of the League, which were scattered over the country; but he
had, at the same time, sufficient confidence in his knowledge of the
unfrequented paths among the mountains, to be able to escape their
vigilance.

"I have given the League my word, not to serve against it for fourteen
days; how can I remain, therefore, in Wuertemberg?"

"Do you call that fighting for Wuertemberg, if you only travel peaceably
on the roads? In fourteen days, did you say? Do they think the war will
be over in fourteen days? Many a head will be broken against the walls
of Tuebingen long after that time. Come with me; it is not against your
oath."

"And what shall I do in Wuertemberg?" cried Albert: "shall I go and see
my old companions in arms reaping glory under the walls of the
fortresses? shall I go and meet the colours of the League again, to
which I have bid an eternal farewell? No; I will return to my home in
Franconia, and bury myself among its walls, and dream how happy I might
have been."

"That is a fine determination for a young man of your spirit and
determination? Have you no other interest in Wuertemberg than to wish to
storm the tottering castles of the Duke? Well, go, in God's name!"
continued the countryman, looking at Albert with a cunning smile; "but
just try for once whether the ancient castle of Lichtenstein may not be
taken by storm?"

The young man blushed deeply; and said, half angrily, half smiling, "I
don't like your joke."

"I had no intention to joke with my young master," answered his
companion; "I am serious when I wish to persuade you to go there."

"And what to do?"

"Why, to win over the old gentleman, to be sure, and dry the tears of
the young lady, who weeps day and night on your account."

"But how can I go to Lichtenstein? Bertha's father does not know me;
how shall I make his acquaintance?"

"Are you the first knight who has ever demanded free quarters in a
castle, according to the custom of our forefathers? If you will leave
that to me, I will promise to satisfy your scruples."

The young man pondered over his friend's proposal for some time; he
carefully weighed all the reasons for and against it; he considered
whether it was not against his honour, to be in the neighbourhood where
the war would in all probability be carried on, instead of retiring
from the theatre of it. But when he reflected upon the mild manner in
which the commanders of the League had received his retreat from their
cause