how she bears herself in the morning and whether she carries in her looks the weariness and paleness of a midnight watcher if she does not we may be authorized in thinking either that your eyes have strangely deceived you or that they have been cheated by some spectral appearance which is not of this world to this the young Englishman attempted no reply nor was there time for any for they were immediately afterwards challenged by the sentinel from the drawbridge the question who goes there was twice satisfactorily answered before Sigismund would admit the patrol to cross the drawbridge ass and mule that thou art said Rudolf what was the meaning of thy delay ass and mule thyself Hauptmann said the Swiss in answer to this objugation I have been surprised by a goblin on my post once tonight already and I have got so much experience upon that matter that I will not easily be caught a second time what goblin thou fool said Donner-Hughel would be idle enough to play his gambles at the expense of so very poor an animal as thou art thou art as cross as my father Hauptmann replied Sigismund who cries fool and blockhead at every word I speak and yet I have lips, teeth, and tongue to speak with just like other folk we will not contest the matter Sigismund said Rudolf it is clear that if thou dust differ from other people it is in a particular which thou canst hardly be expected to find out or acknowledge but what in the name of simplicity is it which hath alarm thee on thy post Mary thus it was Hauptmann returned Sigismund Biedermann I was something tired you see with looking up at the broad moon and thinking what in the universe it could be made of and how we came to see it just as well here as at home this place being so many miles from Geyerstein I was tired I say of this and other perplexing thoughts so I drew my fur cap down over my ears for I promise you the wind blue shrill and then I planted myself firm on my feet with one of my legs a little advanced and both my hands resting on my partisan which I placed upright before me to rest upon and so I shut my eyes shut thine eyes Sigismund and thou upon thy watch exclaimed Donner-Huegel care not thou for that answered Sigismund I kept my ears open and yet it was too little purpose for something came upon the bridge with a step as stealthy as that of a mouse I looked up with a start at the moment it was opposite to me and when I looked up whom thank you I saw some fool like thyself said Rudolph at the same time pressing Phillipson's foot to make him attend to the answer a hint which was little necessary since he waited for it in the utmost agitation out it came at last by St. Mark it was our own and of Geierstein it is impossible replied the Bernese I should have said so too quote Sigismund for I had peeped into her bedroom before she went thither and it was so bedisand that a queen or a princess might have slept in it and why should the wench get out of her good quarters with all her friends about her to guard her and go out to wander in the forest maybe said Rudolph she only looked from the bridge to see how the night wanded no said Sigismund she was returning from the forest I saw her when she reached the end of the bridge and thought of striking at her conceiving it to be the devil in her likeness but I remembered my hallowbird is no birch switch to chastise boys and girls with and I had done and any harm you would all have been angry with me and to speak truth I should have been ill pleased with myself for although she doth make a just of me now and then yet it were a dull house ours were we to lose an ass answered the Bernese dits thou speak to this form or goblin as you call it indeed I did not captain wiseacre my father is ever angry with me when I speak without thinking and I could not at that particular moment think on anything to the purpose neither was there time to think for she passed me like a snowflake upon a whirlwind I marched into the castle after her however calling on her by name so the sleepers were awakened and men flew to their arms and there was as much confusion as if archibald of Hagenbach had been among us with sword and pike and who should come out of her little bedroom as much startled and as much in a bustle as any of us but mrs. Ann herself and as she protested she had never left her room that night why I, Sigismund Biedermann was made to stand the whole blame as if I could prevent people's ghosts from walking but I told her my mind when I saw them all so set against me and mrs. Ann quote I it's well known the kindred you come of and after this fair notice if you send any of your double-gangers to me let them put iron skull caps on their heads for I will give them the length and weight of a Swiss halberd come in what shape they list however they all cried shame on me and my father drove me out again with as little remorse as if I had been the old house dog which had stolen in from his watch to the fireside the Bernese replied with an air of coldness approaching to contempt you have slept on your watch Sigismund a high military offense and you have dreamed while you slept you were in good luck that the Landerman did not suspect your negligence or instead of being sent back to your duty like a lazy watchdog you might have been scourged back like a faithless one to your kennel at Geyerstein as chanced to poor Ernest for a less matter Ernest has not yet gone back though said Sigismund and I think he may pass as far into Burgundy as we shall do in this journey I pray you however optimum to treat me not doglike but as a man and send someone to relieve me instead of prading here in the cold night air if there be anything to do tomorrow as I well guess there may a mouthful of food and a minute of sleep will be but a fitting preparative and I have stood watch here these two mortal hours with that the young giant yawned potentially as if to enforce the reasons of his appeal a mouthful and a minute said Rudolf a roasted ox and a lethargy like that of the seven sleepers would scarce restore you to the use of your refreshed and waking senses but I am your friend Sigismund and you are secure in my favorable report you shall be instantly relieved that you may sleep if it be possible without disturbances from dreams pass on young men addressing the others who by this time had come up and go to your rest Arthur of England and I will report to the landmen and the bannerette the account of our patrol the patrol accordingly entered the castle and were soon heard joining their slumbering companions Rudolf Donner-Hughel seized Arthur's arm and while they went towards the hall whispered in his ear these are strange passages how thank you we should report them to the deputation that I must refer to yourself said Arthur you are the captain of our watch I have done my duty in telling you what I saw or thought I saw it is for you to judge how far it is fitting to communicate it to the landmen only as it concerns the honor of his family to his ear alone I think it should be confided I see no occasion for that said the Bernese hastily it cannot affect or interest our general safety but I may take occasion hereafter to speak with Anne on this subject this latter hint gave as much pain to Arthur as the general proposal of silence on an affair so delicate had afforded him satisfaction but his uneasiness was of a kind which he felt it necessary to suppress and he therefore replied with as much composure as he could assume you will act Sir Hauptmann as your sense of duty and delicacy shall dictate for me I shall be silent on what you call the strange passages of the night rendered doubly wonderful by the report of Sigismund Biedermann and also on what you have seen and heard concerning our auxiliaries of Bern said Rudolph on that I shall certainly be silent said Arthur unless thus far that I mean to communicate to my father the risk of his baggage being liable to examination and seizure at Lafaret it is needless said Rudolph I will answer with head and hand for the safety of everything belonging to him I thank you in his name said Arthur but we are peaceful travelers to whom it must be much more desirable to avoid a broil than to give occasion for one even when secure of coming out of it triumphantly these are the sentiments of a merchant but not of a soldier said Rudolph in a cold and displeased tone but the matter is your own and you must act in it as you think best only remember if you go to Lafaret without our assistance you hazard both goods and life they entered as he spoke the apartment of their fellow travelers the companions of their patrol had already laid themselves down amongst their sleeping comrades at the lower end of the room the landmen and the bannerman of Bern heard Donner-Hughel make a report that his patrol both before and after midnight had been made in safety and without any encounter which expressed either danger or suspicion the Bernese then wrapped him in his cloak and lying down on the straw with that happy indifference to accommodation and promptitude to seize the moment of repose which is acquired by a life of vigilance and hardship was in a few minutes fast asleep Arthur remained on foot but a little longer to dart an earnest look on the door of Ann of Geierstein's apartment and to reflect on the wonderful occurrences of the evening but they formed a chaotic mystery for which he could see no clue and the necessity of holding instant communication with his father compelled him forcibly to turn his thoughts in that direction he was obliged to observe caution and secrecy in accomplishing his purpose for this he laid himself down beside his parent whose couch with the hospitality which he had experienced from the beginning of his intercourse with the kind-hearted Swiss had been arranged in what was thought the most convenient place of the apartment and somewhat apart from all others he slept sound but awoke at the touch of his son who whispered to him in English for the greater precaution that he had important tidings for his private ear an attack on our post said the elder Phillipson must we take to our weapons not now said Arthur and I pray of you not to rise or make alarm this matter concerns us alone tell it instantly my son replied his father you speak to one too much use to danger to be startled at it it is a case for your wisdom to consider said Arthur I had information while upon the patrol that the governor of Laferrette will unquestionably seize upon your baggage and merchandise under pretext of levying dues claimed by the Duke of Burgundy I have also been informed that our escort of Swiss youth are determined to resist this exaction and conceive themselves possessed of the numbers and means sufficient to do so successfully by St. George that must not be said the elder Phillipson it would be an evil requital to the true-hearted lendman to give the fiery Duke a pretext for that war which the excellent old man is so anxiously desirous to avoid if it be possible any exactions however unreasonable I will gladly pay but to have my papers seized on or utter ruin I partly feared this and it made me unwilling to join myself to the Landamans party we must now break off from it this rapacious governor will not surely lay hands on the deputation which seeks his master's court under protection of the law of nations but I can easily see how he might make our presence with them a pretext for quarrel which will equally suit his own avaricious spirit and the humor of these fiery young men who are seeking for matter of offense this shall not be taken for our sake we will separate ourselves from the deputies and remain behind till they are passed on if this Dahagenbach be not the most unreasonable of men I will find a way to content him so far as we are individually concerned meanwhile I will instantly wake the lendman he said and acquaint him with our purpose this was immediately done for Phillipson was not slow in the execution of his resolutions in a minute he was standing by the side of Arnold Biedermann who raised on his elbow was listening to his communication while over the shoulder of the lendman rose the head and long beard of the deputy from Schwartz his large clear blue eyes gleaming from beneath a fur cap bent on the Englishman's face but stealing a glance aside now and then to mark the impression which what was said made upon his colleague good friend and host said the elder Phillipson we have heard for a certainty that our poor merchandise will be subjected to taxation or seizure on our passage through Laforette and I would gladly avoid all cause of quarrel for your sake as well as our own you do not doubt that we can and will protect you replied the lendman I tell you Englishman that the guest of a Swiss is as safe by his side as an eglet under the wing of its dam and to leave us because danger approaches is but a poor complement to our courage or constancy I am desirous of peace but not the Duke of Burgundy himself should wrong a guest of mine so far as my power might prevent it at this the deputy from Schwartz clenched a fist like a bull's knuckles and showed it above the shoulders of his friend it is even to avoid this my worthy host replied Phillipson that I intend to separate from your friendly company sooner than I desire or purposed be thank you my brave and worthy host you are an ambassador seeking a national peace I a traitor seeking private gain war or quarrels which may cause war are alike ruinous to your purpose and mine I confess to you frankly that I am willing and able to pay a large ransom and when you are departed I will negotiate for the amount I will abide in the town of Bale till I have made fair terms with Archibald de Hockenbach and even if he is the avaricious extortioner you describe him he will be somewhat moderate with me rather than run the risk of losing his booty entirely by my turning back or taking another route you speak wisely sir Englishman said the landmen and I thank you for recalling my duty to my remembrance but you must not nevertheless be exposed to danger so soon as we move forward the country will be again open to the devastations of the Burgundian riders and lands next who will sweep the roads in every direction the people of Bale are unhappily too timorous to protect you they would yield you up upon the governor's first hint and for justice or lenity you might as well expect it in hell as from Hockenbach there are conjurations it is said that can make hell itself tremble said Phillipson and I have means to propitiate even this to Hockenbach providing I can get to private speech with him but I own I can expect nothing from his wild riders but to be put to death for the value of my cloak if that be the case said the landmen and if you must need separate from us for which I deny not that you have alleged wise and worthy reasons wherefore should you not leave graphs lost two hours before us the roads will be safe as our escort is expected and you will probably if you travel early find the Hockenbach sober and as capable as he ever is of hearing reason that is of perceiving his own interest but after his breakfast is washed down with rind wine which he drinks every morning before he hears mass his fury blinds even his avarice all I want in order to execute this scheme said Phillipson is the loan of a mule to carry my valise which is packed up with your baggage take the she mule said the landmen she belongs to my brother here from Schwetz he will gladly bestow her on thee if she were worth 20 crowns and my comrade Arnold desired me to do so said the old white beard I will accept her as a loan with gratitude said the Englishman but how can you dispense with the use of the creature you have only one left we can easily supply our want from bail said the landmen nay we can make this little delay serve your purpose sir Englishman I named for our time of departure the first hour after daybreak we will postpone it to the second hour which will give us enough time to get a horse or mule and you sir Phillipson space to reach Laferrette where I trust you will have achieved your business with de Hagenbach to your contentment and will join company again with us as we travel through Burgundy if our mutual objects will permit our traveling together where the landmen answered the merchant I shall esteem myself most happy in becoming the partner of your journey and now resume the repose which I have interrupted God bless you wise and true hearted man said the landmen rising and embracing the Englishman should we never meet again I will still remember the merchant who neglected thoughts of gain that he might keep the path of wisdom and rectitude I know not another who would not have risked the shedding a lake of blood to save five ounces of gold farewell thou too gallant young man thou hast learned among us to keep thy foot firm while on the edge of a Helvetian crag but none can teach thee so well as thy father to keep an upright path among the morasses and precipices of human life he then embraced and took a kind farewell of his friends in which as usual he was imitated by his friend of Schwitz who swept with his long beard the right and left cheeks of both the Englishman and again made them heartily welcome to the use of his mule all then once more composed themselves to rest for the space which remained before the appearance of the autumnal Don End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Dion Jines Sutleck City, Utah The enmity and discord which of late sprung from the rancorous outrage of your Duke to merchants our well-dealing countrymen who wanting guilders to redeem their lives have sealed his rigorous statutes with their bloods excludes all pity from our threatening looks comedy of errors the Don had scarce begun to touch the distant horizon when Arthur Phillipson was on foot to prepare for his father's departure and his own which as arranged on the preceding night was to take place two hours before the lendemen and his attendants proposed to leave the ruinous castle of Graf's lust it was no difficult matter for him to separate the neatly arranged packages which contained his father's effects from the clumsy bundles in which the baggage of the Swiss was deposited the one set of males was made up with the neatness of men accustomed to long and perilous journeys the other with the rude carelessness of those who rarely left their home and who were all together inexperienced a servant of the lendemen assisted Arthur in this task and in placing his father's baggage on the mule belonging to the bearded deputy from sweats from this man also he received instructions concerning the road from Graf's lust to Brisek the chief citadel of Laforet which was too plain and direct to render it likely that they should incur any risk of losing their way as had befallen them when traveling on the Swiss mountains everything being now prepared for their departure the young Englishman awakened his father and acquainted him that all was ready he then retired towards the chimney while his father according to his daily custom repeated the prayer of Saint Julian the patron of travelers and adjusted his dress for the journey it will not be wondered at that while the father went through his devotions and equipped himself for travel Arthur with his heart full of what he had seen of Anne of Geierstein for some time before and his brain dizzy with the recollection of the incidents of the preceding night should have kept his eyes riveted on the door of the sleeping apartment at which he had last seen that young person disappear that is unless the pale and seemingly fantastic form which had twice crossed him so strangely should prove no wandering spirit of the elements but the living substance of the person whose appearance it bore so eager was his curiosity on this subject that he strained his eyes to the utmost as if it had been possible for them to have penetrated through wood and walls into the chamber of the slumbering maiden in order to discover whether her eye or cheek bore any mark that she had last night been a watcher or a wanderer but that was the proof to which Rudolph appealed he said internally and Rudolph alone will have the opportunity of remarking the result who knows what advantage my communication may give him in his suit with yonder lovely creature and what must she think of me save as one light of thought and loose of tongue to whom nothing extraordinary can chance but he must hasten to babble it into the ears of those who are nearest to him at the moment I would my tongue have been pulsed ere I said a syllable to yonder proud yet widely prize fighter I shall never see her more that is to be counted for certain I shall never know the true interpretation of those mysteries which hang around her but to think I may have pratted something tending to throw her into the power of yonder ferocious bore will be a subject of remorse to me while I live here he was startled out of his reverie by the voice of his father why how now boy aren't they waking Arthur or sleeping on thy feet from the fatigue of last night's service not so my father answered Arthur at once recollecting himself somewhat drowsy perhaps but the fresh morning air will soon put that to flight walking with precaution through the group of sleepers who lay around the elder Phillipson when they had gained the door of the apartment turned back and looking on the straw couch which the large form of the lenderman and the silvery beard of his constant companion touched by the earliest beams of light distinguished as that of Arnold Biederman he muttered between his lips and involuntary adieu farewell mirror of ancient faith and integrity farewell noble Arnold farewell soul of truth and candor to whom cowardice selfishness and falsehood are alike unknown and farewell thought his son to the loveliest and most candid yet most mysterious of maidens but the adieu as may well be believed was not like that of his father expressed in words they were soon after on the outside of the gate the Swiss domestic was liberally recompensed and charged with a thousand kind words of farewell and of remembrance to the lenderman from his English guests mingled with hopes and wishes that they might soon meet again in the Burgundian territory the young man then took the bridle of the mule and led the animal forward on their journey at an easy pace his father walking by his side after a silence of some minutes the elder Phillipson addressed Arthur I fear me he said we shall see the worthy lenderman no more the youths who attend him are bent upon taking offense the Duke of Burgundy will not fail I fear to give them ample occasion and the peace which the excellent man desires for the land of his fathers will be shipwrecked ere they reach the Duke's presence though even were it otherwise how the proudest prince in Europe will brook the moody looks of Burgesses and peasants so will Charles of Burgundy term the friends we have pardoned from is a question too easily answered a war fatal to the interests of all concerned save Louis of France will certainly take place and dreadful must be the contest if the ranks of the Burgundian chivalry shall encounter those iron sons of the mountains before whom so many of the Austrian nobility have been repeatedly prostrated I am so much convinced of the truth of what you say my father replied Arthur that I judge even this day will not pass over without a breach of truth I have already put on my shirt of mail in case we should meet bad company betwixt Graf's lust and Brissac and I would to heaven that you would observe this same precaution it will not delay our journey and I confess to you that I at least will travel with much greater consciousness of safety should you do so I understand you my son replied the elder Phillipson but I am a peaceful traveler in the Duke of Burgundy's territories and must not willingly suppose that while under the shadow of his banner I must guard myself against Bandidi as if I were in the wilds of Palestine as for the authority of his officers and the extent of their executions I need not tell you that they are in our circumstances things to be submitted to without grief or grudging leaving the two travelers to journey towards Brissac at their leisure I must transport my readers to the eastern gate of that small town which situated on an eminence had a commanding prospect on every side but especially towards Bale it did not properly make a part of the dominions of the Duke of Burgundy but had been placed in his hands in pawn or in pledge for the repayment of a considerable sum of money due to Charles by the Emperor Sigismund of Austria to whom the signatory of the place belonged in property but the town lay so conveniently for distressing the commerce of the Swiss and inflicting on that people whom he at once hated and despised similar marks of his malevolence as to encourage a general opinion that the Duke of Burgundy the implacable and unreasonable enemy of these mountaineers would never listen to any terms of redemption however equitable or advantageous which might have the effect of restoring to the Emperor an advanced post of such consequence to the gratification of his dislike as Brissac the situation of the little town was in itself strong but the fortifications which surrounded it were barely sufficient to repel any sudden attack and not adequate to resist for any length of time a formal siege the morning beams had shown on the spire of the church for more than an hour when a tall, thin, elderly man wrapped in a morning gown over which was buckled a broad belt supporting on the left side a sword on the right a dagger approached the Barbican of the Eastern Gate his bonnet displayed a feather which or the tail of a fox in lieu of it was the emblem of gentle blood throughout all Germany and a badge highly prized by those who had a right to wear it the small party of soldiers who had kept watch there during the course of the preceding night and supplied sentinels both forward and outlook took arms on the appearance of this individual and drew themselves up in the form of a guard which receives with military reverence an officer of importance Archibald de Hagenbach's countenance for it was the governor himself expressed that subtle peevishness and ill temper which characterized the morning hours of a valid, two-dinary debauchee his head throbbed his pulse was feverish and his cheek was pale symptoms of his having spent the last night as was his usual custom amid wine stoops and flageons judging from the haste with which his soldiers fell into their ranks and the awe and silence which reigned among them it appeared that they were accustomed to expect and dread his ill humor on such occasions he glanced at them accordingly and inquisitive and dissatisfied look as if he saw something on which to vent his peevishness and then asked for the loitering dog Killian Killian presently made his appearance a stout, hard-favored man at arms a Bavarian by birth and by rank the personal squire of the governor what news of the Swiss churls Killian demanded Archibald de Hockenbach they should by their thrifty habits have been on the road two hours since have the peasant clods presumed to ape the manners of gentlemen and stuck by the flask till cock crow by my faith it may well be answered Killian the burgers of bale gave them full means of carousel how Killian they dared not offer hospitality to the Swiss drove of bullocks after the charge we sent them to the contrary nay the Baileys received them not into the town replied the squire but I learned by sure Espiel that they afforded them means of quartering at Graf's lust which was furnished with many of fair gammon and pastry to speak not of flasks of rind wine barrels of beer and stoops of strong waters the Baileys shall answer this Killian said the governor do they think I am forever to be thrusting myself between the Duke and his pleasure on their behalf the fat porkers have presumed too much since we accepted some trifling gifts at their hands more for gracing of them than for any advantage we could make of their paltry donations was it not the wine from Baile which we were obliged to drink out in pint goblets lest it should become sour before morning it was drunk out and in pint goblets too said Killian so much I can well remember why go to then said the governor they shall know these beasts of Baile that I hold myself no way obliged by such donations as these and that my remembrance of the wines which I corrales rest no longer than the headache which the mixtures they drug me with never fail of late years to leave behind for the next morning's pastime your excellency replied the squire will make it then a quarrel between the Duke of Burgundy and the city of Baile that they gave this indirect degree of comfort and assistance to the Swiss deputation I, Mary will I, said to Hagenbach unless there be wise men among them who shall show me good reasons for protecting them oh the Baileys do not know our noble Duke nor the gift he have for chastising the gutter blooded citizens of a free town thou canst tell them Killian as well as any man how he dealt with the villains of Liege when they would needs be pragmatical I will apprise them of the matter said Killian when opportunity shall serve and I trust I shall find them in a temper disposed to cultivate your honorable friendship nay if it is the same to them it is quite indifferent to me, Killian continued the governor but me thinks whole and sound throats are worth some purchase were it only to swallow black puddings and Schwartz beer to say nothing of Westphalian hams and Nirensteiner I say a slashed throat is a useless thing, Killian I will make the fat citizens to understand their danger and the necessity of making interest answered Killian sure I am not now to learn how to turn the ball into your excellency's lap you speak well said Sir Archibald but how chanced it thou hast so little to say to the switzers leaguer I should have thought an old trooper like thee would have made their pinions flutter amidst the good cheer thou tellest me of I might as well have annoyed an angry hedgehog with my bare finger said Killian I surveyed Graff's lust myself there were sentinels on the castle walls a sentinel on the bridge besides a regular patrol of these Swiss fellows who kept strict watch so that there was nothing to be done otherwise knowing your excellency's ancient quarrel I would have had a hit at them when they should never have known who hurt them I will tell you, however, fairly that these churls are acquiring better knowledge in the art of war than the best ridder knight well they will be the better worth the looking after when they arrive said de Hagenbach they come forth in state doubtless with all their finery their wives chains of silver their own medals and rings of lead and copper the base hinds they are unworthy that a man of noble blood should ease them of their trash there is better wear among them if my intelligence hath not deceived me replied Killian there are merchants Shaw the pat courses of burn and solar said the governor with their paltry lumber cloth to course to make covers for horses of any breeding and linen that is more like haircloth than any composition of flax I will strip them however were it but to vex the knaves what? not content with claiming to be treated like an independent people and sending forth deputies and embassies forsooth they expect I warrant to make the indemnities of ambassadors cover the introduction of a cargo of their contraband commodities and thus insult the noble duke of burgundy and cheat him at the same time but de Hagenbach is neither night nor gentleman if he allow them to pass unchallenged and they are better worth being stop said Killian than your excellency supposes for they have English merchants along with them and under their protection English merchants exclaimed de Hagenbach his eyes sparkling with joy English merchants Killian meant talk of cafe and end where there are minds of silver and gold and diamonds but on the faith of a gentleman I believe these brutish islanders have the caves of treasure holy within their own foggy land and then the variety of their rich merchandise ha Killian is it a long train of mules a jolly tinkling team by our ladies glove the sound of it is already jingling in my ears more musically than all the harps of all the mind singers at Halbron nay my lord there is no great train replied the squire only to men as I am given to understand with scarce so much baggage as loads a mule but it is sad of infinite value soap and semite lace and furs pearls and jewelry work perfumes from the east and goldwork from Venice raptures and paradise say not a word more exclaimed the rapacious night of Hagenbach they are all our own Killian why these are the very men I have dreamed of twice a week for this month past I two men of middle stature or somewhat under it with smooth round fair comely visages having stomachs as plump as partridges and purses as plump as their stomachs ha what say as thou to my dream Killian only that to be quite soothfast answered the squire it should have included the presence of a score or their abouts of sturdy young giants as ever climbed cliff or carried bolt to whistle at a chamois a lusty plump of clubs bills and partisans such as make shields crack like oak and cakes and helmets ring like church bells the better knave the better exclaimed the governor rubbing his hands English peddlers to plunder Swiss bullies to beat into submission I want well we can have nothing of the Helvetian swine save their beastly bristles it is likely they bring these two island sheep along with them but we must get ready our boar spears and clear the clipping pens for exercise of our craft here lieutenant Schoenfeld an officer stepped forth how many men are here on duty about 60 replied the officer 20 out on parties in different directions and there may be 40 or 50 in their quarters order them all under arms instantly hierarchy not by trumpet or bugle but by warning them individually in their quarters to draw to arms as quietly as possible and rendezvous here at the eastern gate tell the villains there is booty to be gained and they shall have their share on these terms said Schoenfeld they will walk over a spider's web without startling the insect that will bit I will collect them without loss of an instant I tell the Killian continue the exulting commandant again speaking apart with his confidential attendant nothing could come so luckily as the chance of this onslaught Duke Charles desires to affront the Swiss not look you that he cares to act towards them by his own direct orders in such a manner as might be termed a breach of public faith towards a peaceful embassy but the gallant follower who shall save his prince the scandal of such an affair and whose actions may be termed a mistake or misapprehension shall I warrant you be accounted to have done nightly service for chance a frown may be passed upon him in public but in private the Duke will know how to esteem him why standest thou so silent man and what ails thy ugly ill-looking aspect thou art not afraid of twenty Swisser boys and we at the head of such a band of spears the Swiss answered Killian will give and take good blows yet I have no fear of them but I like not that we should trust too much to Duke Charles that he would be in the first instance pleased with any dishonor done the Swiss is likely enough but if as your excellency hints he finds it afterwards convenient to disown the action he is a prince likely to give a lively color to his disavowal by hanging up the actors Shah said the commandant I know where I stand such a trick were like enough to be played by Louis of France but it is foreign to the blunt character of our bold one of Burgundy why the devil stand as thou still man simpering like an ape at a roasted chestnut which he thinks too warm for his fingers your excellency is wise as well as warlike said the Esquire and it is not for me to contest your pleasure but this peaceful embassy these English merchants if Charles goes to war with Louis as the rumor is current what he should most of all desire is the neutrality of Switzerland and the assistance of England whose king is crossing the sea with a great army now you Sir Archibald of Hagenbach may well do that in the course of this very morning which will put the confederated cantons in arms against Charles and turn the English from allies into enemies I care not said the commandant I know the duke's humor well and if he the master of so many provinces is willing to risk them in a self-willed frolic what is it to Archibald de Hagenbach who has not a foot of land to lose in the cause but you have life my lord said the Esquire I life replied the night a paltry right to exist which I have been ready to stake every day of my life for dollars I and for cruisers and thank you I will hesitate to pledge it for broad pieces jewels of the east and goldsmith's work of Venice no Killian these English must be eased of their bails that Archibald de Hagenbach may drink a pure flask than their thin moselle and wear a brocade doublet instead of greasy velvet nor is it less necessary that Killian should have a seemingly new jerkin and a purse of dukots to jingle at his girdle by my faith said Killian that last argument hath disarmed my scruples and I give up the point since it ill befits me to dispute with your excellency to the work then said his leader but stay we must first take the church along with us the priest of St. Paul's hath been moody of late and spread abroad strange things from the pulpit as if we were little better than common pillagers and robbers nay he hath had the insolence to warn me as he termed it twice in strange form it were well to break the growling mastiff's bald head but since that might be ill taken by the duke the next point of wisdom is to fling him a bone he may be a dangerous enemy said the squire dubiously his power is great with the people Tosh replied Hagenbach I know how to disarm the shavling send to him and tell him to come hither to speak with me meanwhile have all our force under arms let the Barbican and barrier be well manned with archers station spearmen in the houses on each hand of the gateway and let the street be barricaded with carts well bound together but placed as if they had been there by accident place a body of determined fellows in these carts and behind them so soon as the merchants and their mules enter for that is the main point up with your drawbridge down with the portcullis send a volley of arrows among those who are without if they make any scuffle disarm and secure those who have entered and are cooped up between the barricade before and the ambush behind and around them and then Killian and then said his asquire shall we like merry free companions be knuckled deep in the English budgets and like jovial hunters replied the night elbow deep in swiss blood the game will stand at bay though answered Killian they are led by that donner hugel whom we have heard of whom they call the young bear of burn they will turn to their defense the better man what's thou kill sheep rather than hunt wolves besides our toils are set and the whole garrison shall assist shame on thee Killian thou wert not want to have so many scruples nor have I now said Killian that these swiss bills and two-handed swords of the breadth of four inches are no child's play and then if you call all our garrison to the attack to whom will your excellency entrust the defense of the other gates and the circuit of the walls lock bolt and chain up the gates replied the governor and bring the keys hither there shall no one leave the place till this affair is over let some score of the citizens take arms for the duty of guarding the walls and look they discharge it well or I will lay of fine on them which they shall discharge to purpose they will grumble said Killian they say that not being the Duke subjects though the place is impledged to his grace they are not liable to military service they lie the cowardly slaves answered to Hagenbach if I have not employed them much hither too it is because I scorned their assistants nor would I now use their help were it for anything save to keep a watch by looking out straight before them let them obey as they respect their property persons and families a deep voice behind them repeated the emphatic language of scripture I have seen the wicked man flourish in his power even like unto a Laurel but I returned and he was not yay I sought him but he was not to be found Sir Archibald the Hagenbach turned sternly and encountered the dark and ominous looks of the priest of St. Paul's dressed in the vestments of his order we are busy father said the governor and will hear your preachment another time I come by your summons sir governor said the priest or I had not intruded myself where I well knew my preachments if you term them so will do no good oh I crave your mercy Reverend Father said the Hagenbach yes it is true that I did send for you to desire your prayers and kind intercession with our lady and St. Paul in some transactions which are likely to occur this morning and in which as the Lombard says I do a spy roba di Guadagnu Sir Archibald answered the priest calmly I will hope and trust that you do not forget the nature of the glorified saints so far as to ask them for their blessing upon such exploits as you have been too often engaged in since your arrival amongst us an event which of itself gave token of the divine anger nay let me say humble as I am that decency to a servant of the altar should check you from proposing to me to put up prayers for the success of pillage and robbery I understand you father said the rapacious governor and you shall see I do while you are the Duke subject you must by your office put up your prayers for his success in matters that are fairly managed you acknowledge this with a graceful bend of your reverend head well then I will be as reasonable as you are say we desire the intercession of the good saints and of you their pious orator in something a little out of the ordinary path and if you will somewhat of a doubtful complexion are we entitled to ask you or them for their pains and trouble without a just consideration surely no therefore I vow and solemnly promise that if I have good fortune in this morning's adventure St. Paul shall have an altar cloth and a basin of silver large or little as my booty will permit our lady a web of satin for a full suit with a necklace of pearl for holidays and thou priest some 20 pieces of broad English gold for acting as go between the twix ourselves and the blessed apostles whom we acknowledge ourselves unworthy to negotiate with in our profane person and now sir priest do we understand each other for I have little time to lose I know you have hard thoughts of me but you see the devil is not quite so horrible as he is painted do we understand each other answered the black priest of St. Paul's repeating the governor's question alas no and I fear me we never shall hast thou never heard the word spoken by the holy hermit birched hold of offering to the implacable queen Agnes who had revenged with such dreadful severity the assassination of her father the emperor Albert not I return tonight I have neither studied the chronicles of emperors nor at the legends of hermits and therefore sir priest and you like not my proposal let us have no further words on the matter I am unwanted to press my favors or to deal with priests who require entreaty when gifts are held out to them here yet the words of the holy man said the priest the time may come and that shortly when you would gladly desire to hear what you scornfully reject speak on but be brief said Archibald the Hagenbach and no though thou mayest terrify or cajole the multitude thou now speakest to one whose resolution is fixed far beyond the power of thy eloquence to mouth no then said the priest of St. Paul's that Agnes daughter of the murdered Albert after shedding oceans of blood in avenging his bloody death founded at length the rich Abbey of Konigsfeld and that it might have a superior claim to renowned sanctity made a pilgrimage in person to the cell of the holy hermit and the thought of him to honor her Abbey by taking up his residence there but what was his reply market and tremble be gone ruthless woman said the holy man God will not be served with blood guiltiness and rejects the gifts which are obtained by violence and robbery the almighty loves mercy justice and humanity and by the lovers of these only will he be worshiped and now Archibald of Hagenbach once twice thrice hast thou had warning live as becomes a man on whom sentence is passed and who must expect execution having spoken these words with a menacing tone and frowning aspect the priest of St. Paul's turned away from the governor whose first impulse was to command him to be arrested but when he recollected the serious consequences which attached to the laying violent hands on a priest he suffered him to depart in peace conscious that his own unpopularity might render any attempt to revenge himself an act of great rashness he called therefore for a beaker of burgundy in which he swallowed down his displeasure and had just returned to Killian the cub which he had drained to the bottom when the warden winded a blast from the watchtower which betokened the arrival of strangers at the gate of the city End of Chapter 13