ver their royal captive, as they supposed him to be.

He was placed on the ground shortly after, when a horseman galloped up,
dismounted, and spoke to the men who carried him. Albert, having
somewhat recovered from the violence of the stunning blow he had
received, opened his eyes and surveyed the surrounding group. An
unknown figure bent over him, as if to examine his features. "Who have
we here?" said this man: "this is not him we are looking for--leave him
to his fate; we must hurry away without loss of time--alarm is already
spread in Neuffen, and the garrison is on the alert." Falling again
into a state of stupor from excessive weakness, Albert closed his eyes
a second time, his ear only was alive to the confused sound of
indistinct voices, which soon were hushed into dead silence, and he was
left alone. The damp ground of the meadow chilled his limbs, but a
sweet slumber coming to his aid, he sank under it, his beloved Bertha
occupying his last thought.

CHAPTER XIV.

The Swabian League displays her mighty power,
Her warriors people many a castle wall,
Her banners wave from many an ancient tower,
And every city answers to her call.
Alone, will Tuebingen no homage proffer,
But stand apart, and grim resistance offer.
G. SCHWAB.

The forces of the Swabian League had advanced in large numbers into
Wuertemberg. Uninterrupted success crowned all their undertakings,--its
army became daily more formidable. Hollenstein and the strong castle of
Heidenheim were the first that fell into their hands after a long and
brave defence. The latter was defended by Stephan von Lichow; but with
only a couple of culverins and a handful of men at his command, he
could not hold out against the thousands of the League and the military
experience of a Fronsberg. Goeppingen soon after experienced the same
fate. Not less brave than Lichow, Philip von Rechberg distinguished
himself there, and obtained an honourable retreat for himself and
garrison; but his gallant conduct was not able to turn the fate of the
country. Teck, at that time a strong fortified position, was lost
through the imprudence of the garrison. Moeckmukh held out the longest;
it possessed a man within its walls, who would have been a match for
twenty of the besiegers, and whose determined resistance was equalled